An enigmatic man of fast cars and few words, the Driver excels at manoeuvring getaway cars, making him quite in demand in criminal circles. His notoriety infuriates the Detective, who becomes obsessed with taking him down. Luckily the Player, a resourceful woman, helps him elude the Detective.

Ryan O’Neal and Bruce Dern play fierce enemies in this crime thriller by Walter Hill (The Warriors ), also starring Isabelle Adjani. A critical and box-office flop on its release, the film has now gathered cult status and went on to influence modern classics such as Pulp Fiction and Drive!