From Convoy to the outback - Iconic trucking films and TV shows

Trucks and lorries really do keep this country - and many others - ticking. From haulage and transportation to the delivery of consumer goods, almost all of us rely on trucks in one way or another. 

But they're not just vital transportation vessels. For decades, trucks have been the centrepiece of some iconic films and TV shows. Here, we take a look back at some of the greatest instances of this. 

Convoy (1978)

Directed by Sam Peckinpah and starring Kris Kristofferson, Convoy was released at the height of the CB radio hysteria of the 1970s and has now become a classic. While initial reviews from critics were mixed, the film retains a cult following and is synonymous with the trucking scene of the late 70s. 

Outback Truckers (2012-present)

Outback Truckers hit our TV screens in 2012 and became instantly popular in the UK.

The docuseries follows a selection of charismatic drivers and gives insight into the trials and tribulations that they face in the unforgiving conditions of the outback. 

 Smokey and the Bandit (1977)

A year before the release of Convoy, Smokey and the Bandit hit our screens and was another instant cult classic. Starring Burt Reynolds and Sally Field, the film depicts two bootleggers as they try to illegally transport Coors beer across the US. 

Ice Road Truckers (2007-2017)

Similar to Outback Truckers, this hit reality show followed a group of charismatic truck drivers, although in this instance they were tackling the harsh conditions of Canada and Alaska.

The show consisted of 138 episodes across 11 series in total, before ending in 2017. 

Maximum Overdrive (1986)

Released in the mid 1980s, this horror film was written and directed by the legendary Stephen King, loosely based on his short story Trucks. The plot depicts life descending into chaos after earth crosses the tail of a comet, prompting all machines (including trucks) to become sentient.