Two of the world’s favorite pastimes include watching movies and driving fast cars. Therefore, it’s no surprise that the two worlds have collided on multiple occasions. There are a handful of vehicles that bear the names of famous movies and movie characters.

Those who are lucky enough to drive one of these vehicles can enjoy an extra boost of inspiration during their daily commute as they remember their car’s namesake. Here are four cars named after popular movies or movie characters.

The Hyundai Matrix 

The Matrix was released in 1999 and changed the face of popular movies forever. Starring Keanu Reeves and a large cast of stars, The Matrix was a futuristic look at the world of technology and cyber intelligence. It went on to spawn several sequels and to date, remains a cult classic that is watched by thousands of fans every year.

In 2001, the Hyundai Matrix was launched, a five-seat hatchback that was powered by 1.5-liter, 1.6-liter and 1.8-liter petrol engines. Although the Matrix wasn’t quite as streamlined as the technology featured in the movie itself, it was a popular choice for families, and Hyundai continued manufacturing it a number of years, with one major overhaul done in 2008. 

The Jeep Patriot

For those who are seeking a strong dose of inspiration with their action movie entertainment, 2000’s The Patriot is a great choice. Starring Mel Gibson, the movie is set during the Revolutionary War and is alternately heartwarming and sad. One of Gibson’s last major starring vehicles, The Patriot also featured Heath Ledger before his iconic role as The Joker in The Dark Knight. To this day, the movie remains as powerful as when it was first released.

The Jeep Patriot debuted in early 2006 and quickly became a popular choice for those seeking a durable, stylish family car. Driving home the message of American pride, the Patriot featured an exclusive four-wheel-drive system, called the Freedom Drive II. Although the Jeep Patriot was discontinued in 2017, there are still a number of models on the road, and even today, they’re considered to be a fully capable and comfortable off-road vehicle. 

The 1955 Chrysler (Ghia) Streamline X “Gilda”

Released in 1946, Gilda is a silver-screen classic. The film featured Rita Hayworth as a femme fatale, and ultimately, the film was responsible for launching Hayworth’s Hollywood career. Even today, Gilda remains a popular watch with fans of classic Hollywood, and the moment where Hayworth seductively dances to “Put the Blame on Mame” is considered to be an all-time film highlight.

In 1955, the Chrysler (Ghia) Streamline X “Gilda” was unveiled, captivating the public’s imagination. A futuristic marvel of a vehicle, designer Giovanni Savonuzzi specifically named the model after Rita Hayworth in the classic Hollywood movie, due to the sexy, sleek way that Hayworth’s character was described in the film. The car remains a time capsule of the ’50s and is part of a unique chapter in American automobile history. 

The 2007 Chrysler 300C

In 2006, the movie 300 was released. A gritty, brutal action film that was based on a graphic novel, 300 became very popular in relatively short order. Star Gerard Butler was christened as an action star, and to this day, it remains one of his most popular films.

In addition to a workout plan, the movie 300 inspired a car: the 2007 Chrysler 300C. The vehicle was streamlined and sleek, featuring a 5.7-liter, V8. These days, it is still considered to be a symbol of luxury – at least as powerful and as legendary as King Leonidas in the movie 300. 

Undoubtedly, there will continue to be more vehicles named after movies and characters within the next few years.