# Days of Thunder (1990) — Celluloid fact sheet

Source: https://celluloidscore.com/movies/days-of-thunder-1990/
Last reviewed: 2026-07-25

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Celluloid Score | 54% |
| Critic Score | 40% |
| Audience Score | 64% |
| Metascore | 46/100 |
| Letterboxd | 2.9/5 |
| IMDb | 6.1/10 |
| Director | Tony Scott |
| Genres | Adventure, Action, Drama |
| Runtime | 107 min |

## Quick answer

Days of Thunder (1990) earns a 54% Celluloid Score — Not Recommended. Tony Scott’s NASCAR soap — Cruise and Nicole Kidman in a high-octane Top Gun of the racetrack. Critics and audiences diverge (40% critic vs 64% audience). Metascore 46/100. Directed by Tony Scott.

## Critics consensus

Tony Scott’s NASCAR soap — Cruise and Nicole Kidman in a high-octane Top Gun of the racetrack.

## Synopsis

Talented but unproven stock car driver Cole Trickle gets a break and with the guidance of veteran Harry Hogge turns heads on the track. The young hotshot develops a rivalry with a fellow racer that threatens his career when the two smash their cars. But with the help of his doctor, Cole just might overcome his injuries-- and his fear.

## Cast

Tom Cruise, Robert Duvall, Nicole Kidman, Randy Quaid, Cary Elwes, Michael Rooker, Fred Thompson, John C. Reilly, J.C. Quinn, Don Simpson

## Common questions

**Is Days of Thunder worth watching?**
Days of Thunder holds a 54% Celluloid Score. Tony Scott’s NASCAR soap — Cruise and Nicole Kidman in a high-octane Top Gun of the racetrack.

**What is Days of Thunder about?**
Talented but unproven stock car driver Cole Trickle gets a break and with the guidance of veteran Harry Hogge turns heads on the track. The young hotshot develops a rivalry with a fellow racer that threatens his career when the two smash their cars. But with the help of his doctor, Cole just might overcome his injuries-- and his fear.

**Who directed Days of Thunder?**
Days of Thunder (1990) was directed by Tony Scott.

**What is the Celluloid Score of Days of Thunder?**
54% — the average of five public sources: critics 40%, audience 64%, Metascore 46/100, Letterboxd 2.9/5, and IMDb 6.1/10.

**Where can I watch Days of Thunder?**
Streaming availability varies by region — see the Days of Thunder page for current options.

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Reviewed and scored by Celluloid · Editor: Kaiser Khan (https://celluloidscore.com/author/kaiser-khan/)

Markdown mirror: https://celluloidscore.com/movies/days-of-thunder-1990.md