Looking for something amorous to do tonight? If sweetheart candies or love songs aren’t going to cut it, the OnAllCylinders staff* compiled a list of our favorite romantic car-themed movies that’ll add some spice to your date.
* Special thanks to OnAllCylinders contributor Will Schertz for pouring his heart into this article.
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The Best Car-Themed Movies for a Romantic Date Night
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How Stellantis Got Its Groove Back
Here’s a feel-good story of an automaker who’s trying to balance business and romance. Follow along, as those paths wind and converge, ultimately leading to supercharged Gen. 3 Hemi engines and sub-9 second elapsed times.
We’re wistfully hoping this one comes true…
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The Logbook
Adapted from the best-selling novel of the same name, join two recently-reacquainted drivers as they recall staging lanes of races past. From surface temps to relative humidity, a trove of memories come flooding back as the audience gets nostalgic glimpses of elapsed times, winner’s circles, and long-forgotten racecars.
We’ll be seeing you…at the dragstrip.
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50 Shades of K
From the Aries to the Reliant, this provocative and steamy tale highlights the many iterations of the once-ubiquitous Chrysler K-car. You won’t see many Audis in this film, just plenty of badge-engineered econoboxes ready to cater to your every desire.
“Iacocca” is our safe word.
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Marlin Rouge
A period film set in Kenosha, Wisconsin during the 1960s, this follows the story of a lovestruck automaker who hopelessly falls in love with long, fastback rooflines. It brought us the famous quote: “The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to drive and be driven in return.”
Voulez-vous conduire avec nous, ce soir?
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When Harry Met Rallycross
Can someone love performance cars and not go racing? This fun romantic flick takes some unabashed stabs at the possibilities of a rally car that never gets to hit the dirt—creating some hilarious scenes in the process.
We’ll drive what she’s driving.
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How to Lose a Geo in 10 Days
In this tale of dueling social experiments, an advice columnist pushes boundaries in her bid to write an article about how to get a Geo Tracker to leave you in 10 days. Unfortunately, the 95 horsepower hunk of pure confidence she targets has ulterior motives of its own—to make her fall in love in the same span of time. Hilarity ensues as both parties’ best-laid plans backfire.
It just goes to show, trying to outrun your love of a Geo is about as likely as…well…that Geo outrunning you.
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Alfa Romeo & Giulietta
An adaption of the Shakespeare classic—obviously set in Italy—this one puts a pair of Star-Crossed drivers from rival families in focus, highlighting the power and perils of passion. From grudge races to poisoned motor oil, it’s the epitome of a tragic love story…
…Sort of like the maintenance costs on a bespoke vintage sports car.
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Gone with the Finned
This love story highlights a tumultuous period of transition for the automotive industry. Set in Detroit during the early 1960s, the coming-of-age theme centers on a designer who struggles with his desire for chrome and tailfins, as the cars he loves pivot to more subdued, restrained styling.
“Frankly my dear, we don’t give a dent.”
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Sleepless in My Sentra
This story about a Seattle man forced to retired his beloved, but rusted-out Sentra takes a turn when his son calls into a talk-radio program to find a new car for his dad. Though reluctant, the man gets on the line to talk to the radio host about his feelings for the car he lost.
Across the country in New York, a Nissan restoration specialist catches wind of his plight and offers to help. All he has to do is find a way to get the car to the Empire State Building on Valentine’s Day.
We think it would’ve made more sense just to take it to the shop, but that wouldn’t be quite as romantic, would it?
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50 First Datsuns
A young woman finds the perfect Z sports car at her local dealer’s lot, falls instantly in love, and heads home with a promise to return the next day, check in hand. There’s just one problem: a condition that causes her to wake up every morning with no memory of the previous day’s events. As a result, she returns to the same Nissan dealership day-after-day to repeat the process with a Skyline, then a 510, then a Patrol, and so on.
Though the slapstick-style humor may not be for everyone, it’s hard not to chuckle as the film’s forgetful lead continually opts for the extended warranty coverage.
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The 40 Year Old Engine
A quirky, middle-aged man who’s never modified an engine before finds the pressure mounting when he stumbles across a pristine G-Body Monte Carlo. Encouraged by an ensemble of neurotic coworkers, he sets out to turn his first bolt on the trusty 305ci SBC.
While the entire film is filled with uproarious moments, it’s the truly unforgettable fender waxing scene that will have you yelling for Kelly Clarkson.
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Did we miss one of your favorite romantic car flicks? Let us know about it in the comments section at the bottom of the list.
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