Days of Thunder

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2:13

Days of Thunder

PG-13

Released Jun 27, 1990

1h 47m

Action

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Popcornmeter

37%

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67 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)

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

Oct 24, 2018

Full Review

Clayton Dillard

Slant Magazine

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

Jun 25, 2015

Full Review

Terrence Rafferty

The New Yorker

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.

May 20, 2014

Full Review

Yasser Medina

Cinefilia

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]

Rated: 4/10

Jul 19, 2025

Full Review

Terry Francis

Southern Voice (Atlanta)

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.

Rated: 0.5/4

May 9, 2023

Full Review

Bill Chambers

Film Freak Central

There is some interest to be mined from Days of Thunder as an auteur piece--the auteur being Cruise, not Scott.

Rated: 2/4

Mar 3, 2022

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Alec

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! 🏁

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/25/25

Full Review

Joel H

Yes, Days of Thunder is a watered-down version of Top Gun, but there’s still plenty to cheer on in this Tom Cruise vehicle. First of all, the racing scenes are high-octane, adrenaline-fueled excitement, enhanced by the fact that they’re done with practical effects. Also, Robert Duvall sets the pace as the seasoned crew chief, and this movie gave a rolling start to Nicole Kidman’s career. However, the plot drifts a bit whenever it’s away from the track, and most of the cast play stock characters with no real development. Days of Thunder may not be a roaring success, but it’s worth the occasional watch.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

09/06/25

Full Review

Geo3 F

Not a bad movie however is very dated, such as the Nascar cars look like in from a very different age compare to today, I don't know if if tom cruise or studios are making a sequel, i can see Top Gun Marverick vibes of it if they make as it very similar to Top Gun in story and vibes very 90’s film. Overall, a decent film but with an updated one could become even better.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

08/24/25

Full Review

Alexander B

You can smell the burning rubber and oil. Brilliant fun, a movie you’ll enjoy if you are fan of horse power and horseplay

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/04/25

Full Review

Brian B.

Days of Thunder has been one of my favorite movies since I was a kid. The chemistry between Tom Cruise and Robert Duvall is fantastic, and Nicole Kidman brings real presence. Hans Zimmer’s score is powerful and unforgettable, elevating the racing scenes to something cinematic and emotional. It’s a high-octane ride I keep coming back to.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/01/25

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Jason R

Best Racing Movie of All Time.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/30/25

Full Review

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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 - This Guy's Going Down

2:09

Days of Thunder: Official Clip - Wheeler's Lowdown Racing

2:13

Days of Thunder: Official Clip - Drive Through It

2:13

Days of Thunder: Official Clip - Dropping the Hammer

2:08

Days of Thunder: Official Clip - A Very Thorough Physical

2:13

Days of Thunder: Official Clip - Go to the Outside

2:05

Days of Thunder: Official Clip - Cole's Crash

2:12

Days of Thunder: Official Clip - Not My Specialty

1:04

Days of Thunder: Official Clip - Concealed Weapon

1:46

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Days of Thunder: Trailer 1

2:13

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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
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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