22/01/2024 17:06
It’s almost impossible to have missed the phenomenon that shook the cinematic universe in 2023, we are of course talking about ‘Barbenheimer’ – the dub for the same day release of Barbie and Oppenheimer.
But what does the pretty-in-pink world of Mattel’s Barbie and the explosive biopic Oppenheimer have to do with cars? Well, whether slipping into pink plastic heels or donning a suit, every movie star needs a mean motor to chauffeur them around.
And the silver screens of 2023 were full of them. From a sneak peek at the brand new 2024 Toyota Tacoma in Fast X to the timeless classic Chevrolet Impala in Creed 3, we were given a front seat to some stellar vehicles in action last year.
So, let’s take a look back at some of Hollywood’s favourite cars of 2023.
It was tough competition to take home the much coveted Movie Car of the Year award, so we took to the Internet Movie Car Database to find the true winner.
Using their database, we explored 20 of the biggest movies in 2023, and the most popular car manufacturers featured within them. Tons of different car manufacturers appeared in the list – and, you never know, that car could be parked in your driveway right now!
Now, without further ado, we can reveal that Hollywood’s favourite car manufacturer of the year is: Ford! Appearing a whopping 56 times across the biggest box office movies, they have truly earned their number one spot.
Ford cars graced our screens in movies like Ant Man and the Wasp, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts. So, you could watch your favourite Ford motor speed superheroes to safety, help Tom Cruise chase down bad guys, or coast alongside Optimus Prime.
Other popular manufacturers include the reliable family car Toyota, appearing 37 times in the biggest films of the year, while Volkswagen, a first time-driver favourite, appeared 30 times.
Find out how your favourite car fared in films last year with the top 10 most popular manufacturers in Hollywood in 2023, below:
|
Top 10 car manufacturers in Hollywood in 2023 |
|
|
Manufacturer |
Film appearances |
|
Ford |
56 |
|
Chevrolet |
43 |
|
Mercedes-Benz |
37 |
|
Toyota |
36 |
|
Nissan |
30 |
|
Volkswagen |
30 |
|
BMW |
26 |
|
Fiat |
24 |
|
Honda |
21 |
|
Dodge |
19 |
You may think there’s no place for cars in the plastic world of Barbie, but that’s where you would be sorely mistaken. This silver screen adaptation of the much-loved child’s toy features a reboot of an 80s classic we spoke about before, and an iconic all-electric Hummer.
The classic Chevrolet Blazer returns in 2024 and last year, Barbie gave us a sneak peek of the brand new, first-ever all-electric Chevrolet Blazer EV. A world away from the 80s staple, this vehicle is sleek, modern, and futuristic, featuring parking assistance and the ability to change lanes on its own. Who said you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?
Now for the star of the show. The wheels you see Barbie and Ken hitting the road in is a pink Chevrolet C1 Corvette – a colourful reimagining of a tried-and-true classic. The real version of the C1 Corvette was the first generation of the classic sports car, recognised today as an iconic symbol for all American muscle cars.
Not many motor manufacturers make the cut in this biopic of theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, but the ones that do will leave an indelible mark in the minds of car enthusiasts everywhere.
Two classic Cadillacs make an appearance in this box office hit – a 1941 Cadillac Series 61 and a Series 62 Convertible of the same year. Known for its unique elongated V-shaped bonnet and kitted out with leather seats and mahogany wood panelling, these cars were reserved for the prestigious elite of their time.
We also see a stunningly-restored 1937 Ford V8 De Luxe in Oppenheimer. Created as a classy but more affordable alternative to their luxury motor of the time (the Lincoln), the V8 De Luxe was a staple of reliable but luxury motors in the 1930s.
There isn’t much space for ordinary cars in, well, space, but Guardians of the Galaxy 3 does showcase two stellar, classic motors – the 1984 Dodge Diplomat and the 1981 Chevrolet Blazer.
The all-American Dodge Diplomat first hit the roads in 1977 before production stopped in 1989. At the time, this 3-speed motor was the most expensive Dodge model on sale, making it a popular choice for those looking to splash the cash on a luxury set of wheels. Today, however, the Dodge Diplomat is considered a timeless classic, still admired by many.
When you picture 80s America, you likely picture Michael Jackson, MTV, and this car – the 1981 Chevrolet Blazer. This SUV is easy to spot with its dramatic wheel suspension and wide double headlight bumper. The Chevrolet Blazer was designed to handle the rough and rugged terrain of southern America and can still be seen in off-roading shows today.
For car enthusiasts everywhere, Fast X returned with a whopping 144 motors in 2023. And while you see some of the world’s most impressive cars (like the Formula One namesake McLaren Senna) display their talents, there are some regular road-friendly motors, such as the Ford Focus and Kia Rio, in this action packed flick too.
To get your own slice of the Fast and Furious life, check out the Volkswagen Up, which featured in Fast X. This is a motor trusted by first time drivers and those living in big cities for its reliable engine and compact design.
Next up, the DeLorean might have shot to fame in the 80s for driving Michael J. Fox through time, but this ultra-modern version is bringing the future to us today. Fast X’s DeLorean Alpha5 features those iconic vertical opening doors and is heralded by the designers as a boundary pusher and legacy writer. A truly stunning, unique, and iconic piece of machinery.
Tom Cruise sped around the streets of Rome, Abu Dhabi, and our very own Birmingham in the 7th instalment of the Mission Impossible franchise. Hitting the roads in everything from the high-powered engine of the supercar Ferrari F12tdf to the more mild mannered Fiat 500.
Fans of the long-standing franchise know exactly what to expect from a new instalment, that is to say - action, action, action, and a ton of stunning BMW motors, thanks to their well-established sponsor The BMW Group.
Last year’s MI movie featured the dual electric motor, fifth generation, BMW iX. Not only is the iX more environmentally friendly, but this motor is also kitted out with state-of-the-art safety features. From parking cameras in 3D to emergency steer assist, this car is a realisation of how sci-fi movies of the 60s depicted futuristic living.
Shifting up quite a few gears is the Ferrari F12tdf we touched upon before. With a 7-speed F1 dual-clutch gearbox, this car is built for race tracks and the dramatic world of the big screen. A world away from the Toyota Aygo also featured in the film!
So, there you have it, we saw a wide array of cars hit the screens in 2023, making it a truly incredible year for all car and cinema lovers. Want to drive your own A-lister vehicle? Check out our range of used and new cars.