Christmas Watchlist Part One

Can’t stand the thoughts of another Harry Potter this christmas season? It’s a wonderful life sounding like an absolute nightmare? Never fear! We have compiled a list of car classics to make your festive watching motorised. We’ve picked out some of our favourite auto-related movies for your viewing pleasure this Christmas, it beats Mrs Brown’s Boys Christmas special anyway! Here’s part one of our must watch list.

Bullitt (1968)
Frank Bullitt, a tough San Francisco cop, is assigned to protect a key witness in a mob trial. When the witness is assassinated, Bullitt defies orders to uncover the truth, leading to a gripping chase through the city's hills in his Ford Mustang GT.

The Italian Job (1969)
A charming criminal, Charlie Croker, assembles a team to steal a gold shipment in Turin, Italy. Using nimble Mini Coopers, the crew executes a daring heist while evading the police in a thrilling and comedic escape sequence.

The Italian Job (1969)

Vanishing Point (1971)
Kowalski, a former cop and Vietnam vet, bets he can deliver a Dodge Challenger from Denver to San Francisco in under 15 hours. As he speeds through the desert, pursued by police and cheered on by a blind radio DJ, the film explores themes of rebellion and freedom.

Smokey and the Bandit (1977)
The Bandit (Burt Reynolds) accepts a bet to transport 400 cases of illegal beer across state lines within 28 hours. With Sheriff Buford T. Justice (Jackie Gleason) hot on his tail, Bandit teams up with a runaway bride (Sally Field) for high-speed antics in his iconic Pontiac Trans Am.

Mad Max (1979)
In a post-apocalyptic Australia, Max Rockatansky is a police officer seeking revenge after his family is killed by a vicious biker gang. The film combines gritty drama with adrenaline-pumping car chases in a world where vehicles are survival tools.

Mad Max (1979)

The Fast and the Furious Franchise (2001–present)
Beginning as a tale of street racing and loyalty, this franchise evolves into a saga about Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his crew taking on high-stakes heists, cyberterrorists, and global criminals—all while showcasing incredible car stunts and family bonds.

The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006)
Sean Boswell, a troubled teen, moves to Tokyo and discovers a new racing culture focused on drifting. He learns the art of drifting under the guidance of Han, becoming part of a world where skill and loyalty determine survival.

Drive (2011)
A skilled but silent Hollywood stuntman and part-time getaway driver (Ryan Gosling) becomes involved in a heist gone wrong after trying to help his neighbour Irene and her young son. The film’s haunting tone and intense driving sequences create a neo-noir masterpiece.

Drive (2011)

Rush (2013)
This biographical drama follows the fierce rivalry between Formula 1 drivers James Hunt and Niki Lauda during the 1976 season. The film highlights their contrasting personalities, professional respect, and Lauda’s miraculous recovery after a near-fatal crash

These should make opening presents on the big day easier We’ll have part two coming out in the next few days to help you sleep off the Christmas dinner coma. If we’ve missed your favourite car film on this list, catch us on @shift_rtfm and let us know.