What is it about a car chase that makes a movie so much more exciting? Can it be that the special effects wizardry and incredible talented stunt driving allow you to feel the danger even though it is just movie magic?
A good high-stakes car chase allows viewers to become immersed in the thrilling danger of automotive maneuvering at high speeds. Just picture the close-up shots of the tachometer gauge and speedometer needle and you know that it’s on! Some of these car chases, however, are much more iconic than others. Here is a list of five of the most interesting car chases that have turned the films that feature them into cult classics:
- “The Fast and the Furious” (2001)
Of course, we are referring to the original movie in the franchise. Although, if you look at the later installments, the original movie looks quite docile by comparison.
In the story, Brian, played by Paul Walker, is chasing Dom, played by Vin Diesel. The pair are stopped at a streetlight and then have to race to a train track. The catch is, a moving train is headed in their direction. Of course, both parties jump the track prior to the train arriving. However, a truck hits Dom, and his car completely flips in the air over Brian’s. The whole sequence is sure to leave you on the edge of your seat.
- “Mad Max” (1979)
The iconic Mel Gibson character, Mad Max, was introduced to film buffs in this first installment of the long-running film series from 1979. In the movie, Max has his first (and last) encounter with the insane Nightrider, played by Vince Gill. As the film opens, Nightrider is being chased by the highway patrol in the police cruiser that he stole. Riding with him is his girlfriend.
While the elusive crook is able to outrun several police officers, he is no match for Max. Max chases the couple down and they end up crashing into the side of a truck, leading to their demise.
- “The Bourne Supremacy” (2004)
In this Jason Bourne movie, Matt Damon demolishes a Moscow cab while racing away from the bad guys. Never one to be subtle, Bourne pinballs his vehicle off of other cars as he attempts to evade capture. He even crashes his car intentionally into others to boldly make his escape.
- “Smokey and the Bandit” (1977)
Due to this movie, Burt Reynolds became the late 70s icon that we all know and love. The Bandit, played by Reynolds, was a sarcastic moonshiner that drove clear across the South eluding various state police officers along the way.
The most legendary part of the film, however, was when his character jumped an out-of-commission bridge with his trusty Trans Am.
- “The Blues Brothers” (1980)
Elwood and Jake Blues had to have provided one of the most interesting car chases ever to be put on screen. In the race to save the Catholic orphanage where they grew up, the jazz musicians were a party to a chase that included not just the police, but another band, and even a group of Nazis! At one point, the chase even entailed driving through a packed mall. Nothing was off-limits in this zany film.
In conclusion, these five films contain car chases that are either thrilling, hilarious, or nail-biting. And, though the films’ genres differed greatly, each car chase added to the suspense already written in the script.
And, while the idea of a car chase in film is nothing new, each new generation has learned to appreciate the trope. As such, we are sure to see the tradition of car chase sequences in movies continues for years to come.
I write like I think—fast, curious, and a little feral. I chase the weird, the witty, and the why-is-this-happening-now. From AI meltdowns to fashion glow-ups, if it makes you raise an eyebrow or rethink your algorithm, I’m probably writing about it. Expect sharp takes, occasional sarcasm, and zero tolerance for boring content.
