Top 10 Taxi Movies: A Journey Through Cinematic Streets

Description: This iconic film by Martin Scorsese features Robert De Niro as Travis Bickle, a Vietnam vet turned taxi driver in New York City, whose descent into madness is both compelling and chilling. It's a must-watch for its raw portrayal of urban alienation.

Fact: The famous "You talkin' to me?" line was improvised by De Niro. Also, the film was added to the National Film Registry in 1994 for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."

Description: Tom Cruise plays a hitman who hires a taxi driver, played by Jamie Foxx, for a night of assassinations. This film blends action with a deep dive into the lives of its characters, making it a standout in the taxi movie genre.

Fact: The film was shot in Los Angeles with real taxi drivers, and the director Michael Mann used digital cameras to capture the city's night life authentically.

Description: A French action-comedy where a taxi driver, Daniel, gets involved in a high-speed chase to help a police officer catch a gang of robbers. It's known for its fast-paced action and humor, making it a fun ride.

Fact: The film spawned a Hollywood remake in 2004, but the original remains a beloved classic in France.

Description: Jim Jarmusch's anthology film presents five vignettes of taxi rides in different cities around the world, each offering a unique slice of life. It's a poetic exploration of human connections through the lens of taxi travel.

Fact: The film was shot in black and white, enhancing its timeless feel, and it features a diverse cast including Winona Ryder and Gena Rowlands.

Description: While not strictly a taxi movie, it features a road trip where a taxi driver, a young girl, and a man on parole share a journey. It's a poignant tale of redemption and connection, set against the backdrop of taxi travel.

Fact: The film is based on a 1977 Japanese short story and was remade in 2008 with William Hurt, Kristen Stewart, and Eddie Redmayne.

Description: A Russian film that follows a taxi driver's tumultuous relationship with a saxophonist passenger. It's a dark comedy with a deep dive into the lives of its characters, showcasing the gritty side of Moscow.

Fact: The film was directed by Pavel Lungin and won the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival in

Description: This American remake of the French film features Queen Latifah as a taxi driver who teams up with an undercover cop to chase down bank robbers. It's a mix of comedy, action, and a showcase of driving skills.

Fact: The film was criticized for its departure from the original's charm but still managed to capture a broad audience with its high-energy chases.

Description: Although not about a taxi, this film involves a chauffeur driving an elderly woman, offering insights into race relations and personal growth. It's a touching story with a taxi-like theme of transportation and companionship.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture, and Morgan Freeman's performance as the driver Hoke Colburn was critically acclaimed.

Description: Jason Statham stars as a driver for hire, often transporting illegal goods, which leads to high-octane action sequences. While not strictly a taxi movie, the theme of driving and delivering is central to the plot.

Fact: The film's director, Louis Leterrier, was inspired by the French film "Taxi" for its driving scenes.

Description: A silent film where Joan Crawford plays a dance hall girl, or "taxi dancer," who dances with men for money. It's an early look at the taxi dance hall culture, offering a historical perspective on taxi-related themes.

Fact: This was one of Joan Crawford's early starring roles, showcasing her as a flapper in the Roaring Twenties.