On June 27, 1990, the classic racing movie Days of Thunder was released in theaters all around the USA. Directed by Tony Scott and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, the high-octane NASCAR film featured such star power as Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Robert Duvall, Randy Quaid, Cary Elwes, John C. Reilly, and Michael Rooker.
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In the movie, Cruise plays hot-shot race car driver Cole Trickle, who overcomes an aversion to stock car racing, NASCAR inexperience, intense rivalries, and a debilitating injury to race in and (SPOILER ALERT) ultimately win the Daytona 500.
Can you believe it's been 29 years since this movie came out? To commemorate the momentous occasion, we thought we'd take a look back at some of the most memorable clips from the flick? Which one is your favorite?
1. Cole Trickle Gets Used to His New Crew Chief
Raking in nearly $158 million at the box office, the Paramount Pictures film also featured such NASCAR drivers as Rusty Wallace, Neil Bonnett, and Harry Gant. Even former ESPN commentator Dr. Jerry Punch had a cameo appearance.
Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Sound, Days of Thunder has everything: intense action scenes, over-the-top special effects, phenomenal acting, a captivating story, and a powerful score. What's not to love?
Read More: This American Stock Car Driver Is Wanted in North Carolina for Possession of a Stolen Motor
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2. Cole Gets Caught up in "The Big One" at the Firecracker 400
Referred by many at the time as "Top Gun on wheels," this flick is must-see for hardcore racing fans and movie lovers alike. And, thanks to the impressive CGI, the crash scenes are pretty damn wild.
3. The Chemistry Between Cole Trickle and Dr. Claire Lewicki Is Palpable
Oh, and did we mention that this was Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman's first movie together?
4. "Rubbin' is Racing"
If you do anything tonight, you need to rewatch Days of Thunder. Or, if you haven't seen it, watch it for the first time.
Well, we technically already spoiled the ending, but seriously, who hasn't seen this movie? It is such a classic!
5. Cole Overcomes the Odds in a Close Race to Win It All
Read More: Oscar-Nominated Hollywood Star Michael Fassbender Is Getting Serious About His Career as a Racer
