You can travel to auto shows around the world to see the latest breakthrough concept cars, customized hot rods, and classic roadsters. Or you can watch the movies that feature these fifteen awesome automobiles.

Photo by Universal Pictures2006 FORD MUSTANG GT
As Seen In: Death Race
Key Technical Specs: Supercharged 4.6L 3V Ford V8; two hood-mounted .308 machine guns.

Auto racing is a serious sport, especially when you're driving for your freedom against a field of psychotic prison inmates in cars with heavy artillery. Luckily, this ride not only has speed and handling, but defensive counter-measures including oil slicks, smoke screens and napalm.

Available Options: Passenger seating for an improbably attractive navigator.

Photo by Warner Bros. Pictures, Everett Collection1968 390 GT V8 FORD MUSTANG
As Seen In: Bullitt
Key Technical Specs: 325 horsepower; turns the hilly streets of San Francisco into the American Le Mans.

This pine green hunk of steel and attitude gets more air time than Michael Jordan in a shoe ad. It is the ride for running a Dodge Charger filled with mafia hit men off the road. This car has proven to be so iconic that 40 years later Ford has revived its look and feel for the 2008 Bullitt Mustang.

Available Options: Allows you to look cool in a turtleneck/blazer combo.

Photo by Warner Bros. PicturesWAYNE INDUSTRIES TUMBLER
a/k/a The Batmobile
As Seen In: Batman Begins and The Dark Knight
Key Technical Specs: Chevy 5.7-liter V-8 engine; genuinely frightening to see in your rear-view mirror.

The latest vehicle from Wayne Industries' lead engineer, Lucius Fox. Sure, the Tumbler lacks the stylistic flourishes of previous models -- no tail fins, bubble windshields or neon lighting here. Instead it delivers pure, jet-boosted power. This ride will shock and awe any evil-doer into submission.

Available Options: 2-wheel Batpod ejects, fires cannons, and looks awesome.

Photo by Universal/Kobal, WireImage1974 DODGE MONACO
a/k/a The Bluesmobile
As Seen In: The Blues Brothers
Key Technical Specs: Cop motor - a 440-cubic inch plant; cop tires; cop suspensions; cop shocks.

Available for purchase at the Mount Prospect, IL police auction, this former prowler has a lot of pickup. This baby won't be slowed down for a moment by the odd open drawbridge, unfinished freeway, or gaping crater in the road. It's perfect when you've got 106 miles to Chicago, a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and you're wearing sunglasses.

Available Options: Giant speaker on the roof to publicize your next gig.

Photo by MGM/UA, Everett Collection1963 ASTON MARTIN DB5
Modified/Weaponized by: Q
As Seen In: Goldfinger, Thunderball, Goldeneye and Casino Royale
Key Technical Specs: 282 hp 4.0L straight-6; passenger ejector seat.

Aston Martin has been the make of choice for MI-6 agents for years, but this model remains the gold standard. The DB5 is ideal for fleeing sinister henchmen on Alpine by-ways or mowing them down with the .30 caliber machine guns hidden behind the tail lights. Remember: do not drink martinis and drive.

Available Options: Double-0 agents can upgrade to the DBS V12.

Photo by Robert Zuckerman/Paramount Pictures2009 CHEVROLET CAMARO
Modified by (or into): Bumblebee
As Seen In: Transformers
Key Technical Specs: 5.7-liter LS2 V8 engine; becomes a 17-foot-tall robot.

If you're a socially awkward adolescent aiming for a girl who's way out of your league, this car is for you. Not only can this coupe dispense well-timed dating advice, but it can also turn the driver into a hero of an epic intergalactic fight between good and evil. The ladies dig that.

Available Options: Deluxe edition fires laser cannon while being towed.

Photo by Columbia Pictures1958 PLYMOTH FURY
As Seen In: Christine
Key Technical Specs: 350 V-8; TorqueFlite transmission; sociopathic.

Collectors of classic automobiles often complain that cars today are lacking in "personality." Christine is a perfect example of why that's not always a bad thing. She's possessive, hostile, and more unsafe at any speed than a Corvair. And since she is self-regenerating, she'll surely be the last car you ever own.

Available Options: Custom red exterior will better hide bloodstains.

Photo by Paramount Pictures2002 MINI COOPER S
As Seen In: The Italian Job
Update of: Austin Mini Cooper S Mark I seen in 1969's The Italian Job
Key Technical Specs: 1.6L 4-cylinder; ample trunk space for stolen gold.

The Mini Cooper has long been the preferred car for bands of thieves both on the Continent and here in the States. Whether you're winding your way through the streets of Turin or the subway tunnels of Los Angeles (not recommended), you won't find a groovier ride that the MINI.

Available Options: Buy in bulk for your (funky) bunch of crooks.

Photo by Universal Pictures, Everett Collection1932 FORD MODEL B
a/k/a Deuce Coupe
As Seen In: American Graffiti
Key Technical Specs: Modified 1966 Chevrolet 327 cubic in. engine; 5-window configuration; no hood.

For most teens in the early '60s, cruising the main drag listening to Wolfman Jack was all it took for a good time. But nothing matched the excitement of a real drag race, especially the night Bob Falfa flipped his '55 Chevy when he took on John Milner in this unforgettable hot rod.

Available Options: Canary Yellow paint job lets everyone know who's the fastest on the strip.

Photo by Paramount Pictures1961 FERRARI 250 GT CALIFORNIA
Modified/Destroyed by: Cameron Frye
As Seen In: Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Key Technical Specs: 240 horsepower V12 Engine; plays the Star Wars theme.

Looking to get the attention of an emotionally distant parent? Slamming one of these through the glass wall of an elevated garage might just do the trick. Since only 45 of these babies were ever made, the going price is in the neighborhood of $2.5 million. So unless you're looking to get throttled or disowned, find another set of wheels for your "sick day" joyride.

Available Options: Deluxe edition has odometer that actually will run backwards.

Photo by Universal Pictures2002 NISSAN 350Z FAIRLADY
As Seen In: The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift
Key Technical Specs: 287 horsepower 3.5L V6; runs on regular, not (Vin) diesel.

A lot of cars are fast. Some are furious. But few cars combine speed with anger management issues like 350Z Fairlady. With its custom paint job and fine tuned suspension system you'll be drifting like a Tokyo crime lord.

Available Options: Discontinued Paul Walker add-on is available again.

Photo by Fox Searchlight Pictures1973 VOLKSWAGEN TYPE 2 "TRANSPORTER"
As Seen In: Little Miss Sunshine
Key Technical Specs: 4-speed manual (non-functioning clutch); sliding side door (detachable); horn (continuous).

An interstate road trip is just the thing to bring together a fractured family of unsuccessful motivational speakers, suicidal scholars, mute teens and wannabe beauty queens. Especially when they all have to work with each other to push their banana-yellow VW Bus for a running start.

Available Options: Back seat folds down for storing luggage or the deceased.

Photo by Richard Cartwright/Disney Pictures1963 MODEL 117 VOLKSWAGEN TYPE 1 "BEETLE" DELUXE
As Seen In: Herbie: Fully Loaded
Key Technical Specs: 34 horsepower, 1.1L 4 cylinder engine; sentience.

Ever longed for a set of wheels that handled like a dream, was fuel efficient, and would follow you around like a love-hungry golden retriever? Well, this is the car for you. It's sporty enough to compete in NASCAR, yet so dependable even Lindsay Lohan can drive it without endangering others.

Available Options: May develop a romantic interest in a New Beetle.

Photo by Dimension Films1970 DODGE CHALLENGER R/T
As Seen In: Grindhouse: Death Proof and Vanishing Point
Key Technical Specs: 375 horsepower Magnum V-8; seats six - two in front, three in back and one on the hood.

If you absolutely, positively have to get away from Kurt Russell, this is the car for you. This 440 cubic-inch beauty is the car of choice for reckless adrenaline junkies everywhere. Perfect for a nihilist race across the American West or pursuing a serial killer through Tennessee's rolling hills.

Available Options: Comes with matching stuntperson E-Z grip gloves.

Photo by Universal/Kobal, WireImageDeLOREAN DMC-12
As Seen In: Back to the Future Part 1, Part II and Part III
Modified by: Dr. Emmett L. Brown
Key Technical Specs: Goes from 1985 to 1955 in under three seconds.

Before Doc Brown's breakthrough mod -- the flux capacitor -- the iconic DeLorean DMC-12 was the "it" car for movie producers, record execs and other criminals. But this car is capable of so much more. Not only can you impress the ladies along the Sunset Strip, but you can also outrun terrorists, thwart high school bullies, and resolve long-standing oedipal issues.

Available Options: Deluxe edition runs on trash and doesn't need roads.