The Best Trucker Movies, Ranked

Trucker lifestyle means being always on the road. For most people, it’s a job, but for drivers, it’s a calling, a passion, something that gives them pure bliss. Non-truckers might not understand the fascination of some with trucks since these vehicles are big and intimidating. Trucks are already modernized, and gone were the days of associating it with dirt and being hard to maintain. Hollywood took advantage of the trucker lifestyle by creating movies focused on these drivers, who are often stereotyped. Such movies started to come in during the 1970s, an era of the classics.

What makes a trucker movie good is that it can be of any genre, from drama and romance to comedy and action. Whatever the plot, the driver’s larger-than-life persona will entice viewers, enough to make them want more – more speed, more torque, more horsepower. Hollywood slowed down in producing this type of film, so some of the old ones became iconic. With a little grease and oil, this genre is just waiting for another go on the road. Here are some trucker films that wowed critics and fans alike, thanks to the effective portrayal of actors, engaging storyline, and inspiring take on the trucker lifestyle.

8/8 Maximum Overdrive (1986)

A horror movie involving trucks and other vehicles? Novelist Stephen King delivered just that with Maximum Overdrive, his directorial debut — though he said never again. The movie, based on King’s story, Trucks, is about machines that came to life and attacked humanity. It was a flop, with its lead actor, Emilio Estevez, and King nominated in the Golden Raspberry Award as the worst actor and director, respectively. Sure, it’s not the best film out there, but it’s worth a watch for a laugh-out-loud moment – sometimes needed by some truckers or film buffs in general. Now, a remake is being planned to make this movie better.

Related: Best Horror Movies Rated PG or G

7/8 Big Rig (2007)

American director Doug Pray is known for his work on various subcultures, and he made sure not to overlook the trucker lifestyle. In the documentary film Big Rig, he met with many long-haul drivers, listening to their inspiring stories, all the while introducing the truck culture in the US. This movie, which got a unique release, is as authentic as it can get, especially since there are no actors, only real drivers, and their true stories. The struggle is literally real as the subjects narrate their challenges on the road. Rooftop Films said it best: Big Rig is a dynamic film that “features gorgeous shots from across the country.”

6/8 Steel Cowboy (1978)

Steel Cowboy is among the films released during the height of the truck craze in the US. This television film first aired on National Broadcasting Company and stars James Brolin, Jennifer Warren, Melanie Griffith, and the late actors Rip Torn and Strother Martin. It follows the story of a trucker and his friend as they transport stolen cattle for a black marketer. Film critic David Parkinson from Radio Times praised director Harvey Laidman’s pace as he takes viewers on a journey of justice and revenge. Steel Cowboy is tame and humble, and though not a popular flick, it will satisfy true-blue truckers and movie buffs.

5/8 Over the Top (1987)

Sylvester Stallone stars in Over the Top, where he played as a long-haul trucker trying to reconnect with his estranged son, all the while being busy with arm wrestling. Variety said the movie was “routinely made in every respect,” while the consensus on Rotten Tomatoes said, “it lives down to its title in the cheesiest of ways.” Some critics are not fans of this movie, and looking back, Stallone said, he “would have made it less glossy and set it more in an urban environment.” He added that he “would’ve not used a never-ending stream of rock songs, but scored music instead, and most likely would’ve made the event in Vegas more ominous – not so carnival-like.” Nonetheless, it’s still “watchable” and “a perfect distillation of a Stallone movie.”

4/8 Black Dog (1998)

Another truck film with a cult following, Black Dog left a mark among fans of this genre. It stars the late actor Patrick Swayze as a driver in a high-speed chase because he unknowingly took on the road a truck filled with illegal arms. Australian film critic Adrian Martin praised director Kevin Hooks for delivering “the goods deftly and unashamedly.” It might not be the best action film, but truckers would love this flick, thanks to the thrilling stunts, and its “slam-bang action” that will grab viewers in the first few seconds. Swayze also has his way of acting, something to engage fans.

Related: The Best Moments in Sam Raimi’s Movies, Ranked

3/8 Breaker! Breaker! (1977)

In Breaker! Breaker!, John David “J.D.” Dawes (Chuck Norris) searches for his brother in a town run by a corrupt judge. This project was Norris’ first starring role in a movie, making it a must-see for his fans. Film critic Paul Mavis said Norris was a “strong, silent type” action hero, praising him for his “perfectly fine” performance, considering it was a first for him. RiffTrax said fans must check this movie out if they want to see Norris mustache-less. As Mavis said, this solid Olive Films release is a “very mild, but perfectly acceptable head-cruncher.”

2/8 Convoy (1978)

Convoy is one of the classic truck films made during the height of the trucking craze in the United States at a time when citizens band radio was a thing. The movie, based on C. W. McCall’s song, was directed by Sam Peckinpah. It follows the story of three drivers (Kris Kristofferson, Burt Young, and Franklyn Ajaye) harassed by a sheriff (Ernest Borgnine). The movie was a hit, and gained a cult following; plus it was Peckinpah’s most commercially successful film. Empire’s Kim Newman said Kristofferson was perfectly cast for the lead role and praised the film for being “enjoyable.”

1/8 Smokey And The Bandit (1977)

Smokey and The Bandit earned many praises, and that’s not surprising because this sleeper hit is “very cool and irreverent.” This movie, which starred Burt Reynolds, was successful and gave birth to spin-offs and a TV series. Furthermore, some of its scenes had a big cultural impact, like the “diablo sandwich.” Film critic Ron Pennington from The Hollywood Reporter said this action-comedy flick is “a merry chase caper story line in which action is substituted for character or plot development.” Even so, Alfred Hitchcock loved this film, as confirmed by his daughter – enough to convince anyone, from truckers to movie fans, to watch this hit movie.