Days of Thunder

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2:13

Days of Thunder

PG-13

1990

1h 47m

Action

Drama

Romance

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Popcornmeter

38%

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68 Reviews

60%

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100,000+ Ratings

In the fast-paced world of NASCAR, a rivalry brews between rookie hotshot Cole Trickle (Tom Cruise) and veteran racer Rowdy Burns (Michael Rooker). When both of them are seriously injured in competition, the former bitter rivals become close friends. With Cole's spirits restored by a romance with neurosurgeon Dr. Claire Lewicki (Nicole Kidman), and Rowdy still sidelined by injuries, Cole decides to race Rowdy's car in the Daytona 500 against underhanded newcomer Russ Wheeler (Cary Elwes).

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Critics Consensus

Days of Thunder has Tom Cruise and plenty of flash going for it, but they aren't enough to compensate for the stock plot, two-dimensional characters, and poorly written dialogue.

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Tim Robey

Daily Telegraph (UK)

Oct 24, 2018

The most daring thing about his cat-and-mouse game with Kidman is how erotic Noyce makes it.

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Clayton Dillard

Slant Magazine

Jun 25, 2015

Dispensing with all notions that Days of Thunder is a critical work of any sort reveals its hollow and misogynistic underpinnings.

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Terrence Rafferty

The New Yorker

May 20, 2014

Like the previous Simpson-Bruckheimer pictures, it's designed to give audiences an overdose of the thrill of victory; it wants us to jump out of our seats, pumping our fists in the air and roaring for the hero to pulverize his opponents.

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Eddie Harrison

film-authority.com

Feb 8, 2026

3/5

…Quentin Tarantino suggests that Days of Thunder is better than Grand Prix and Le Mans, but he’s wrong on both counts; Tony Scott's NASCAR movie is far too slammed together to be a movie for the ages, but now as in 1990, just about passes the time…

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Yasser Medina

Cinefilia

Jul 19, 2025

4/10

As an action-packed sports drama, it often features racing sequences that are, in general, low-octane and wear out like a tire on the track. [Full review in Spanish]

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Terry Francis

Southern Voice (Atlanta)

May 9, 2023

0.5/4

Some members of the audience I attended for Days of Thunder snickered at the mythologizing of the young actor on the screen. Tom Cruise would be wise to pay heed to such derision.

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Alec

Jun 25, 2025

Still one of my faves of the 90s! Cruise and Kidman back in the day. Great racing scenes and how can you not root for Cole to Win Daytona! Great cast, action, and score. A high-octane action film when Simpson Bruckheimer were at their peak! Loved it still 35 years later! 🏁

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Bronn B

@RT31774873 Aug 31, 2026

A formulaic feel good Tom Cruise movie that is a throwback to a different era. The cast is white, the hero is straight, and the plot is straightforward. Yes, the America of that era IS superior to the dumpster fire of today.

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Shawna D

@Beanieboo Aug 30, 2026

One of my favs!! Watched it in 1990 and again just now.

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P P

@Pete_at_the_movies Aug 9, 2026

Everything about this movie is actually stupid.

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R T

@RT66766241 Aug 4, 2026

Very good move, it’s one of Tom Cruise’s best.

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Metal S.

@MetalSombreros Jul 23, 2026

This movie is quick and to the point, taking only 10 minutes to establish the characters and vibe and then it lays the nascar porn on really thick, tons of car action, crowd shots and golden sunset film work. The movie is full of beer and cigarette logos that would never fly today. This is a MOVIE. Director Tony Scott is brilliant and captures a wonderful moment in time. I went 4 stars because I cant quite call it a PERFECT movie but it delivers in every way.

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Tony Scott

Director

Tom Cruise

Cole Trickle

Robert Duvall

Harry Hogge

Nicole Kidman

Dr. Claire Lewicki

Randy Quaid

Tim Daland

Michael Rooker

Rowdy Burns

Days of Thunder: Official Clip - Rental Car Race

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Days of Thunder: Official Clip - Wheelchair Race!

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Days of Thunder: Official Clip - Nicole Kidman: Doctor or Stripper?

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Days of Thunder: Official Clip - Tom Cruise's Near-Death Crash

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Days of Thunder: Official Clip - The Taxi Chase - Tom Cruise Is SCARED

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Days of Thunder: Official Clip - Tom Cruise vs. Michael Rooker at Darlington

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Days of Thunder: Official Clip - The Daytona 500 Race!

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Days of Thunder: Official Clip - Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise Get Steamy

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Days of Thunder: Official Clip - Sexy Cop Prank

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Days of Thunder: Official Clip - Tom Cruise Crashes into Cary Elwes!

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Synopsis

In the fast-paced world of NASCAR, a rivalry brews between rookie hotshot Cole Trickle (Tom Cruise) and veteran racer Rowdy Burns (Michael Rooker). When both of them are seriously injured in competition, the former bitter rivals become close friends. With Cole's spirits restored by a romance with neurosurgeon Dr. Claire Lewicki (Nicole Kidman), and Rowdy still sidelined by injuries, Cole decides to race Rowdy's car in the Daytona 500 against underhanded newcomer Russ Wheeler (Cary Elwes).

Director: Tony Scott
Producer: Jerry Bruckheimer, Don Simpson
Screenwriter: Robert Towne, Tom Cruise
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Production Co: Paramount Pictures, Don Simpson/Jerry Bruckheimer Films
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Action, Drama, Romance
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 27, 1990, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 1, 2011
Box Office (Gross USA): $80.6M
Runtime: 1h 47m
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby SR, CDS, Stereo
Aspect Ratio: 70mm

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