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Timeline

Logan Lucky (2017) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language
2017 · 118 min · English
Echo score 75
Directed by
Steven Soderbergh
Starring
Katie Holmes, Sebastian Stan, Channing Tatum, Adam Driver, Katherine Waterston, Riley Keough
Budget
$29M

Two brothers, skilled in their own ways, plan an audacious heist during a NASCAR race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Recruiting a ragtag team of family and friends, they descend into the tunnels beneath the track, aiming to steal millions. Their elaborate plan faces unexpected complications as they attempt to outwit a persistent FBI agent and the sheer chaos of the racing event, all while risking everything for a chance at a life-changing score.

On this page (6)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Events in order (15)
  3. 3 Timeline questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Movies like Logan Lucky
  6. 6 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Logan Lucky (2017)

Where can you watch Logan Lucky? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Hoopla, Kanopy and Amazon Video: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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15 events in order · contains spoilers

Logan Lucky Timeline: Events in Chronological Order

Every key event of Logan Lucky (2017) in order, scene by scene, with when and where it takes place. Use it to untangle flashbacks, time jumps and parallel storylines, to refresh your memory before the sequel or to find the exact scene you are thinking of.

  1. Jimmy Loses His Job

    Jimmy Logan is laid off from his construction job at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, a setback that directly impacts his ability to provide for himself and his daughter, Sadie. This breach of contract due to undisclosed health issues marks a significant downturn in his life as he struggles to adjust to this new reality.

    Where
    Charlotte Motor Speedway
  2. Concern Over Sadie's Future

    As his ex-wife Bobbie Jo plans to move to Lynchburg with her new husband Moody, Jimmy becomes increasingly worried about the potential impact on his relationship with his daughter Sadie. This impending distance fuels his desire to find a way to be more present in her life.

    Where
    Lynchburg
  3. Bar Scene with Clyde

    In an attempt to escape his troubles, Jimmy spends time at a bar where his brother Clyde works. The two brothers discuss their family troubles, including Clyde’s traumatic war experiences and his belief in the family's curse, laying the groundwork for their future plans.

    Where
    Bar
  4. Confrontation with Max Chilblain

    After a condescending encounter with NASCAR team owner Max Chilblain, tensions boil over at the bar, leading to a fight. This confrontation serves as a catalyst for Jimmy's decision to execute a robbery plan against the Speedway.

    Where
    Bar
  5. The Robbery Plan Starts to Form

    Following their altercation with Chilblain, Jimmy devises an intricate plan to rob the Speedway, leveraging his knowledge of its underground pneumatic tube system. He recruits his sister Mellie and imprisoned safe-cracker Joe Bang, along with his simple-minded brothers.

    Where
    Charlotte Motor Speedway
  6. Clyde's Incarceration Plan

    Clyde, wanting to facilitate Joe Bang's escape, intentionally lands himself in prison. This act is part of a strategic move to set up their complicated heist at the Speedway while he also confronts his feelings about their family’s supposed curse.

    Where
    Prison
  7. Mellie's Contribution

    Mellie plays a crucial role in helping Jimmy's plan succeed by secretly mapping out the pneumatic tube system within the Speedway. Her innovative method involves using painted cockroaches to keep track of their layout.

    Where
    Charlotte Motor Speedway
  8. Heist Day Chaos

    On the day of the heist, an unexpected prison riot staged by inmates provides the perfect cover for Joe and Clyde’s escape. Meanwhile, Mellie's meticulous planning ensures the heist is underway, though they encounter unforeseen complications.

    Where
    Charlotte Motor Speedway
  9. The Heist Begins

    With the heist in full swing, Jimmy’s plan is jeopardized when they once again cross paths with Max Chilblain. The ensuing confrontation creates a tense moment during the cash collection process, threatening to unravel their carefully laid plans.

    Where
    Charlotte Motor Speedway
  10. Inmates' Request for Novels

    While chaos reigns in the Speedway, a humorous scene involving inmates at the prison escalates when they demand the latest novels of a popular series. The situation culminates in a fire alarm that only adds to the overall discord during the heist.

    Where
    Prison
  11. Critical Decision

    In a moment of selflessness, Jimmy chooses to abandon the stolen money, prioritizing his daughter Sadie's safety over personal gain. He anonymously tips off the police about its location, showcasing his growth as a father.

  12. Investigation by FBI

    FBI agent Sarah Grayson takes on the case, working diligently to gather evidence against Jimmy and his crew. However, her investigation faces numerous challenges, ultimately resulting in the case being dismissed with no arrests made.

  13. Reclaiming the Hidden Cash

    Six months later, Jimmy and Clyde develop a plan to recover their hidden cash, indicating their cleverness has paid off. The successful retrieval marks a turning point for the brothers as they regain a sense of hope.

  14. New Beginnings

    As the film concludes, Jimmy embraces a fresh start by taking a job at Lowe's, allowing him to be closer to his family. His journey culminates in a touching reunion with his crew and the blossoming of a new romance with Sylvia.

  15. The Watchful Eye of Grayson

    As Jimmy and his crew celebrate their new paths, FBI agent Sarah Grayson observes them from a distance, suggesting that her pursuit of justice is not yet finished. This hints at the possibility of future complications for the Logan brothers.

Last updated: November 08, 2024 at 01:15

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Timeline questions answered

Logan Lucky Timeline Explained: Your Questions Answered

When does it happen, and why in that order? The questions people ask about the chronology of Logan Lucky (2017): time jumps, flashbacks, cause and effect between scenes and the correct order of events, each answered with spoilers.

Q1

Why does Jimmy lose his job at the Charlotte Motor Speedway?

Jimmy Logan is laid off from his construction job at the Charlotte Motor Speedway due to a breach of contract stemming from undisclosed health issues. This sudden job loss directly impacts his financial stability and his ability to provide for his daughter Sadie, setting the events of the film in motion.

  • job loss
  • construction
  • health issues
  • laid off
Q2

Why does Jimmy decide to rob the Charlotte Motor Speedway?

Jimmy's decision to rob the Speedway is driven by multiple factors: his sudden job loss, financial struggles, his ex-wife's plan to move away with his daughter Sadie which would reduce his time with her, and a humiliating confrontation with NASCAR team owner Max Chilblain at a bar that escalates into a fight. The combination of desperation and anger leads him to devise the heist plan.

  • heist
  • motivation
  • Max Chilblain
  • financial desperation
Q3

How does the pneumatic tube system work in the Logan Lucky heist?

The Charlotte Motor Speedway uses an underground pneumatic tube system to transport money across the complex. Jimmy knows this system intimately from his construction work. The plan involves hacking into these tubes to redirect cash during the busy Coca-Cola 600 race, allowing them to steal millions while the chaos of the race provides cover.

  • pneumatic tubes
  • money transfer
  • heist method
  • underground
Q4

Why does Clyde intentionally get sent to prison?

Clyde Logan intentionally lands himself in prison to orchestrate the escape of safe-cracker Joe Bang, who is essential to the heist. By being inside, Clyde can help coordinate Joe's breakout during the chaos of the heist day, ensuring the plan succeeds.

  • prison
  • Joe Bang
  • Clyde
  • escape plan
Q5

What role do the painted cockroaches play in the robbery?

Jimmy's sister Mellie uses painted cockroaches to map out the underground pneumatic tube system at the Speedway. By releasing the painted cockroaches and tracking their movements through the tubes, she creates a detailed layout of the system that is crucial for planning the heist route.

  • Mellie
  • cockroaches
  • mapping
  • tubes
Q6

Why does Jimmy anonymously tip off the police about the stolen money?

Jimmy chooses to abandon the stolen money and anonymously notify police of its location because he prioritizes his daughter Sadie's safety over personal gain. This decision represents his growth as a father and his reluctance to put his family at further risk.

  • Sadie
  • police tip
  • selflessness
  • abandoned money
Q7

How does the prison riot help the Logan brothers' heist?

On the day of the heist, inmates stage a riot at the prison where Joe Bang is being held. This chaos provides the perfect distraction and cover for Joe and Clyde to escape, allowing them to execute their portion of the robbery plan undetected.

  • prison riot
  • Joe Bang escape
  • distraction
  • chaos
Q8

Why is the FBI case against the Logan brothers dismissed?

FBI agent Sarah Grayson investigates the heist and works diligently to build a case against Jimmy and his crew. However, she struggles to gather sufficient evidence, and the case is ultimately dismissed without any arrests being made.

  • FBI
  • Sarah Grayson
  • investigation
  • case dismissed
Q9

How do Jimmy and Clyde recover the hidden money six months later?

Six months after the heist, Jimmy and Clyde devise a plan to recover their hidden cash that they had stashed during the robbery. Their cleverness pays off as they successfully retrieve the money, improving their financial situation and signaling their ultimate success in outsmarting the authorities.

  • money recovery
  • six months later
  • hidden cash
Q10

What happens to Joe Bang and his brothers after the heist?

Joe Bang, along with his simple-minded brothers Sam and Fish, participate in the heist. Sam and Fish reluctantly join under the condition that it's for a "moral reason." While the film doesn't detail their exact fate, they are part of the crew that successfully pulls off the robbery and presumably share in the aftermath.

  • Joe Bang
  • Sam Fish
  • heist team
  • fate
Q11

Why does the confrontation with Max Chilblain trigger the heist?

Max Chilblain, a condescending NASCAR team owner, publicly humiliates Jimmy and Clyde at a bar, leading to a physical fight. This confrontation serves as the catalyst for Jimmy's decision to plan the robbery, combining his anger toward Chilblain with his desperate financial situation.

  • Max Chilblain
  • confrontation
  • bar fight
  • catalyst

Movie threads

More Movies Like Logan Lucky, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Logan Lucky tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Blue-collar heist capers like Logan Lucky

Quirky, underdog crews pulling off elaborate robberies against the odds. A collection of movies like Logan Lucky where quirky, down-on-their-luck characters plan and execute ambitious robberies. If you enjoyed the mix of comedic chaos, clever planning, and heartfelt underdog spirit in Logan Lucky, you'll find similar energy in these blue-collar crime stories.

  • quirky
  • comedic
  • chaotic
  • hopeful
  • blue-collar
  • ensemble-driven
  • Tone: light, comedic, hopeful
  • Pacing: fast, intricate
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Stories typically follow a team of underestimated protagonists assembling a plan that capitalizes on their specific environments and unconventional expertise. The narrative structure revolves around the meticulous preparation and chaotic execution of the heist, often complicated by external forces like law enforcement, but ultimately leading to a triumphant outcome for the scrappy heroes.

Why they belong together: They are grouped by their shared vibe of hopeful, light-hearted crime driven by ensemble casts of relatable underdogs. The mix of fast-paced, complex plotting with a consistently comedic tone and medium-intensity tension creates a uniquely entertaining and clever viewing experience.

Movies with quirky ensemble chaos like Logan Lucky

Stories where a ragtag group's clumsy synergy creates hilarious, unexpected success. Discover films similar to Logan Lucky that feature a ragtag team causing hilarious chaos. If you liked the interplay between the quirky characters and the fast-paced, comedic trouble they get into and out of in Logan Lucky, these ensemble-driven stories offer the same vibrant energy.

  • ensemble-driven
  • quirky
  • comedic
  • chaotic
  • fast-paced
  • heartwarming
  • Tone: light, quirky, humorous
  • Pacing: fast, chaotic
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative is propelled by the group's need to work together, despite their differences, to achieve a common goal. Plot complications are frequently caused by individual quirks and miscommunications, but these very flaws often become the key to their ultimate, improbable success, emphasizing themes of collaboration and found family.

Why they belong together: They share a core focus on the chemistry and comedy generated by a large, distinctive ensemble cast. The pacing is fast due to the constant, chaotic interplay between characters, and the tone remains light-hearted, resulting in a highly entertaining experience with low emotional weight.

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Every angle

Logan Lucky (2017) Explained: Plot, Ending, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Logan Lucky in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning, the ending explained and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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