- The Diamond Arm (1969)
- Beware of the Car (1966)
- The Irony of Fate (1975)
- The Garage (1979)
- The Adventures of a Dentist (1965)
- The Meeting Place Cannot Be Changed (1979)
- The Twelve Chairs (1971)
- Operation Y and Shurik's Other Adventures (1965)
- The Return of the Resident (1982)
- The Adventures of Elektronic (1979)
This curated collection of Soviet films about cars offers a unique glimpse into the cinematic portrayal of automobiles in the USSR. From thrilling road adventures to heartwarming tales of mechanical ingenuity, these films not only entertain but also provide a cultural insight into Soviet life and the significance of cars in that era. Each film in this selection has been dubbed or subtitled in British English, making them accessible to a broader audience interested in Soviet cinema and automotive culture.

The Diamond Arm (1969)
Description: This comedy follows a man who inadvertently becomes involved in a smuggling ring after receiving a cast with diamonds. Cars play a central role in the chase scenes and comedic situations.
Fact: The film features a variety of Soviet cars, including the iconic Volga GAZ-21, which became a symbol of the era.


Beware of the Car (1966)
Description: A satirical look at the Soviet black market, where the protagonist uses his car to swindle people, showcasing the allure and scarcity of cars in the USSR.
Fact: The film was one of the first Soviet movies to openly criticize bureaucracy and corruption.


The Irony of Fate (1975)
Description: While not primarily about cars, the film features a memorable scene where the protagonist mistakenly travels to Leningrad due to a mix-up with his taxi, highlighting the uniformity of Soviet apartment blocks.
Fact: This film is traditionally watched by Russians on New Year's Eve.


The Garage (1979)
Description: A satirical comedy about the absurdities of Soviet bureaucracy, where the ownership of a garage becomes a symbol of status and power.
Fact: The film was banned for several years due to its critical portrayal of Soviet society.


The Adventures of a Dentist (1965)
Description: The dentist's car, a symbol of his status, plays a key role in the plot, reflecting the social dynamics of the time.
Fact: The film was one of the first Soviet comedies to explore the theme of personal ambition and social status.


The Meeting Place Cannot Be Changed (1979)
Description: This crime series features various Soviet cars, including the iconic Moskvitch and Volga, used by both criminals and law enforcement.
Fact: The series was so popular that it led to a revival of interest in Soviet detective stories.


The Twelve Chairs (1971)
Description: A comedic treasure hunt where the protagonists use various means of transportation, including cars, to find hidden jewels.
Fact: The film was adapted from a famous Soviet novel and has several remakes.


Operation Y and Shurik's Other Adventures (1965)
Description: One of the episodes involves a car theft, showcasing the comedic side of Soviet life and the importance of personal property.
Fact: This film marked the beginning of the popular character Shurik, who appeared in several subsequent films.


The Return of the Resident (1982)
Description: A spy thriller where cars are used in covert operations, reflecting the espionage techniques of the time.
Fact: The film was part of a series that became very popular in the USSR.


The Adventures of Elektronic (1979)
Description: While primarily about a robot, the film includes scenes with cars, showcasing the technological fascination of the era.
Fact: The film was one of the first Soviet movies to explore themes of artificial intelligence.
