Van-tastic Films: 10 of the Most Popular Vans Featured in TV Shows and Films

Summer’s are all about sun, fun, holidays and relaxing and now expectations at a all time high – what do people want?

A pay-rise is always a good thing, but health, wealth, happiness (well being) and friends play an important elements in life and now we look back at an earlier time.

With special thanks to custom van specialists across the globe the trusty kitted out van are on trend and dependant on budget can mean a tiktok video of a couple DIY’ing their own van or going upmarketing and purchasing a famed machine such as VW Transporter, you can choose from a wide range of vans suited to your preferences and budget. For the movie buff, you may find yourself drawing some inspiration from some of the vans you’ve seen featured on your favorite movie or TV show. Granted, you may not always get an exact replica, but, ask the experts, and you can find something that comes as close as can get.

Of vans in movies, here is highlighted some of the most iconic vans of all times as featured on some of the most equally iconic fims made

The Mystery Machine on Scooby Doo

Almost always at the number one spot is the mystery machine on which Scooby, Shaggy and the rest of the crew ride on their crime-bursting adventures.

Remember when the van went rogue on the team? That was the case on episode 5 of the first season of What’s New Scooby Doo, when, through wireless controls, the van had come under the control of a culprit. A thrilling episode packed with excitement, and of course, the mystery machine delivered quite the performance.

Mutt Cutt’s Van on Dumb and Dumber

A van dressed as a dog, complete with the fur, ears, nose and the distinct red tongue is not something you’d miss or easily forget. Harry and Lloyd, alongside the hitchhiker they pick, Joe Mentalino, have a great fun in the van while on their cross-country adventure.

BA’s GMC Vandura on the A-team

BA’s van held strong through some of the most adrenaline-filled moments throughout the movie and TV show. It takes a special kind of van to go through all those gun battles, and pull off those incredible jumps. BA’s badass van even survived being stripped apart. But that’s understandable, given the van’s very buff and fortified exterior. The vandura also has surveillance equipment in the back.

The Yellow Van on Little Miss Sunshine

Bright yellow, just like the sun. The van proved not to be too reliable for its task, but it was all worth it, just to ensure Olive got to California for the Little miss Sunshine Junior contest. The Hoover family’s troubles started with having to push start the van, and throughout the fil,, they had to do quite a bit to ensure they stayed the course of their journey over the next two days.

The Bounder RV on Breaking Bad

A feature on the very first episode of the series, Walter White’s RV had its fair airtime throughout the series. Although the first time seeing this mobile home was as Heisenberg drove it into a pitch, it served as the laboratory for their drug-making venture for the first few seasons of the show.

DHARMA Van on Lost

The iconic van made its debut appearance during the tenth episode of season three.The DHARMA initiative used these vans to transport supplies and people around the island. Ben would then initiate the purge right there in the van, by killing his father and leaving his dead body in the van.The survivors then came across the van, and with some pooled effort, were able to start the engine of the broken van. Indeed, the van paved way for what is easily one of the greatest plots of the series.

The Fleetside Chevrolet on Kill Bill

How can you even miss the “Pussy Wagon” nameplate on this beauty? That, and of course, its bright yellow color. The Chevrolet comes into the picture after the Bride finds the keys to the truck in the pocket of the second victim from her revenge list.

The Reliant Regal on Only Fools and Horses

One of the best scenes with this van has to be when Rodney and Nery, inside the reliant regal, get pursued in a high-speed chase by a flashy sports car. Many incredible moments throughout the chase, but you may want to watch out for the moment where the reliant regal achieves an awesome hang time.

The Ford Explorer XLT on Jurassic Park

A close second after the dinosaurs, as far as attractions go on the hit film frachise, Jurassic Park. This electric Ford stands out for its colorful exterior. In the original film, the electric van shuts down down aftr the electricity in the park shuts down. It’s occupants are left stranded in the park and have to find another way to get out of the dinosaur-infested park.

The Red Pick up on Sanford and Son

Hard to miss this faded red pick up which features on the show. Even after the end of the iconic sitcom, the pick up has, over the years continued to make headlines as it makes appearances at different events.

We remember them so fondly. And they certainly played a big part in developing the plot. These and more, are some of the most iconic vans in the film industry.

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Adam Regan

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Features and account management. 3 years media experience. Previously covered features for online and print editions.

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