If you loved the gritty, suspenseful drama of 'Macon County Line' (1974), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that capture the same raw intensity, Southern charm, and thrilling twists. Whether you're a fan of crime thrillers, road movies, or tales of small-town justice, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Thunder Road (1958)
Description: A classic tale of moonshiners and law enforcement in the rural South, blending action, drama, and a rebellious anti-hero protagonist.
Fact: The film's title song, performed by Robert Mitchum, became a hit and is still associated with the movie decades later.


The Getaway (1972)
Description: A tense, action-packed thriller about fugitives on the run, featuring high-stakes chases, rural settings, and a battle against both the law and personal demons.
Fact: The film's screenplay was written by Walter Hill, who would later become a renowned director of action films himself.


The Last American Hero (1973)
Description: A story of a Southern moonshine runner turned NASCAR driver, blending action, family drama, and a rebellious spirit against societal norms.
Fact: The film is based on the real-life story of Junior Johnson, a legendary NASCAR driver and former moonshiner.


Walking Tall (1973)
Description: A gritty, Southern-set action drama featuring a protagonist who takes the law into his own hands, embodying themes of justice and revenge against corrupt systems.
Fact: The film is loosely based on the real-life exploits of Sheriff Buford Pusser, who became famous for his one-man war against crime in his Tennessee county.


White Lightning (1973)
Description: A Southern-fried action thriller about a moonshiner turned informant, featuring car chases, rural settings, and a battle against corrupt authorities.
Fact: The film's success led to a sequel, 'Gator,' further cementing its place in the Southern action genre.


Dirty Mary Crazy Larry (1974)
Description: A high-octane chase movie with a rebellious spirit, focusing on outlaws evading the law through daring car stunts and rural landscapes.
Fact: The film's iconic ending was one of the most unexpected and talked-about conclusions of 1970s cinema.


The Sugarland Express (1974)
Description: A chase film with a Southern backdrop, focusing on fugitives on the run from the law, blending action with emotional depth and social commentary.
Fact: This was Steven Spielberg's first theatrical feature film, marking the beginning of his illustrious career in Hollywood.


Gator (1976)
Description: A sequel to 'White Lightning,' continuing the story of a Southern rogue taking on corruption, with plenty of action, car chases, and rural charm.
Fact: Burt Reynolds not only starred in the film but also made his directorial debut with this movie.


The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976)
Description: A Western with Southern undertones, focusing on a lone outlaw seeking revenge and redemption, set against a backdrop of lawlessness and moral ambiguity.
Fact: Clint Eastwood directed and starred in the film, which is considered one of his most personal and critically acclaimed works.


The Dukes of Hazzard (1979)
Description: A lighthearted take on Southern outlaws, featuring car chases, rural humor, and a pair of good ol' boys fighting against corrupt authority figures.
Fact: The show's iconic car, the General Lee, became a cultural symbol and one of the most recognizable vehicles in TV history.
