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A great car chase in a film is really a work of art. Just sit back and think about all the planning and how these masterpieces were actually executed and captured on film.
It’s quite remarkable.
Getting ready to have your blood pressure soar through the roof, because here are 10 of the best car chases in cinematic history.
1. Bullitt (1968)
Steve McQueen at his finest. The car chase scene in Bullitt is still recognized as the greatest car chase in movie history. The steep streets of San Francisco were utilized brilliantly as McQueen navigated his Mustang throughout the city.
2. The Italian Job (1969)
This chase is pretty lighthearted compared to the others on this list, but it’s still impressive. Three Mini Coopers drive (sometimes slowly) down stairs, through a marriage ceremony, and through a pitch-black tunnel.
3. The French Connection (1971)
This iconic car chase features Gene Hackman chasing an elevated train in New York City in William Friedkin’s great 1971 film. A genuinely thrilling experience.
4. The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)
Of course a James Bond film was bound to make this list. Roger Moore drove a Lotus Esprit as he and a Russian agent were chased by a motorcycle and sidecar, a car, and then a helicopter. It’s epic!
5. Smokey and the Bandit (1977)
Smokey and the Bandit is part of film lore because of its iconic car chases. In fact, the whole movie is pretty packed with great sequences and car stunts. Director Hal Needham was a stuntman himself, so you know that he looking for huge, dangerous moments on the screen.
6. The Blues Brothers (1980)
This film is beloved by so many people for so many reasons, but the insane and zany car chase through the streets (and other places) of Chicago makes it a classic.
7. To Live and Die in L.A. (1985)
William Friedkin also directed this crime film from 1985. And it’s clear that his penchant for crafting thrilling and dangerous chase scenes had not diminished since he made The French Connection 14 years earlier.
8. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
This was a HUGE deal when this movie was released in 1991. Arnold was back as The Terminator and this insane chase scene featuring a tow truck and a motorcycle became an instant classic.
9. Ronin (1998)
John Frankenheimer directed this action-packed movie starring Robert De Niro. This inventive car chase scene through the streets of Paris has been called the best one since Bullitt.
10. Death Proof (2007)
Quentin Tarantino is first and foremost a film fanatic, so you know that he drew inspiration from countless movie scenes when he created this epic chase scene from his 2007 film Death Proof. You can just feel the 1970s nostalgia dripping off the screen when you watch this one.
What are some of your favorite car chase scenes from movies?
Share them with us in the comments!
