If you loved the wild, adrenaline-fueled ride of 'American Joyride' (2011), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 movies and shows that capture the same high-octane energy, rebellious spirit, and gripping storytelling. Whether you're craving more road-trip chaos, criminal escapades, or heart-pounding action, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Ronin (1998)
Description: A tense, action-packed thriller with expertly choreographed car chases, espionage, and a focus on skilled drivers navigating high-stakes situations.
Fact: The film's car chases were praised for their realism and lack of CGI. Stunt driver Jean-Pierre Jarier performed many of the high-speed maneuvers in the Paris chase scene.


The Fast and the Furious (2001)
Description: A high-octane action film centered around street racing, car culture, and heists, featuring intense chase sequences and a focus on the thrill of speed.
Fact: The movie was inspired by a VIBE magazine article about underground street racing in New York City. Many of the cars used in the film were real street racers owned by the cast and crew.


The Transporter (2002)
Description: An action-packed film featuring a professional driver who specializes in high-risk deliveries, blending car chases with martial arts and a sleek, European setting.
Fact: Jason Statham performed most of his own driving stunts, including a famous sequence where he drifts a BMW through narrow streets. The film's success spawned two sequels.


The Italian Job (2003)
Description: A heist movie featuring a team of thieves using Mini Coopers to execute a daring gold robbery, with a focus on precision driving and clever escapes.
Fact: The film's iconic Mini Cooper chase scene was filmed in Los Angeles but set in Venice. The production used over 30 Mini Coopers, many of which were destroyed during filming.


Drive (2011)
Description: A stylish neo-noir thriller with a strong emphasis on driving sequences, blending action with a moody, atmospheric tone and a focus on a skilled getaway driver.
Fact: The film's soundtrack became iconic, heavily featuring synthwave music that complemented its retro aesthetic. Ryan Gosling did most of his own driving stunts.


Death Proof (2007)
Description: A grindhouse-style action thriller centered around dangerous car stunts and high-speed pursuits, with a gritty, retro aesthetic and intense vehicular action.
Fact: The film was originally released as part of a double feature with 'Planet Terror' under the title 'Grindhouse.' All the car stunts were performed practically, without CGI.


Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
Description: A post-apocalyptic action spectacle with relentless vehicular mayhem, featuring elaborate car chases, practical effects, and a focus on survival through driving skill.
Fact: The film used over 150 custom-built vehicles, many of which were destroyed during filming. It won six Academy Awards, mostly in technical categories.


Fast Five (2011)
Description: A heist film with a strong emphasis on high-speed car chases, teamwork, and elaborate action sequences, set against the backdrop of exotic locations.
Fact: This installment marked a shift in the franchise from street racing to heist films. The vault-dragging scene was achieved using a real, weighted prop vault.


Need for Speed (2014)
Description: A fast-paced racing film with a focus on high-stakes competitions, revenge, and spectacular car chases, emphasizing the adrenaline rush of speed.
Fact: The film used practical effects for most of its stunts, avoiding CGI to create a more authentic feel. Many of the cars were modified versions of real-life supercars.


Baby Driver (2017)
Description: A high-energy heist film where driving skills are central to the plot, featuring meticulously choreographed car chases synchronized to a dynamic soundtrack.
Fact: The entire movie was storyboarded to match the soundtrack, with every action sequence timed to the beat of the music. Ansel Elgort learned to drive stick shift for the role.
