Cannonball!

Year: 1976

Runtime: 93 min

Language: English

ActionDramaThrillerComedyCrime

Coy "Cannonball" Buckman, played by David Carradine, enters the Trans-America Grand Prix, an underground road race with no rules and a $100,000 prize. Behind the wheel of his distinctive red Pontiac, he faces a diverse group of international drivers pushing their vehicles to the limit. Buckman’s ambition to join the prestigious Modern Motors team puts him in direct competition with rival Cade Redman, leading to intense clashes and a thrilling battle for supremacy on the open road.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Cannonball! (1976)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Cannonball! (1976). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:09

Main Characters – Cannonball! (1976)

Meet the key characters of Cannonball! (1976), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:09

Major Themes – Cannonball! (1976)

Explore the central themes of Cannonball! (1976), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:09

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Underground Competition Movies like Cannonball!

Illegal tournaments where victory comes at a steep personal cost.If you enjoyed the dangerous, no-rules world of Cannonball!, explore more movies about unsanctioned high-stakes tournaments. These films feature gritty, high-octane action, fierce rivalries, and protagonists who risk it all in illegal contests for money, status, or redemption.

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Narrative Summary

These narratives follow a tournament or race structure, but one that exists outside the law. The competition itself is a character, presenting constant physical danger. Subplots often involve betting, mob involvement, or personal vendettas, complicating the protagonist's simple goal of winning and leading to costly moral compromises or sacrifices.

Why These Movies?

They are grouped by their shared setting of an illicit, high-stakes event, a fast-paced and action-driven plot, and a tense, gritty tone. The central conflict is not just against other competitors, but against the dangerous world they've chosen to enter.

Bittersweet Action Movies with a Costly Victory like Cannonball!

Action-packed stories where winning the battle leaves deep emotional scars.Fans of Cannonball!'s ending, where winning the race comes with personal loss, will find similar themes here. These are action movies and thrillers where the hero succeeds but the victory is tempered by sacrifice, betrayal, or tragedy, creating a complex and resonant conclusion.

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Narrative Summary

The plot follows a clear goal—winning a race, a heist, a fight—but the path is littered with casualties, both physical and emotional. A key ally may be lost, or a trusted friend revealed as a traitor. The climax resolves the primary conflict, but the denouement focuses on the emotional fallout, leaving the protagonist changed and the audience with a feeling of mixed emotions.

Why These Movies?

They share a specific emotional rhythm: high-intensity action leading to a conclusion that is not purely celebratory. The mix of thrilling sequences with a melancholic or bittersweet ending creates a unique, memorable experience that prioritizes emotional impact alongside spectacle.

Unlock the Full Story of Cannonball!

Don't stop at just watching — explore Cannonball! in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Cannonball! is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Cannonball! Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Cannonball!, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Cannonball! Timeline

Track the full timeline of Cannonball! with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Cannonball! Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Cannonball! that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

More About Cannonball!

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Cannonball!: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

Similar Movies to Cannonball!

Discover movies like Cannonball! that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.