If you are a fan of classic American comedy movies, then Smokey and the Bandit might be on your watchlist. This action-packed movie was released in 1977 and starred Burt Reynolds, Sally Field, and Jackie Gleason. It became a cultural phenomenon and inspired a series of movies that followed.
In this article, we will discuss how many Smokey and the Bandit movies are there and provide you with some interesting facts about this franchise.
Introduction
“Smokey and the Bandit” is a classic 1977 action-comedy film directed by Hal Needham and starring Burt Reynolds, Sally Field, and Jerry Reed. It tells the story of a truck driver named Bo “Bandit” Darville, who is hired to smuggle Coors beer from Texas to Georgia while avoiding the pursuit of a relentless sheriff named Buford T. Justice.
The movie was an instant success and became one of the highest-grossing films of 1977. It was so popular that it spawned several sequels, each with its own unique story and cast of characters.
How Many Smokey and the Bandit Movies Are There?
In total, there are seven “Smokey and the Bandit” movies. The first three are the original films, while the last four are made-for-television movies. Here is a rundown of each movie:
| Movie Title | Release Year |
|---|---|
| Smokey and the Bandit | 1977 |
| Smokey and the Bandit II | 1980 |
| Smokey and the Bandit Part 3 | 1983 |
| Bandit Goes Country | 1994 |
| Bandit Bandit | 1994 |
| Beauty and the Bandit | 1994 |
| Bandit’s Silver Angel | 1994 |
1. Smokey and the Bandit (1977)
The movie that started it all, “Smokey and the Bandit” follows Bandit and his truck-driving partner, Cledus Snow, as they transport 400 cases of Coors beer from Texas to Georgia in 28 hours. Along the way, they pick up a runaway bride named Carrie (Sally Field) who is running away from her groom, the son of a wealthy Texas businessman. As they travel cross-country, they are pursued by Sheriff Buford T. Justice, who is determined to catch Bandit and bring him to justice.
2. Smokey and the Bandit II (1980)
In the sequel, “Smokey and the Bandit II,” Bandit and Cledus are hired to transport a pregnant elephant named Charlotte from Florida to Texas. Along the way, they encounter a new villain, a corrupt politician named “Big Enos” Burdette, who wants to use the elephant for his own political gain. Once again, Sheriff Buford T. Justice is hot on their trail.
3. Smokey and the Bandit Part 3 (1983)
The third installment of the franchise, “Smokey and the Bandit Part 3,” follows a different storyline and features a new cast of characters. The film focuses on a group of college students who enter a cross-country race that goes from California to Georgia. The students hire a truck driver named “The Bandit” (Jerry Reed) to help them win the race, but they soon discover that the race is rigged and they are being pursued by a corrupt sheriff.
4. The TV Movie – Bandit Goes Country (1994)
The first of the four made-for-television movies, “Bandit Goes Country,” features Brian Bloom as a new character named Michael Brooks, who is the son of Bandit’s friend. Michael is a talented country singer who is being pursued by a group of thugs. Bandit agrees to help Michael and protect him on his journey to Nashville.
5. The TV Movie – Bandit Bandit (1994)
In “Bandit Bandit,” Brian Bloom returns as Michael Brooks, who is now a professional race car driver. Bandit comes out of retirement to help Michael when he is framed for a crime he didn’t commit.
6. The TV Movie – Beauty and the Bandit (1994)
“Beauty and the Bandit” features a new character named Beth (Kathy Ireland), who is a fashion model being pursued by a group of kidnappers. Bandit agrees to help Beth and protect her on her journey to safety.
7. The TV Movie – Bandit’s Silver Angel (1994)
The final made-for-television movie, “Bandit’s Silver Angel,” features Brian Bloom as Michael Brooks once again. This time, Michael is a stuntman who is being pursued by a gang of criminals. Bandit agrees to help Michael and protect him on his dangerous journey.
The Legacy of Smokey and the Bandit
The “Smokey and the Bandit” movies have had a lasting impact on popular culture and continue to be beloved by fans today. The films helped to launch the careers of Burt Reynolds and Sally Field and inspired a generation of truck drivers and car enthusiasts. The iconic black Trans Am driven by Bandit in the films has become a cultural icon and is still sought after by collectors today.
The History of Smokey and the Bandit Movies
After the success of the first film, Universal Pictures quickly greenlit a sequel. “Smokey and the Bandit II” was released in 1980 and brought back most of the original cast, including Burt Reynolds, Sally Field, and Jackie Gleason as Sheriff Buford T. Justice. The story followed Bandit and Cledus as they transport a pregnant elephant from Florida to Texas while being pursued by Sheriff Justice.
The third installment, “Smokey and the Bandit Part 3,” was released in 1983. However, the film was not as successful as the first two and received negative reviews from critics. It starred Jerry Reed as Bandit, while Burt Reynolds only made a cameo appearance.
In 1994, four made-for-television movies were released under the “Bandit” name. They were “Bandit Goes Country,” “Bandit Bandit,” “Beauty and the Bandit,” and “Bandit’s Silver Angel.” However, none of them were direct sequels to the original film, and they did not feature Burt Reynolds as Bandit.
Where to watch smokey and the bandit?
mokey and the Bandit can be watched on various streaming platforms and rental services.
For those who have a subscription to HBO Max, the movie is available to stream on the platform. It is also available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, iTunes, YouTube, Vudu, and other digital platforms.
Additionally, the movie can be rented or purchased on DVD or Blu-ray from various online retailers, such as Amazon or Best Buy.
So, whether you prefer to stream it or own a physical copy, there are plenty of options available to watch Smokey and the Bandit.
People also ask
Burt Reynolds played the character of Bandit in the first two films. In “Smokey and the Bandit Part 3,” Jerry Reed took over the role.
Bandit drove a black Pontiac Trans Am in the “Smokey and the Bandit” movies. The car became an iconic symbol of the franchise and is still popular among car enthusiasts today.
Jackie Gleason played the character of Sheriff Buford T. Justice in all three of the original films.
Conclusion
The “Smokey and the Bandit” franchise remains a beloved part of American pop culture, thanks to its blend of high-speed car chases, comedic hijinks, and memorable characters. From its origins in the 1970s to its lasting impact on popular culture today, the franchise continues to entertain and inspire fans of all ages. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the world of Bandit and his crew, the “Smokey and the Bandit” movies are sure to provide a wild ride that you won’t soon forget.