Watch Order
0 / 4 watchedFilms plus TV movies, in release order.
About Smokey and the Bandit
Smokey and the Bandit from 1977 sends the Bandit bootlegging beer to Texas with Frog riding shotgun and Sheriff Justice in pursuit. Directed by Hal Needham from his stuntman days, it became the second-biggest film of the year.
Part II followed in 1980 and Part III in 1983 with Jerry Reed promoted to the Bandit role, plus a 1994 TV-movie tetralogy recasting the part. The films share chases but no real plot, so release order is the tour. Start with the original, which outclasses everything after it.
Good to know
Release order is the sensible tour. The 1977 original carries the charm, the sequels replay the chase with diminishing returns, and the 1994 TV movies recast the Bandit for syndication filler. Burt Reynolds's absence from Part III explains its odd reputation. Nothing further has been announced, so the run is complete.
