Year: 1976
Runtime: 93 min
Language: English
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.
Get a spoiler-free look at Cannonball! (1976) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
The Trans‑America Grand Prix is the kind of outlaw contest that lives in the shadows of the open road, a cross‑country sprint where the only rule is that there are no rules. From the sun‑bleached pier of Santa Monica to the steel skyline of New York, a kaleidoscope of souped‑up machines roar across deserts, mountain passes and endless highways. The atmosphere crackles with a raw, high‑octane energy that feels both reckless and intoxicating, a perfect playground for anyone who dreams of pushing limits beyond the ordinary.
At the heart of the race is Coy “Cannonball” Buckman, a charismatic former driver who’s just been released on parole and is desperate to prove that his name still carries weight. Behind the wheel of a striking red Pontiac, Coy’s blend of daring skill and restless ambition sets him apart, while a lingering sense of redemption fuels every mile he covers. His personal stakes are heightened by a determined love‑interest who worries that a single misstep could send him back behind bars, and by a coveted seat with the prestigious Modern Motors team that could finally cement his place among racing’s elite.
Racing alongside Coy is a colorful roster of international competitors, each boasting their own style, cars and motives. Among them, the formidable Cade Redman stands out as a natural adversary, his sleek confidence and own hunger for victory promising an electrifying clash of wills. The field teems with daring personalities and exotic machines, creating a tension‑filled backdrop where alliances form and break as quickly as tire smoke on the asphalt. In this high‑stakes, rule‑free world, every turn could be the one that propels a driver toward glory—or spirals them into the chaos that defines the Grand Prix.
Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 14:15
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Cannonball!. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
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.
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