If you loved the gritty, humorous, and nostalgic charm of 'The Van' (1977), you're in for a treat! This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that capture the same spirit of working-class struggles, camaraderie, and dark comedy. Whether you're a fan of 70s cinema or just looking for your next binge-worthy watch, these picks will keep you entertained.
The Wages of Fear (1953)
Description: A harrowing tale of desperate men transporting volatile nitroglycerin across treacherous terrain, highlighting the dangers of the road and human desperation.
Fact: The film was banned in several countries due to its intense and bleak portrayal of human struggle. It won the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival.
Watch Now 
Duel (1971)
Description: A tense thriller about a lone driver pursued by a mysterious and relentless truck, emphasizing vehicular suspense and psychological tension.
Fact: Originally made as a TV movie, it was so well-received that it got a theatrical release. The truck was chosen for its menacing, almost human-like appearance.
Watch Now 
The Getaway (1972)
Description: A gritty crime thriller about a fugitive couple on the run, featuring intense car chases and a relentless pursuit across the Southwest.
Fact: The film was shot on location in Texas, with many scenes involving real police officers as extras. The car stunts were highly dangerous and performed without CGI.
Watch Now 
The Sugarland Express (1974)
Description: A chase film based on true events, where a couple leads law enforcement on a prolonged pursuit, mixing road thriller elements with social commentary.
Fact: This was the first theatrical feature directed by Steven Spielberg. The real-life story it's based on ended much more tragically than the film.
Watch Now 
Race with the Devil (1975)
Description: A horror-thriller about vacationers who witness a murder and are hunted by a cult, combining road movie tropes with supernatural dread.
Fact: The film's climax features one of the most intense vehicular sequences of the 1970s. It was marketed as a blend of action and satanic panic.
Watch Now 
Sorcerer (1977)
Description: A remake of 'The Wages of Fear,' focusing on a group of outcasts risking their lives to transport explosives through dangerous jungle roads.
Fact: The film's title refers to the name of one of the trucks, not magic. It was a box office failure initially but later gained a cult following.
Watch Now 
Mad Max (1979)
Description: A dystopian action film centered around vehicular combat and survival in a lawless wasteland, emphasizing high-speed chases and mechanical mayhem.
Fact: Made on a shoestring budget, it became one of the most profitable films ever. Many stunts were performed by the director's own stunt crew.
Watch Now 
Breakdown (1997)
Description: A gripping survival story set on the open road, where a man must outwit ruthless strangers to save his kidnapped wife.
Fact: The film was shot in sequence to maintain the protagonist's escalating desperation. Many stunts were performed practically, adding to the realism.
Watch Now 
Joy Ride (2001)
Description: A high-stakes road thriller where protagonists are terrorized by an unseen trucker, blending vehicular menace with cat-and-mouse tension.
Fact: The film was inspired by urban legends about truckers and CB radio culture. The antagonist's voice was provided by a well-known radio personality.
Watch Now 
Death Proof (2007)
Description: A grindhouse-style thriller featuring a stuntman who uses his car as a weapon, blending high-octane chases with brutal vehicular violence.
Fact: The film was originally part of a double feature called 'Grindhouse.' The car stunts were done practically, with minimal CGI.
Watch Now 
