Taxi drivers often serve as the unsung heroes of the city, witnessing the underbelly of urban life while navigating through its streets. This curated list of films delves into the lives of these drivers, showcasing their stories, struggles, and sometimes, their heroism. From classic tales to modern interpretations, these films provide a window into the diverse experiences of taxi drivers around the world, offering both entertainment and a deeper understanding of this unique profession.

Taxi Driver (1976)
Description: Martin Scorsese's iconic film where Robert De Niro plays Travis Bickle, a Vietnam War veteran turned taxi driver, whose mental state deteriorates as he navigates the seedy streets of New York City.
Fact: The film was inspired by a real-life taxi driver's diary. De Niro actually worked as a taxi driver to prepare for the role.


Night on Earth (1991)
Description: Jim Jarmusch's anthology film features five stories of taxi rides in different cities around the world, capturing the essence of taxi culture through diverse human interactions.
Fact: Each segment was filmed in the actual city it was set in, providing authentic backdrops for the stories.


Taxi (1998)
Description: A French comedy where a fast-driving taxi driver, played by Samy Naceri, teams up with a clumsy police officer to catch a group of German bank robbers.
Fact: The film spawned several sequels and was remade in Hollywood in


Taxi (2004)
Description: An American remake of the French film, where Queen Latifah plays a New York City taxi driver who gets involved in a high-speed chase with bank robbers.
Fact: The film features a cameo by the original French film's star, Samy Naceri.


Collateral (2004)
Description: Tom Cruise stars as a hitman who uses a taxi driver, played by Jamie Foxx, to navigate Los Angeles for his assassinations, turning a routine night into a deadly adventure.
Fact: The film was shot almost entirely at night, and the taxi used in the film was a real cab from Los Angeles.


Taxi to the Dark Side (2007)
Description: This documentary explores the case of an Afghan taxi driver who was tortured and killed by American soldiers, highlighting issues of human rights and military interrogation techniques.
Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in


The Taxi Dancer (1927)
Description: A silent film where a young woman becomes a taxi dancer to support her family, encountering various characters in her taxi dance hall job.
Fact: The term "taxi dancer" refers to dancers who would dance with patrons for a fee, similar to a taxi ride.


The Yellow Handkerchief (2008)
Description: While not exclusively about a taxi driver, William Hurt's character, a recently released ex-convict, hitches a ride with a young couple in a taxi, leading to a journey of self-discovery.
Fact: The film is based on a 1977 Japanese film of the same name.


The Cabbie (2000)
Description: A Canadian comedy about a taxi driver who becomes involved in a series of comedic misadventures after picking up a mysterious passenger.
Fact: The film was shot in Montreal, showcasing the city's vibrant taxi culture.


Taxi Driver's Daughter (2017)
Description: A drama about a young woman who follows in her father's footsteps to become a taxi driver, exploring themes of legacy, identity, and urban life.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life stories of taxi drivers' children in urban settings.
