If you’re 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 explore How Many Smokey and the Bandit Movies are There? the number of “Smokey and the Bandit” movies in existence and share some intriguing facts about this beloved franchise.
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“Smokey and the Bandit”, directed by Hal Needham and featuring Burt Reynolds, Sally Field, and Jerry Reed, is a classic 1977 action-comedy film. It tells the story of a truck driver named Bo “Bandit” Darville, hired to smuggle Coors beer from Texas to Georgia while evading the relentless pursuit of Sheriff Buford T. Justice.
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The movie enjoyed instant success, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of 1977. Its popularity led to the creation of several sequels, each with its own unique story and cast of characters.
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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’s a breakdown of each movie:
1. Smokey and the Bandit (1977)
The film that initiated it all, “Smokey and the Bandit,” follows Bandit and his truck-driving partner, Cledus Snow, as they embark on a 28-hour journey to transport 400 cases of Coors beer from Texas to Georgia.
Along the way, they encounter a runaway bride named Carrie (Sally Field), running away from her groom, the son of a wealthy Texas businessman. Their cross-country trek is shadowed by the determined pursuit of Sheriff Buford T. Justice.
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2. Smokey and the Bandit II (1980)
In the sequel, “Smokey and the Bandit II,” Bandit and Cledus are tasked with transporting a pregnant elephant named Charlotte from Florida to Texas.
Along the way, they face a new adversary, a corrupt politician named “Big Enos” Burdette, who seeks to exploit the elephant for political gain. Sheriff Buford T. Justice once again hotly pursues them.
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3. Smokey and the Bandit Part 3 (1983)
The third installment, “Smokey and the Bandit Part 3,” takes a different narrative route and introduces a new ensemble of characters. The movie centers on a group of college students participating in a cross-country race from California to Georgia.
They enlist the services of a truck driver named “The Bandit” (Jerry Reed) to secure their victory. However, they soon discover that the race is rigged, and they find themselves pursued by a corrupt sheriff.
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4. The TV Movie – Bandit Goes Country (1994)
The first of four made-for-television movies, “Bandit Goes Country,” introduces Brian Bloom as a new character named Michael Brooks, who is the son of Bandit’s friend.
Michael is a talented country singer pursued by a group of thugs, and Bandit agrees to help protect him on his journey to Nashville.
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5. The TV Movie – Bandit Bandit (1994)
In “Bandit Bandit,” Brian Bloom returns as Michael Brooks, now a professional race car driver. Bandit emerges from retirement to aid Michael, who has been framed for a crime he did not commit.
6. The TV Movie – Beauty and the Bandit (1994)
“Beauty and the Bandit” introduces a new character, Beth (Kathy Ireland), a fashion model pursued by kidnappers. Bandit agrees to assist Beth and safeguard 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,” sees Brian Bloom reprising his role as Michael Brooks. This time, Michael is a stuntman pursued by a gang of criminals, and Bandit once again steps in to protect him during his perilous journey.
The Legacy of Smokey and the Bandit
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The “Smokey and the Bandit” movies have left an enduring mark on popular culture, cherished by fans to this day. These films catapulted the careers of Burt Reynolds and Sally Field and served as inspiration for generations of truck drivers and car enthusiasts.
The iconic black Trans Am driven by Bandit in the films has achieved cultural icon status and remains highly sought after by collectors.
The History of Smokey and the Bandit Movies
Following the triumph of the original film, Universal Pictures swiftly greenlit a sequel. “Smokey and the Bandit II” hit theaters in 1980, reuniting most of the original cast, including Burt Reynolds, Sally Field, and Jackie Gleason as Sheriff Buford T. Justice.
This time, the story revolved around Bandit and Cledus transporting a pregnant elephant from Florida to Texas while evading Sheriff Justice.
The third installment, “Smokey and the Bandit Part 3,” arrived in 1983. However, it did not match the success of its predecessors and received critical backlash. Jerry Reed took on the role of Bandit, with Burt Reynolds making only a cameo appearance.
In 1994, four made-for-television movies under the “Bandit” banner were released. These included “Bandit Goes Country,” “Bandit Bandit,” “Beauty and the Bandit,” and “Bandit’s Silver Angel.” Notably, none of these served as direct sequels to the original film, and Burt Reynolds did not appear as Bandit.
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Where to Watch Smokey and the Bandit?
“Smokey and the Bandit” is available for streaming on various platforms and for rent or purchase on digital platforms. HBO Max offers the film for streaming to its subscribers.
It is also accessible for rent or purchase through Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, iTunes, YouTube, Vudu, and other digital platforms. Additionally, DVD and Blu-ray copies are available for rent or purchase from online retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.
People Also Ask
- Burt Reynolds portrayed the character of Bandit in the first two films, while Jerry Reed took on the role in “Smokey and the Bandit Part 3.”
- Bandit drove a black Pontiac Trans Am in the “Smokey and the Bandit” movies, which has become an iconic symbol of the franchise.
- Jackie Gleason portrayed Sheriff Buford T. Justice in all three of the original films.
Conclusion
The “Smokey and the Bandit” franchise continues to hold a special place in American pop culture, blending high-speed car chases, comedic escapades, and memorable characters. From its inception in the 1970s to its enduring influence on contemporary culture, the franchise continues to entertain and inspire fans of all ages.
Whether you’re a longtime enthusiast or new to the adventures of Bandit and his crew, the “Smokey and the Bandit” movies promise an unforgettable journey that will stay with you for a long time.