driving backdrop

Movies with driving vibe

Oliver Twist

1. Oliver Twist

Crime Drama Family Organized Crime Family Drama
6.8
20052h 10min

Overview

When 9-year-old orphan Oliver Twist dares to ask his cruel taskmaster, Mr. Bumble, for a second serving of gruel, he's hired out as an apprentice. Escaping that dismal fate, young Oliver falls in with the street urchin known as the Artful Dodger and his criminal mentor, Fagin. When kindly Mr. Brownlow takes Oliver in, Fagin's evil henchman Bill Sikes plots to kidnap the boy.

Themes

Class inequality, Loyalty under pressure, Poverty-driven crime, Authority and mercy, Coercion and manipulation, Exploitation of orphans

Available on

Fandango At Home
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Wolf Creek

2. Wolf Creek

Horror Thriller Slasher Horror Kidnapping & Captivity Thriller
6.2
20051h 39min

Overview

Stranded backpackers in remote Australia fall prey to a murderous bushman, who offers to fix their car, then takes them captive.

Themes

Deception and manipulation, Trust under pressure, Survival under isolation, Threat and pursuit, Violence in remote setting, Trauma and endurance

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Factotum

3. Factotum

Drama Psychological Drama
6.6
20051h 34min

Overview

This drama centers on Hank Chinaski, the fictional alter-ego of "Factotum" author Charles Bukowski, who wanders around Los Angeles, CA trying to live off jobs which don't interfere with his primary interest, which is writing. Along the way, he fends off the distractions offered by women, drinking and gambling.

Themes

Economic precarity, Urban isolation, Temporary relationships, Exploitation and trust, Artistic pursuit vs distractions, Alcoholism and improvisation

Available on

Amazon Video
The Roku Channel
Kanopy
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Overview

An orphaned cheetah becomes the best friend and pet of a young boy living in South Africa.

Themes

Caregiving under pressure, Displacement and belonging, Found kinship and family, Adventure with responsibility, Bonding with wildlife, Trust across strangers

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Overview

Is American foreign policy dominated by the idea of military supremacy? Has the military become too important in American life? Jarecki's shrewd and intelligent polemic would seem to give an affirmative answer to each of these questions.

Themes

Public manipulation, Military-industrial complex, Perpetual wartime policy, Veterans and casualties, Economic incentives of war, Policy dominance and influence

Available on

Amazon Video
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Shall We Dance?

6. Shall We Dance?

Drama Romance Comedy Feel-Good Romance Awkward Comedy
6.2
20041h 46min

Overview

A bored estate lawyer spots a beautiful woman in the window of a ballroom dance studio. He secretly starts taking dancing lessons to be near her, and then over time discovers how much he loves dancing. His wife, meanwhile, has hired a private detective to find out why he has started coming home late smelling of perfume.

Themes

Dissatisfaction and longing, Jealousy and secrecy, Discipline and passion, Pursuit of art vs home life, Privacy concerns, Romantic attraction vs commitment

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Miracle

7. Miracle

Drama History Historical Drama
7.5
20042h 15min

Overview

When college coach Herb Brooks is hired to helm the 1980 U.S. men's Olympic hockey team, he brings a unique and brash style to the ice. After assembling a team of hot-headed college all-stars, who are humiliated in an early match, Brooks unites his squad against a common foe: the heavily-favored Soviet team.

Themes

Based on true story, Gas rationing backdrop, Olympic games pressure, Ice hockey backdrop, Roster selection discipline, Team cohesion under fire, Brash coaching method

Available on

Disney Plus
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

I Am David

8. I Am David

Drama Adventure Globetrotting Adventure Coming-of-Age Drama
7.1
20031h 30min

Overview

A 12-year-old boy manages to flee a Communist concentration camp on his own, through sheer will and determination. All he has in his possession is a loaf of bread, a letter to deliver to someone in Denmark, and a compass to help get him there.

Themes

Trust and mentorship, Resilience and determination, Flight from confinement, Longing for family, Journey across borders, Mercy from strangers

Available on

Amazon Video
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Tupac: Resurrection

9. Tupac: Resurrection

Music Documentary Biographical Documentary
7.9
20031h 52min

Overview

Home movies, photographs, and recited poetry illustrate the life of Tupac Shakur, one of the most beloved, revolutionary, and volatile hip-hop MCs of all time.

Themes

Media scrutiny, Artistic expression under pressure, Poverty and resilience, Violence and memory, Cultural influence, Stigma and stereotype


Tears of the Sun

10. Tears of the Sun

War Action Drama Modern Conflicts Military Action
6.6
20032h 1min

Overview

Navy SEAL Lieutenant A.K. Waters and his elite squadron of tactical specialists are forced to choose between their duty and their humanity, between following orders by ignoring the conflict that surrounds them, or finding the courage to follow their conscience and protect a group of innocent refugees. When the democratic government of Nigeria collapses and the country is taken over by a ruthless military dictator, Waters, a fiercely loyal and hardened veteran is dispatched on a routine mission to retrieve a Doctors Without Borders physician.

Themes

Civilian harm in conflict, Refugee protection under fire, Leadership legitimacy under upheaval, Duty vs humanity

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.