Movies & Shows Like Texas Lightning You’ll Love

Description: A classic tale of moonshine runners evading the law in fast cars, set in the rural South with themes of family loyalty and rebellion against authority.

Fact: This film inspired numerous car chase movies that followed. Robert Mitchum not only starred in but also co-wrote and produced the film, and even wrote the theme song.

Description: A coming-of-age story about a young moonshine runner who turns to stock car racing, featuring fast cars, rural Southern life, and a protagonist who challenges the system.

Fact: The film is based on the true story of NASCAR legend Junior Johnson. Many scenes were filmed on location in North Carolina's moonshine country.

Description: A gritty Southern crime drama centered around moonshine runners and fast cars, with a protagonist who operates outside the law but has a moral code, set against a rural backdrop.

Fact: This film marked the first collaboration between Burt Reynolds and director Joseph Sargent. Many of the car stunts were performed by legendary stunt coordinator Hal Needham.

Description: A high-speed chase film featuring outlaws in fast cars evading the law across rural America, with intense action sequences and a rebellious spirit.

Fact: The film's climactic crash was so spectacular that it became a staple of crash compilation shows. The chase scenes were filmed at real highway speeds without closed roads.

Description: A car-centric action film featuring elaborate chase sequences and a protagonist who operates outside the law, with a focus on automotive mayhem.

Fact: The film's climactic 40-minute chase sequence holds the record for the longest car chase in movie history. Over 90 cars were destroyed during production.

Description: A chase film set in rural Texas featuring law enforcement pursuit of outlaws, with themes of family and rebellion, and plenty of vehicular action.

Fact: This was Steven Spielberg's first theatrical feature film. The real-life incident that inspired the film involved a much more tragic ending than the movie's version.

Description: Features fast cars, Southern settings, and a protagonist who navigates between law enforcement and criminal elements, with plenty of high-speed action sequences.

Fact: This was Burt Reynolds' directorial debut. The film's climax features one of the most elaborate car chases ever filmed at the time, involving multiple vehicles and a spectacular bridge jump.

Description: A comedic take on illegal cross-country road racing, featuring wild car stunts and a rebellious spirit against authority figures and traffic laws.

Fact: The film popularized the phrase

Description: This show shares a strong Southern rural setting, featuring car chases, outlaws, and a rebellious spirit against authority figures, all wrapped in a lighthearted, action-packed narrative.

Fact: The iconic General Lee car was a 1969 Dodge Charger, and it became one of the most recognizable vehicles in TV history. Over 300 cars were reportedly destroyed during the show's production.

Description: A high-octane comedy about a rebellious race car driver who clashes with authority while competing in the Southern racing circuit, filled with car stunts and Southern charm.

Fact: The film features actual NASCAR drivers in cameo roles. Many of the racing scenes were filmed during actual NASCAR events to capture authentic footage.