Best scene-stealing cars from 2023 hit movies

Even if you’re not typically a car enthusiast, sometimes you see a vehicle in a movie and think, “I could use one of those.” James Bond made the Aston Martin the equivalent of sophistication; “Christine” made the 1958 Plymouth Fury downright creepy; and Herbie the love bug made the Volkswagen Beetle the cutest car ever! 

In fact, that’s probably why “Transformers” director Michael Bay said, “Wait, what kind of car is Bumblebee? Sorry kids, the Beetle you know and love is now a Chevrolet Camaro.” Or something like that. Anyway, having a car that’s cool? It makes us feel kinda cool, too. If you went to the theater in 2023, you know there were a few rides with that “it” factor.

Ken's Hummer EV (left) and Barbie's C1 Chevrolet Corvette (right). Photo from GM Authority for Forza Horizon 5.

Fast and furiously awesome

As a movie franchise with a storyline based on — let’s be honest — muscley men and muscle cars, there’s no doubt you’ll find plenty of eye candy in Fast and Furious X. Dom’s iconic 1970 Dodge Charger R/T, which has appeared in nearly every film, is practically a member of the cast. For those of you looking for more than just a pretty face, you’ll appreciate that the original has a 7.2-liter V8. So those chase scenes were practically mandatory.

Dom's 1970 Dodge Charger R/T races down the highway. Photo from Fast X (2023).

Race, you say? How about that 1966 Chevrolet Impala — in purple! — Dante rolls up in for the underground street race? When you’re the main antagonist, your car can be whatever color you want. The original had a 5359cc engine, but it was probably souped up a bit for Mr. Mamoa. See classic Impalas

Jason Momoa rides in style in Dante's 1966 Chevrolet Impala. Photo from Fast X (2023).

Another throwback: a 1975 Datsun 240Z. The sporty roadster came with a 2.4-liter inline 6-cylinder engine, although the movie version was boosted with a 2.6-liter. Hey, it’s go big or go home in the Furious universe. Find similar Datsuns here.

Daniela Melchior races Momoa and Diesel in Isabel's 1975 Datsun 240Z. Photo from Fast X (2023).

Pink power

Sure, Ken had a custom Hummer EV, but more importantly, what car does Barbie drive in the movie? Surely the 1956 C1 Chevrolet Corvette was the scene stealer. That’s C for “crushing it,” by the way. At least, it should be. Because what kid didn’t imagine hopping into the seat next to the dapper doll — or better yet, taking the wheel — and cruising across the playroom floor?

Ken's custom Hummer EV can be seen in the background of this shot. Photo from Barbie (2023).

The “Barbie” movie car wasn’t just adorable, it was also modified. Besides never being sold in pink (aside from the toy aisle), it was smaller than the real version and a second row was added for Stowaway Ken. It was also electric. Hmm, maybe this is the car to finally convert naysayers. Shop Chevy Corvette convertibles

Margot Robbie cruises through town in Barbie's C1 Chevrolet Corvette. Photo from Barbie (2023).

Transformative thinking

As far as automotive movies go, we have to include the one that literally stars cars — aliens which look mysteriously like those made on planet Earth. The latest iteration of the Transformers — “Rise of the Beasts” — features cars, a commuter van, a tow truck and a semi. Not to mention all their on-the-road kill. Bumblebee is back as a 1977 Camaro, but this time he’s super-sized: fender flares, rally lights, brush guards. Guess he’s tired of getting picked on. See Camaro listings

Bumblebee takes the form of a 1977 Chevrolet Camaro. Photo from Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023).

Sorry, you can’t get the 1967 (or so) VW bus with Wheeljack’s skillz. Suffice it to say, the autobots do not rely on 2.0-liter turbo diesel 4-cylinder engines. But you can get a VW Vanagon so you can go camping off-grid, which could be helpful during an invasion.

Wheeljack keeps it classic as a 1967 (or so) VW bus. Photo from Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023).

Not to throw shade on the fellas, but the sleekest vehicle in “Transformers” may be Arcee, the female Autobot disguised as a 1994 Ducati 916. The bike is beautiful, bold and influential in the motorcycle world. Sounds about right. See Ducati listings

Arcee disguises herself as a 1994 Ducati 916. Photo by MotorTrend.

Endless possibilities

It was the little engine that could. “Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One” starred a guy named Tom and a perky yellow Fiat 500. While nearly all action movies include a car chase, this diminutive car turned it into a nail-biting, comedic jaunt. If it doesn’t make you want to take a trip down the Capitol steps, nothing can. But, please don’t. Shop all Fiats

Tom Cruise's Ethan Hunt tests the limits of a Fiat 500. Photo from Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part 1.

Steal the show

Maybe it isn’t billed as the star of the show, but the right car may be more memorable than the plot. Make a scene with your own famous-ish vehicle you find on KSL Cars. And if you want to charge admission for a ride, we get it. Somebody’s gotta pay to maintain its celebrity lifestyle.