🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Elliot Silverstein
- Genre: Horror, Thriller, Action, Mystery
- Release year: 1977
- Runtime (length): 1h 36min
- IMDb rating: 6.2/10 (12K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 64%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A possessed car really hates small-town USA, especially cyclists and French horn players.
🍿 The Car: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Mysterious Murders Begin
In a small desert town, a customized black sedan appears and begins to terrorize the residents. The car targets cyclists and a hitchhiker, leaving the local authorities baffled. The violence is swift and brutal, setting a dark tone for the film.

The Sheriff Investigates
Sheriff Wade Parent takes on the case after his superior is also killed by the car. As more deaths occur, the town descends into fear. Wade’s investigation is hampered by the fact that no one can identify a driver, and the car seems indestructible.

Escalation and Loss
The car’s attacks become bolder, targeting a parade rehearsal and even breaking through walls. The sheriff’s girlfriend, Lauren, is killed when the car crashes through her house. The film explores themes of fear, helplessness, and the supernatural.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Wade Parent (James Brolin): The widowed sheriff of a small town who must protect his community from a mysterious and deadly car.
- The Car (N/A): A driverless, seemingly possessed black sedan that terrorizes a small desert town by running down its residents.
- Lauren Humphries (Kathleen Lloyd): A local schoolteacher and Wade’s girlfriend who supports him and ultimately becomes a target of the car.
- Everett Peck (John Marley): The town’s sheriff who is killed early in the film by the car, prompting Wade to take over.
- Luke Johnson (Ronny Cox): An alcoholic deputy sheriff who is struggling with sobriety while dealing with the car’s terror.
- Amos Clements (R.G. Armstrong): A blasting contractor and wife-beater who helps Wade to set up a trap to neutralize the evil ‘Car’.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Amos Clements: “And if I hear another sound out of that thing, I’ll ram it so far up your ass, you’ll be farting music for a year.” – Amos angrily yells at John Morris after being annoyed by Morris playing a French horn.
- John Morris: “Wouldn’t that be fantastic? Farting music. For a year!” – John responds sarcastically to the rude statement from Amos while thinking about the comical idea.
- Lauren: “Chicken Shit!” – Lauren taunts and insults the car while standing in the cemetery, daring it to come after her and the others.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $3,750,000
- Domestic Gross: $15,495,412
- Worldwide Gross: $15,495,412
💥 The Car Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, so I watched ‘The Car’ last night, and it was a wild ride! I wasn’t expecting much, but the film really drew me in with its creepy atmosphere. The scene where the car is chasing the kids during the parade rehearsal was intense! Even though it’s a bit cheesy at times, I found myself genuinely scared. James Brolin was great as the sheriff, and that car…totally nightmare fuel! I was on the edge of my seat during the final showdown at the quarry. Definitely worth a watch for horror fans.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of 70s horror movies”
- “Those who enjoy suspenseful thrillers”
- “Cult classic enthusiasts”
- “Viewers interested in films about killer vehicles”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Violence”
- “Brief language”
- “Thematic elements related to the occult”
- “Implied spousal abuse”
Professional Reviews
- Timeout: “A cult B-movie classic that blends elements of horror and thriller. The custom-built car is genuinely menacing, and the desert setting adds to the sense of isolation and dread. While the plot is simple, the execution is effective in creating a suspenseful atmosphere.
- AllMovie: “Director Elliot Silverstein masterfully builds suspense, even with the film’s outlandish premise. James Brolin delivers a solid performance as the determined sheriff, and the film’s score adds to the overall sense of unease. A must-see for fans of 70s horror.
- TV Guide: “A decent 70’s horror film that maintains a certain level of suspense, thanks to the menacing presence of the car. However, the plot is fairly straightforward, and the lack of explanation for the car’s origins leaves some viewers wanting more.
Audience Reactions
The car’s horn is iconic and adds a distinct layer of terror.: Viewers appreciate the film’s ability to create suspense without relying on excessive gore.
The custom-built car itself is the real star of the movie, with its menacing design and relentless presence.: Many fans enjoy the film’s unique premise of a driverless, possessed vehicle.
Overall Consensus: A cult classic that effectively blends horror and thriller elements. The film’s unique premise and suspenseful atmosphere have earned it a dedicated following, despite its occasional cheesiness.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The custom-built car cost $84,000 to create in 1977.”
- “Four identical cars were made for the film, ensuring the production had backups for stunts and potential damage.”
- “The car’s unique horn sound was created by layering several different recordings to create a chilling and distinctive tone.”
- “Filming locations included the scenic Snow Canyon in Utah, providing the stark desert landscape that amplifies the film’s eerie atmosphere.”
🖥️ How to Watch The Car?
As of today, information on streaming availability for ‘The Car’ is limited. You can often find it available for rent or purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check these services for up-to-date availability.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed The Car, you might like these similar films:
- Duel (1971): Features a menacing vehicle (a truck) relentlessly pursuing a driver, creating suspense through vehicular terror.
- Christine (1983): Focuses on a possessed car with a malevolent personality, similar to ‘The Car’ in its depiction of a vehicle as the primary antagonist.
- Killdozer! (1974): A construction crew is terrorized by a possessed bulldozer. It’s a 70’s TV Movie with a similar silly concept and execution.
- Maximum Overdrive (1986): Machines come to life and terrorize humans, creating chaos and destruction, similar to the singular threat of ‘The Car’.
🛒 The Car Related Products
- The Car (Limited Edition Blu-ray): High-definition transfer with bonus content, interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage. Packaged in a collectible steelbook case.
- The Car (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Original score by Leonard Rosenman, available for digital download or streaming. Includes the iconic ‘Dies Irae’ theme.
- The Car (1977) Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the original movie poster. Available in various sizes.
- Killer Car T-Shirt: Black t-shirt with graphic of the The Car (1977) on the front. Available in sizes S-XXL.
🎧 Soundtrack
The Car features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
The film hints at supernatural elements, such as the car’s seeming invulnerability, its inability to enter a cemetery, and the demonic apparition at the end. However, the film leaves the exact nature of the car ambiguous.
The car was custom-built for the movie, based on a 1971 Lincoln Continental Mark III. Four were made, and each cost $84,000 to build.
The film was primarily shot in Snow Canyon, Utah, utilizing the desert landscape to enhance the movie’s suspenseful atmosphere.
🔥 Bonus Content
Buying a car in 2023! 🤣 (4k memes)
Ever felt the struggle of buying a car these days? This meme compilation hilariously captures the modern car-buying experience. Some of these are so true, it’s scary!
Waterproof Car Side Anti-Fog Mirror Film Ⓜ️Product Link in Description & Comments!Ⓜ️
Driving in the rain can be a pain, right? Check out this anti-fog film for your side mirrors! Looks like a game-changer for visibility in bad weather.
A dog locked in a car in the heat…😨😢#movie #series
Oh no, a dog trapped in a hot car! This is a clip that is hard to watch, very dramatic, but also reminds us how important it is to be mindful of our pets, particularly during these days.
✨ Rate
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.