The Cannonball Run poster

Movie

The Cannonball Run

1981PG1h 35m6.2 / 10

You'll root for them all...but you'll never guess who wins.

A cross-country road race is based on an actual event, the Cannonball Baker Sea to Shining Sea Memorial Trophy Dash, organized by Brock Yates to protest the 55 mph speed limit then in effect in the U.S. The Cannonball was named for Erwin G. "Cannonball" Baker, who in the roaring 20's rode his motorcycle across the country. Many of the characters are based on ruses developed by real Cannonball racers over the several years that the event was run.

Availability

Not streaming in United States

Checked Jul 22, 2026

The Cannonball Run opened in theaters June 19, 1981. We don't have a confirmed streaming, rental or purchase option yet.

Synopsis

A cross-country road race is based on an actual event, the Cannonball Baker Sea to Shining Sea Memorial Trophy Dash, organized by Brock Yates to protest the 55 mph speed limit then in effect in the U.S. The Cannonball was named for Erwin G. "Cannonball" Baker, who in the roaring 20's rode his motorcycle across the country. Many of the characters are based on ruses developed by real Cannonball racers over the several years that the event was run.

More about The Cannonball Run

Cast

Burt ReynoldsJ.J. McClure
Roger MooreSeymour
Farrah FawcettPamela
Dom DeLuiseVictor
Dean MartinJamie Blake
Sammy Davis Jr.Fenderbaum
Jack ElamDoctor
Adrienne BarbeauMarcie

Credits

Directed by
Hal Needham
Written by
Brock Yates

Production details

Status
Released
Original language
English
Collection
Cannonball Run Collection
Budget
$18M
Box office
$72.2M

Production

  • Orange Sky Golden HarvestHong Kong
  • Albert S. Ruddy ProductionsUnited States

Themes

cross country race