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Trailer+2 trailers

The Cannonball Run

1981Movie1 h 35 minPG

Comedy
46
MediocreGoodWatch score
IMDb6.3Metacritic287.1Rotten Tomatoes29%61%

A nostalgic, hopeful action movie about pop culture and sports.

Good for date night · family movie night · friends night

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Not for tears, scares or brutality.

Movies with

Story

You'll root for them all...but you'll never guess who wins.

A cross-country road race is based on an actual event, the Cannonball Baker Sea to Shining Sea Memorial Trophy Dash, organized by Brock Yates to protest the 55 mph speed limit then in effect in the U.S. The Cannonball was named for Erwin G. "Cannonball" Baker, who in the roaring 20's rode his motorcycle across the country. Many of the characters are based on ruses developed by real Cannonball racers over the several years that the event was run.

Feels like

  • Ensemble Comedy
  • Road Race
  • Slapstick Humor
  • Irreverent & Zany
  • Celebrity Cameos
  • Nostalgic 80s
  • Lighthearted Action
  • Pure Escapism
  • Fast-Paced
  • Physical Comedy

Cast

24 of 38

Crew

Directed by
Hal Needham
Written by
Brock Yates
Produced by
Albert S. Ruddy
Music by
Al Capps

Everyone

Pick a department, or search for a name or a job (“editor”, “stunt”).

Facts

June 19, 1981 · 1 h 35 min · PG

Released
June 19, 1981
Runtime
1 h 35 min
Age rating
PG
Genres
Action, Comedy, Family
Original language
English
Also spoken
Japanese, Chinese, Arabic
Made in
United States, Hong Kong SAR China
Budget
$18 million
Box office
$72 million
Available in
86 countries

Tropes

Overdrive, Ejection Seat, Vehicle-Based Characterization +9

  • Overdrive
  • Ejection Seat
  • Vehicle-Based Characterization
  • Casual Danger Dialogue
  • Christianity Is Catholic
  • Hitchhiker's Leg
  • As Long as It Sounds Foreign
  • Mob Debt
  • Gonk
  • Lying by Omission
  • Napoleon Delusion
  • Creator Cameo

12 of 159 tropes. From TV Tropes.

Q&A

7 questions, like "Where can I stream The Cannonball Run?"

Questions about The Cannonball Run

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Cannonball Run?

WeTV

In the United States, The Cannonball Run streams on WeTV. It also streams in 63 other countries.

Is The Cannonball Run worth watching?

46
MediocreGoodWatch score

Reviews are weak, with a GoodWatch score of 46 (IMDb 6.3, Rotten Tomatoes 29%, and Metacritic 28). Audiences rate it higher (65 out of 100) than critics (29).

Is The Cannonball Run okay for kids?

PG

Yes: it's rated PG in the United States, and the viewing guide lists it for kids.

Will The Cannonball Run make me laugh?

Funny

Yes: the humor is mostly slapstick (9 of 10) and situational comedy (8 of 10).

Will I feel good after watching The Cannonball Run?

BleakHopeful

Yes, it's an uplifting movie: the title analysis rates it 8 of 10 for hopefulness and 7 for wholesome.

Was The Cannonball Run a box office hit?

Budget$18 million
Box office$72 million

Yes: it cost about $18 million to make and earned $72 million worldwide, 4.0 times its budget.