The Cannonball Run

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

1981 • 95 min • Action · Comedy · Family

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Synopsis

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.

Our family guide

Best from age 7

Movie Knight Score

713 reviews

100 Reviewers · 1 · 51%
61 Audience · 712 · 49%

An ensemble cast of eccentric racers competes in an illegal cross-country dash, encountering hilarious mishaps and madcap adventures along the way. This action-comedy offers plenty of car chases and slapstick humor.

Violence & peril: 3/10
Language: 2/10
Drinking, drugs & smoking: 3/10
Romance & sensuality: 2/10
Scary moments: 1/10

Heads up

Some crude humor and suggestive jokes
Portrayals of reckless driving
Mild alcohol consumption and smoking

What it models well

Teamwork and camaraderie
Ingenuity and quick thinking
Pursuing a goal

Talk about it after

Why people break rules they disagree with
The difference between racing and reckless driving
The importance of safety on the road

Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for The Cannonball Run. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.

Where to watch

Country

Stream

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Top billed cast

Director: Hal Needham • Crew: Brock Yates

Trailers & clips

Reviewer notes

RecommendedTrusted family reviewers
Though some of the wheezes employed by the drivers do raise a smile or two, this really doesn't catch fire as Burt Reynolds' brand of mischievous charm struggles to hold it together. He and his pal "Victor" (Dom DeLuise) are determined to win the eponymous, infamous and illegal transcontinental dash - and hit on the idea of commandeering an ambulance so they can blue-light their way across their country.…
CinemaSerf, TMDB Community