Smokey and the Bandit: The 7-Movie Outlaw Collection – A Road Trip Through Cinematic History

In the vast landscape of cinematic achievements, there are few franchises that have etched themselves as deeply into the tapestry of pop culture as the “Smokey and the Bandit” series.

With its combination of high-speed action, uproarious comedy, and a dash of outlaw charm, this franchise has not only entertained but also defined an era.

Spanning seven movies, the “Smokey and the Bandit: The 7-Movie Outlaw Collection” takes us on a thrilling journey that encompasses both the silver screen and the television set.

Origins of the Bandit Phenomenon (1977)

The year was 1977, and the silver screen was about to be graced with the presence of a charismatic renegade named Bo Darville, played by none other than Burt Reynolds himself.

“Smokey and the Bandit” hit theaters, introducing audiences to the ultimate cross-country adventure. Darville, known simply as the Bandit, takes on a daredevil task: transporting a truckload of Coors beer across state lines.

Along for the ride is his partner-in-crime, Cledus “Snowman” Snow (Jerry Reed), who drives the rig while the Bandit acts as a high-speed decoy to keep the law at bay.

Their escapades take them on a wild ride full of hilarious mishaps and hair-raising chases as they outwit the relentless pursuit of Sheriff Buford T. Justice (Jackie Gleason).

The film’s blend of action, humor, and the undeniable chemistry between the characters struck a chord with audiences and set the stage for what would become a beloved franchise.

The Sequel Saga: From Beer to Elephants (1980, 1983)

The roaring success of the original film was bound to spawn sequels, and that it did. In 1980, “Smokey and the Bandit II” raced onto the scene, bringing back the irrepressible team of Bandit and Snowman.

This time, they’re tasked with a new mission: transporting an elephant across state lines. The film doubled down on the action, upped the ante on the comedy, and solidified the series’ status as a crowd-pleaser.

Fast forward to 1983, and “Smokey and the Bandit Part 3” continued the saga, albeit with some changes.

While not as critically acclaimed as its predecessors, it still delivered the same brand of high-speed humor and chase scenes that fans had come to expect. In this installment, the Bandit embarks on a quest to rescue Snowman’s family from a heap of trouble.

TV Movies: Expanding the Universe (1994-1997)

The Bandit’s adventures weren’t confined to the silver screen alone. Hal Needham, a frequent collaborator with Burt Reynolds, helmed four made-for-TV movies that further expanded the Bandit universe:

“Bandit Goes Country” (1994): The Bandit’s task shifts to escorting a pregnant elephant.

“Bandit: Bandit” (1994): The Bandit joins forces with a female trucker for a high-stakes race against time.

“Bandit, Bandit” (1994): The Bandit steps up to help a woman protect her inheritance from unscrupulous villains.

“Bandit’s Silver Angel” (1994): The Bandit takes to the skies, participating in an air race to save an orphanage.

A Unique Spin: “Beauty and the Bandit” (1996)

The collection takes a delightful turn with “Beauty and the Bandit” (1996). Shifting its focus, this film centers around a female truck driver named Dusty Trails, portrayed by Brian Krause. Dusty unwittingly stumbles into the Bandit’s world, leading to a romantic connection that adds depth to the characters and narrative. As the Bandit continues to blaze a trail, this installment brings a fresh perspective to the franchise.

Enduring Influence and Legacy

The “Smokey and the Bandit” series has left an undeniable imprint on popular culture. Iconic quotes, memorable scenes, and the instantly recognizable black Trans Am car have become symbols of the franchise.

Its impact extends beyond the screen, with references appearing in various media, from TV shows to music, proving its enduring influence.

The Bandit’s Appeal

The appeal of the “Smokey and the Bandit” series is multifaceted. Burt Reynolds’ portrayal of the Bandit became synonymous with renegade charm, and the chemistry between characters resonated with audiences.

The films captured the thrill of the open road, the camaraderie between friends, and the audacity of living life on the edge.

The Ultimate Collection

“Smokey and the Bandit: The 7-Movie Outlaw Collection” encapsulates the essence of the franchise. From its inception in 1977 to the expansion into TV movies, the collection offers a comprehensive view of the Bandit’s escapades.

The charismatic performances, heart-pounding chases, and belly-laugh inducing humor remain as compelling today as they were upon their initial release.

How many smokey and the bandit movies are there 

Theatrical Sequels:

There are only 3 official theatrical sequels:
Smokey and the Bandit (1977)
Smokey and the Bandit II (1980)
Smokey and the Bandit Part 3 (1983)

Made-for-TV Sequels:

4 additional movies were made for TV between 1981 and 1984, continuing the story:

Smokey and the Bandit Goes North (1981)
The Bandit Bandit (1981)
Smokey and the Bandit III (1983)
Smokey and the Bandit: Bandit’s Rockin’ Revival (1984)

So, technically:

There are 3 cinematic Smokey and the Bandit movies.

The franchise as a whole, including TV movies, counts 7 films.

Depending on how you define “movies” and your preferred context, you can say there are either 3 or 7 Smokey and the Bandit films.

Smokey and the bandit movies for sale 

If you’re looking for Smokey and the Bandit movies for sale, you have several options! Here are some places you can find them:

Physical Copies:

Online retailers: Major platforms like Amazon, Walmart, and eBay usually offer both individual movies and box sets for purchase, often in DVD and Blu-ray formats. Look for titles like “Smokey and the Bandit”, “The 7-Movie Outlaw Collection”, or specific sequels by name.

Used media stores: Check out places like Half Price Books, Gruv, or local used DVD sellers. These stores often have a good selection of older movies, and you might find individual films or box sets at discounted prices.

Collectible marketplaces: Sites like Discogs and Movie Respawn sometimes have rare or special editions of the movies, although these may be pricier.
Digital Copies:

Streaming services: You can rent or buy individual movies on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies & TV, YouTube, and iTunes. Check for availability and pricing on their respective websites or apps.

Direct digital purchase: Universal Pictures offers digital purchases of the movies through their website. You can own them outright for playback on various devices.
Here are some additional tips for finding the best deals:

Compare prices across different retailers: Don’t just jump at the first option you see. Look for deals and discounts, especially around holidays or major sales events.

Consider the format: Decide if you prefer DVD, Blu-ray, or digital copies. Blu-ray offers the best picture quality, but DVDs are often cheaper and can still be enjoyable.

Think about special features: Some box sets come with bonus content like documentaries, interviews, or behind-the-scenes footage. Consider if these extras are worth the additional cost.

Smokey and the bandit movies where to watch 

There are multiple options for watching the Smokey and the Bandit movies, depending on your preference and budget:

Streaming Services:

Paramount Plus: Currently has the original “Smokey and the Bandit” (1977) with a subscription.

SHOWTIME: Offers “Smokey and the Bandit” through its streaming service and channel, accessible with a subscription.

Prime Video: Rents or purchases individual movies like “Smokey and the Bandit” and “Smokey and the Bandit II.”

The Roku Channel: Has “Smokey and the Bandit” available for free with ads on supported devices.

Digital Rentals/Purchases:

Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies & TV, YouTube, iTunes: Rent or purchase individual movies like “Smokey and the Bandit” and “Smokey and the Bandit II.”

Universal Pictures: Offers digital purchases for all three original movies on their website.

Free with Ads:

Tubi: Currently has “Smokey and the Bandit II” (1980) available for free with ads.

Physical Media:

Blu-ray/DVD Rentals: Libraries and some video rental stores may still offer these movies.

Used Copies: Purchase physical copies at second-hand stores like Half Price Books or online through sites like eBay.

TV Guide:

Check TV Guide listings to see if any upcoming broadcasts of the movies are planned on cable or satellite channels.

Remember: Availability and pricing may vary depending on your location and specific streaming service.

Here are some additional factors to consider:

Which movie(s) do you want to watch? Not all options offer the full range of Smokey and the Bandit films.

Do you prefer streaming or physical media? Streaming typically offers instant access but requires an internet connection, while physical media provides permanent ownership but takes time to acquire.

Budget: Streaming services often require subscriptions, while digital purchases require upfront costs. Free options with ads and used copies offer budget-friendly alternatives.

Movies similar to smokey and the bandit 

Ah, Smokey and the Bandit! A classic tale of high-speed chases, outlaw trucking, and charming roguery. If you’re looking for movies similar in spirit, here are some options depending on what aspect of Smokey you’d like to recapture:

High-octane road trip fun:

The Cannonball Run (1981): Another Burt Reynolds vehicle featuring a wacky cross-country race with outrageous stunts and cameos galore.

Hooper (1978): Hal Needham, who directed Smokey, delivers another action-packed film about a Hollywood stunt driver navigating the world of car chases and explosions.

Mad Max (1979): A post-apocalyptic chase fest in the desolate Australian outback, with a punk-rock aesthetic and brutal car combat.

Vanishing Point (1971): A hypnotic tale of a disillusioned driver pushing his muscle car to the limit across the deserts of California.

Outlaw charm and wit:

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969): Another classic buddy film with charismatic leads, bank robberies, and thrilling escapes.

Kelly’s Heroes (1970): Clint Eastwood leads a motley crew of WWII soldiers on a daring heist behind enemy lines, full of dark humor and action.

Stir Crazy (1980): Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor team up for another hilarious prison break comedy with plenty of improvisational mayhem.

Raising Arizona (1987): The Coen Brothers deliver a quirky tale of a furniture store worker and his wife who try to start a family, leading to kidnapping and hilarious misadventures.

Southern-fried flavor:

The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000): Will Smith stars in this sports drama set in Depression-era Georgia, with golf as a backdrop for redemption and Southern storytelling.

Steel Magnolias (1989): A heartwarming tearjerker set in a Louisiana beauty parlor, featuring a strong female cast and poignant reflections on life and death.

O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000): The Coen Brothers again, weaving a quirky Depression-era odyssey inspired by Homer’s Odyssey, with gospel music and a Southern drawl.

Sweet Home Alabama (2002): Reese Witherspoon shines in this romantic comedy about a New York fashion designer forced to return to her small Alabama hometown.

These are just a few suggestions, and the best match for you will depend on your specific tastes. But hopefully, this list gives you a good starting point for your next cinematic adventure!

Conclusion: The Enduring Ride

The Bandit’s journey through seven movies reflects the spirit of rebellion, adventure, and camaraderie that resonates with audiences across generations.

From the iconic opening notes of “East Bound and Down” to the roar of engines on the open road, the “Smokey and the Bandit” series has solidified its place in cinematic history.

As fans revisit the collection, they embark on a thrilling ride that’s both nostalgic and timeless, reaffirming the Bandit’s status as an enduring icon of the silver screen.