The Cannonball Run is one of those movies that I remember being on TV a lot during the 80s and early 90s and it was a movie that I always had a lot of fun with. The thing with The Cannonball Run is that it is 100 percent a product of its time. It was released in 1981 and I did not see it probably until the late 80s, but I do think you had to have seen this in the 80s or even 90s to appreciate this. I say that because my son said it was one of the dumbest things he had ever seen!
How to Download The Cannonball Run
The Cannonball Run was released on June 19, 1981. You can download or stream the film from a digital platform. Click on the Where to Watch & Stream button below and make your choice.
The Movie Review
This is a fun comedy that is based on an actual real race where people race on the street from Connecticut to California. There have been other movies based on this actual race, some even coming out before this one, but it is The Cannonball Run that really made this race famous if you ask me.
A Double Pack of Comedy Gold
I recently picked up the Blu-Ray double pack of The Cannonball Run and The Cannonball Run II and I think that the Smokey and the Bandit movies are a good parallel comparison. I say that because, like Smokey and the Bandit. I consider The Cannonball Run to be a comedy classic that managed to capture lightning in a bottle and then they did a cash grab of a sequel that lacked the charm of the original movie.
A Star-Studded Cast of Characters
What really makes this movie is the characters, The Cannonball Run has a tremendous ensemble cast with Burt Reynolds, Dom DeLuise, Farrah Fawcett, Roger Moore, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and an early role for a young Jackie Chan. There are more that I am missing, but this is a very character driven kind of movie with a whole bunch of zany characters that you get a huge kick out of.
If you enjoyed this title, check out our reviews and streaming guides for Sting and IF.
Wacky Teams and Hilarious Gimmicks
We have teams of racers and each one has some kind of gimmick going on. For example, JJ is a former racing star who along with his mechanic Victor (who has a superhero alter ego) drives an ambulance. My favorite racing team of the bunch is Jamie and Morris, played by Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr, they pose as men of the cloth and are really just trying to scam people. Oh, I have to give a shout-out to Roger Moore too who is playing a hilarious parody of James Bond!
A Road Trip Full of Laughs
I already mentioned Smokey and the Bandit, but I honestly think that is the best comparison for Ther Cannonball Run. This movie is a road movie and we get one wacky scene after another and you just have to roll with it and have fun as you do. The incredible cast of iconic 70’s and 80’s talent really makes this and if you are familiar with these people, you will enjoy it even more.
A Nostalgic Rewatch
To be honest with you, I was kind of shocked at how much I still enjoyed The Cannonball Run. It was a movie I thought I may not like as much now as I did when I was a kid, but it still made me smile and laugh. I was smiling as I was starting to remember things that were about to happen. I will say that I did give The Cannonball Run II a watch as well, but man that one was kind of hard to sit through so perhaps that is a story for another time!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch or get the official digital download of The Cannonball Run?
You can check official streaming and digital download availability for The Cannonball Run on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Disney+ via our dedicated watch page.
What is The Cannonball Run (1981) about?
Our review breaks down the plot, themes, and pacing of The Cannonball Run directed by Hal Needham without spoiling key twists.
Can I download The Cannonball Run for offline viewing?
Yes, major licensed VOD and streaming services allow you to download The Cannonball Run inside their official apps for offline viewing.
Is The Cannonball Run worth watching?
Yes, strong performances, direction, and production quality make The Cannonball Run a recommended watch in its genre.
