1986, '89 and '91 GMC Sierra 3500 Dually, "Lethal Weapon," "Lethal Weapon 2" and "Lethal Weapon 3"

Notable features: Can pull down houses under construction

This three-quarter-ton, heavy-duty rig (a new model year in each movie) is driven by detective Martin Riggs, a comically reckless homicide cop played by Mel Gibson. With its giant profile and dual rear wheels, the truck didn’t have any special powers or neat tricks, except that it helped boost sales of big trucks to guys who wanted to pretend they were comically reckless homicide cops like Mel Gibson.

1995 Dodge Ram 2500, "Twister"

Notable features: Self-healing, evades flying cows, V-10 power 

True story -- Ford and Chrysler vied for the opportunity to show off their latest pickup trucks in “Twister,” but Chrysler won after its PR firm leveraged a personal relationship with the movie’s producers.

The Dodge Ram in the film is known for its uncanny ability to suffer fatal damage in one scene but continue to haul its tornado chasers and their gear in the next. Who needs an unlimited powertrain warranty if your truck can do that?

1978 Chevrolet K10 Cheyenne, "Red Dawn"

Notable features: Runs on urea, kind of

When the Soviets, Cubans and Nicaraguans invade the United States in passenger jets, which vehicle is going to save you and your friends? A red-blooded Chevy pickup truck, of course. Patrick Swayze pilots this short-wheelbase K10 through the backroads of Colorado as he and his high-school buddies take on the entire Red Army. Wolverines!

2003 Toyota Tundra, "Terminator 3"

Notable features: Built as tough as the legendary Top Gear Toyota HiLux, turns into a convertible – the hard way

The way this pickup was driven around the streets of Los Angeles, you’d think Shia LaBeouf was behind the wheel (what, too soon?). The SR5 Tundra in "T3" proves nearly as indestructible as Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character. Toyota even sold special edition "Terminator 3" Tundras for people who couldn’t get enough of the truck on screen. It was perhaps the best product placement of all time: If Toyota doesn’t get a truck right the first time (or second or third), like a cybernetic organism, they’ll be back.

1963 Jeep Gladiator J20, "Tremors"

Notable features: Actually reached production, unlike the recent Gladiator Concept

Once upon a time, mighty, full-size Jeep pickups called Gladiators roamed the earth. They could drive almost anywhere and carry almost any load. If giant, intelligent worms with a fondness for human flesh got in the way, they helped crush the subterranean monsters before they could touch your sweetheart. Compared to modern Jeeps, like the Compass and Patriot, what hero wouldn’t want a Jeep Gladiator?