Death Race 2000 (1975)

Back in the 20th century, prophets projected the year 2000 to be a futuristic place where people would run down pedestrians to win in cross-country car races. At least, that’s the premise of the sci-fi action movie Death Race 2000 (1975). With the tagline “In the year 2000 hit and run driving is no longer a felony, it’s the national sport,” you know you’re in for a wild ride! Did we mention extra credit points go to the most gruesome fatalities? Produced by Roger Corman and directed by Paul Bartel, this cult classic includes gratuitous lube jobs at each of its pit stops. In other words, Death Race 2000 has it all: guns, explosions, car racing and, most importantly, dudity! Set in the dystopian future, the screenplay is based on Ib Melchior’s short story “The Racer” (1956). The allegorical tale focuses on our obsession with fast things and violence. As such, this R rated flick maintains its relevance as a time capsule of the invigorated B-movie storytelling of the 1970s. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the pic provides peeks at a few sexy studs! Sylvester Stallone goes shirtless, as does a panty-clad David Carradine. If that’s not arousing enough, William Shephard bares his buns while getting a rub down! No wonder this flick spawned the remake Death Race (2008) with Jason Statham; the direct-to-DVD prequels Death Race 2 (2010) and Death Race 3: Inferno (2013); the direct-to-DVD sequel Death Race: Beyond Anarchy (2018); and a whole bunch of Mr. Man fantasies!