, easy to operate, and there are plenty out there to choose from. But in an alternate universe, there are many more transportation options available–all of which come with guaranteed adventures and […] "'Pin It")
The 5 Best Pop Culture Alternatives to the Car
While there are many ways to travel, cars remain some of the most popular. They’re fairly cheap to run (especially when gas prices are low), easy to operate, and there are plenty out there to choose from. But in an alternate universe, there are many more transportation options available–all of which come with guaranteed adventures and the promise of a good time.
[wptab name=”Hoverboard”]
Photo: ©Amblin Entertainment
5. Hoverboard
Marty McFly rocked his hoverboard in Back to the Future Part II, yet we’re in 2015 now and seemingly no closer to an actual hoverboard than we were back in 1989. (Sorry Lexus, your hoverboard is kind of cool, but we need more.)
McFly rode the hoverboard to escape Griff’s gang in the far-off year 2015, and then travels back to 1955 with it to steal the Sports Almanac book back from Biff Tannen so he won’t be able to take over Hill Valley.
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[wptab name=”Stair Car”]
The Bluth stair car
4. Stair Car
Okay, so technically it’s still a car, but Michael Bluth’s stair car is infinitely more awesome/terrible than any vehicle you can buy from a dealership lot. Just make sure you watch out for bridges and hop-ons (although those hop-ons could make you a pretty penny—much more than your shady real estate development firm in the long-run).
The stair car has previously been driven by most members of the Bluth family, and has even been over the border to Mexico in an attempt to find George Bluth Sr., who was on the run from the law.
[/wptab]
[wptab name=”Millennium Falcon”]
Photo: Leandro Agro
3.The Millennium Falcon
The Millennium Falcon is one of those vehicles that doesn’t look like much, but she kicks ass when compared to her competitors. She’s piloted by Han Solo and his partner-in-crime, Chewbacca, and features special modifications that boost its speed, shielding, and performance to incredible levels.
Most notably, the Millennium Falcon was able to make the Kessel run in under 12 parsecs. That means Han Solo had to take a route that was precariously close to The Maw—a black hole that no one else would dare get that close to. But since the Falcon is such a badass ship, Han was able to take that shortcut and escape the Imperial ships that were tailing him.
[/wptab]
[wptab name=”Apparition”]
Harry Potter Apparating
2. Apparition
Unfortunately for Muggles, Apparition cannot be learned by non-magical folk. The wizarding community has been traveling around the world for centuries thanks to this magical means of transportation—although you’ll need to make sure you pass your Apparition test before you attempt to travel very far, or you could end up splinching yourself.
Harry and his crew used Apparition many-a-time to escape from Death Eaters, although Harry and Ron never took to the skill as well as Hermione did.
[/wptab]
[wptab name=”TARDIS”]
11 inside the TARDIS
1. TARDIS
Not only can the TARDIS (Time And Relative Dimension In Space) travel wherever it wants in the universe, it can also travel to any time it chooses, from the Earth’s beginnings to its sad death. Not only that, but if you’re lucky enough to hitch a ride on the TARDIS, you’ll experience some of the most fascinating conversation you’ve ever had, thanks to its lone captain.
The TARDIS has truly been all over in time and space through 12 incarnations of the Doctor. With each regeneration of the Doctor, the TARDIS has become more and more high-tech, and even featured a swimming pool at one point.
[/wptab]
[end_wptabset]
Catherine Hiles (she/her) is a native Brit living and working in Dayton, Ohio. Cat has written about a variety of subjects, including finance, cars, and parenting. She is a frequent contributor to Dayton Mom Collective, The Penny Hoarder, and WDW Magazine.
Cat lives with her husband, their two kids, and their energetic pitbull mix. She counts running, lifting weights, walking, and reading among her hobbies. See more articles by Cat.