If word association for movie buffs makes you go “Fast and Furious” when you hear “cars,” then think again. The franchise with the fastest, smoothest, and most criminally insane cars doesn’t even make it to the top 3 in the list of franchises with the fastest automotive, according to a recent study. Instead, cars from the 1970s overtake it to whizz past and secure the #1 rank in the roster for fastest automobiles in the world of reels.
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Spanning over 100 films and 300 cars in their research, the study compiled by Bristol Street Motors includes a comprehensive collection of data that categorizes films on the basis of top speed (mph), fastest 0-60 acceleration, fastest racers, and franchise with the fastest vehicles in aggregate. Surprisingly, Fast and Furious doesn’t make it to the top or even the top 3 in their list for the last category. While the franchise of the infamous superspy, James Bond, doesn’t make it on the Top 5 roster at all.
5. Fast & Furious (2001-Present)
With an average top speed of 145 mph, the Fast and Furious franchise ranks in 5th place, which honestly is a shame for a franchise that runs on high-adrenaline fuel-guzzling action and high-octane races from start to finish.
Ranging from iconic old classics like Ford Mustang, Dodge Charger, and Camaro to Toyota Supra, Mazda RX-7, and Mitsubishi Eclipse, the Fast and Furious franchise has a little bit of everything for everyone.
4. Bad Boys (1995-Present)
Will Smith’s Bad Boys franchise secures the 4th place with an average top speed of 161 mph. From Porsche 911 Turbo to Shelby Cobra 427 to the Ferrari 550 Maranello, the mid-90s film series brings the best thrill rides to the silver screens while keeping it classy at the same time.
3. The Transporter trilogy (2002-2008)
No list can be complete without the ultimate fuel-guzzling masterpiece helmed by the resident Brit action star, Jason Statham. His Audi A8-dominated Transporter franchise neatly sweeps up the 3rd spot with an average top speed of 153 mph. The star himself owns a few of those, including the Audi models RS6, S8, and R8s.
The franchise attempted a revival in 2015 with Deadpool villain Ed Skrein in the lead. The film failed to draw critical praise and tanked at the box office. Seems as though the sour-faced broody Frank Martin portrayed by Jason Statham remains an undefeated champ when it comes to the Transporter series.
2. Transformers (2007-2023)
Coming in 2nd is action auteur Michael Bay’s Transformers film series which beautifully brings the Hasbro toy line and game franchise to life. Littered with namedrop brands, the film includes a who’s who of cars ranging from Optimus Prime’s 1987 Freightliner FLA semi-truck to the Decepticons’ Audi R8. Other transformer cars include Mercedes-Benz AMG GTR, Lamborghini Centenario, Pontiac Solstice GXP, Mercedes-Benz Unimog, and countless others.
1. The Dark Knight trilogy (2005-2012)
Residing at the very top of the roster, Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy takes up the coveted crown for averaging 162 mph. Nothing less could be expected from the Batmobile, of course, considering the wild nights filled with car chases, terror, and drama across the streets and alleyways of Gotham.
Study Reveals Films With the Fastest Cars On-Screen
The list of films with the fastest cars is a worthy one, if not a bit quirky in the best way possible. The study definitely makes the audience rethink their stance on modern technology and the evolution of machines bringing along progress in terms of cars on film. For one, the 1971 classic Le Mans secures a spot in 3 categories, including top speed, fastest acceleration, and fastest roster of cars.
But aside from the Steve McQueen movie which can categorically be named one of the best and most authentic racing movies ever made, Need For Speed (2014) takes the cake for its 2010 Bugatti Veyron EB Super Sport which runs at 258 mph and 2011 Koenigsegg Agera R that flashes by at 273 mph. The two cars then leave behind in the rearview Transformers: Age of Extinction’s 2013 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse (254 mph), Le Mans’ 1970 Porshe 917 K (225 mph), and finally, No Time to Die’s 2020 Aston Martin Valhalla (220 mph).
But despite suffering a blow to his reputation among the niche and elite fast cars of the industry, 007 makes up for the loss by climbing to the #1 rank when it comes to acceleration. Bond’s Aston Martin Valhalla leaves all other on-screen cars smoldering in the dust by going 0-60 in 2.5 seconds flat. And considering how 007 constantly needs to juggle between looking savvy in a suit and saving the world from ending, when it comes to cars, there may yet be some hope left for our British master spy after all.
The penultimate installment of the Fast and Furious franchise, Fast X, is now playing in theatres.
Source: Bristol Street Motors
