You know what makes car chase movies absolutely incredible? It’s not just the heart-pounding excitement or the nerve-wracking suspense they bring. It’s that exhilarating moment when the pursuer finally catches up with its target, or when the chased car pulls off a jaw-dropping escape. It’s an adrenaline-fueled experience that only happens after an intense scene that keeps you on the edge of your seat. So, which are the most epic car chase movies ever created? Devoted fans have shared their personal favorites below, and now it’s your turn to join in the excitement.
There are countless movies out there that feature mind-blowing car chases that will blow your mind. Some films even revolve entirely around non-stop car chase action, like “Mad Max: Fury Road,” where the entire movie is an epic car chase extravaganza. However, not all movies about cars manage to deliver breathtaking chase scenes. Some are simply underwhelming.
Fortunately, this list is here to celebrate only the most extraordinary car chases in the history of cinema. While it may not include every single movie with a chase, these films are without a doubt the crème de la crème of car chase masterpieces.
1. Bullitt
Bullitt is a classic action thriller that has withstood the test of time. Starring Steve McQueen as Frank Bullitt, a tough San Francisco cop who stops at nothing in his quest for justice. When a key witness he was protecting is assassinated, Bullitt goes against his bosses’ orders and delves into the dark underworld to uncover the betrayers. One of its standout features is the famous car chase scene through the winding streets of San Francisco, which earned Bullitt an Academy Award for Best Film Editing. With its raw intensity and the pulsating score by Lalo Schifrin, this movie is an enthralling watch from start to finish.
Released: 1968
Directed by: Peter Yates
Actors: Steve McQueen, Robert Vaughn, Jacqueline Bisset
2. The Blues Brothers
In the cult classic comedy film The Blues Brothers, we follow the hilarious adventures of Jake (John Belushi) and Elwood Blues (Dan Aykroyd). These two brothers are on a mission that they believe is ordained by God. After being released from prison, their goal is to save their beloved Catholic orphanage from shutting down due to unpaid taxes.
To accomplish this mission, Jake and Elwood come up with a plan. They decide to reunite their old band and put on a massive concert. But of course, things don’t go quite as smoothly as they had hoped. Along the way, they find themselves in ridiculous situations, evading the police, dealing with neo-Nazis, and even facing off against country singers.
Director John Landis brilliantly combines music, humor, and high-speed car chases in this unique film. The Blues Brothers is a true celebration of blues, soul, and R&B music. It’s an eclectic mix that will keep you entertained from start to finish.
Released: 1980
Directed by: John Landis
Actors: John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, James Brown
3. Ronin
In the thrilling movie Ronin, a captivating tale of deceit and intrigue unfolds. A diverse group of former intelligence agents, led by the calm and collected Sam played by Robert De Niro, is brought together to intercept a mysterious briefcase. Joining Sam on this mission are Vincent, played by Jean Reno, who adds an air of mystery, the sharpshooter Larry portrayed by Skipp Sudduth, and the tech genius Gregor, played by Stellan Skarsgård. Together, they navigate the dangerous streets of Paris, where their allegiances are called into question.
Directed by the talented John Frankenheimer, this film is packed with heart-pounding car chases and cunning mind games. Ronin showcases the art of suspense, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats as they unravel the intricate web of deception. In this masterclass of suspense, appearances can be deceiving, and not everything is as it initially seems.
Released: 1998
Directed by: John Frankenheimer
Actors: Robert De Niro, Jean Reno, Natascha McElhone
4. Mad Max 2
In Mad Max 2, the world has been devastated by a massive energy crisis, leaving society in ruins. Our protagonist, Max Rockatansky (played by Mel Gibson), used to be a highway patrol officer but now survives as a rugged individualist in the barren wasteland of Australia. Reluctantly, he agrees to assist a small community rich in gasoline, as they desperately try to escape from a gang of ruthless bandits led by the merciless Lord Humungus (portrayed by Kjell Nilsson). This film is an exhilarating experience, packed with intense action and chilling post-apocalyptic imagery. It even won the prestigious Saturn Award for Best International Film in 1982. Get ready for a wild ride that delves into the themes of survival and sacrifice amidst utter chaos.
Released: 1981
Directed by: George Miller
Actors: Mel Gibson, Bruce Spence, Emil Minty
5. The French Connection
In the 1971 crime thriller, The French Connection, we follow Detective Jimmy Popeye Doyle (played by Gene Hackman) and his partner, Buddy Russo (played by Roy Scheider), as they work hard to catch a narcotics smuggling ring in New York City. Popeye’s determination to catch Alain Charnier (played by Fernando Rey), the smooth-talking leader of the ring, leads them into a thrilling game of cat and mouse. This film is praised for its realistic portrayal of crime, unique cinematography, and an unforgettable car chase scene. It received five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor for Hackman, and Best Director for William Friedkin.
Released: 1971
Directed by: William Friedkin
Actors: Gene Hackman, Fernando Rey, Roy Scheider
6. Vanishing Point
Vietnam War hero, Kowalski (played by Barry Newman), is now a driver for hire, struggling with a pill addiction. His latest job involves transporting a car from Colorado to California. To add some excitement to the journey, he makes a bet with his drug dealer. If he completes the trip in under 15 hours, he gets his latest amphetamine purchase for free.
However, Kowalski’s reckless driving on the road leads to a high-profile police chase that catches the attention of radio personality Super Soul (played by Cleavon Little). Super Soul covers the pursuit on his show and transforms Kowalski, who refuses to stop, into a symbol of freedom and resistance, a martyr of sorts.
Released: 1971
Directed by: Allen Smithee
Actors: Barry Newman, Cleavon Little, Charlotte Rampling
7. Mad Max
In the action-packed film Mad Max, we are taken to a dystopian world where Max Rockatansky, played by Mel Gibson, finds himself grappling with the lawlessness that prevails after an apocalyptic event. Max, a former highway patrol officer turned reluctant hero, must navigate through a desolate wasteland where fuel and water are hard to come by. His main adversaries are the ruthless, motorized vandals led by the vicious Toecutter, portrayed by Hugh Keays-Byrne.
Directed by George Miller, this Australian cult classic raised the bar for on-screen car chases and stunts, earning it six Australian Film Institute Awards. As Max fights for his survival, he becomes a symbol of resilience and determination amidst the chaos and despair that surround him.
Released: 1979
Directed by: George Miller
Actors: Mel Gibson, Joanne Samuel, Hugh Keays-Byrne
8. Duel
David Mann, played by Dennis Weaver, is just an average guy selling electronics. He’s cruising along on a two-lane highway when he runs into some serious trouble. An old oil tanker appears out of nowhere, driven by some mysterious driver who gets a kick out of messing with David’s nerves. This trucker starts pulling dangerous stunts on the road, making David’s life a living nightmare. No matter how hard he tries, David can’t shake off this demonic big rig. It’s like a twisted game of cat and mouse, with the truck as the monstrous predator. As if things weren’t bad enough, the situation quickly becomes life-threatening. David is forced to tap into his inner warrior and take charge of the game. It’s time to turn the tables on his tormentor and come out on top.
Released: 1971
Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Actors: Dennis Weaver, Tim Herbert, Charles Seel
9. The Bourne Identity
The Bourne Identity is an exhilarating action-thriller that introduces us to the enigmatic Jason Bourne (played by the talented Matt Damon). This captivating film follows the story of a man who suffers from severe memory loss and is discovered by fishermen near the French coast. Determined to uncover his true identity, Bourne embarks on an extraordinary journey, with the assistance of Marie Kreutz (portrayed by the talented Franka Potente). However, he quickly finds himself caught in a dangerous web of CIA operatives and skilled assassins. Directed by the talented Doug Liman, this movie has become renowned for its heart-pounding chase sequences and intricately woven plot. Brace yourself for an adrenaline-fueled exploration into the depths of Bourne’s mind as he tries to piece together his past, all while outsmarting those who seek to end his life.
Released: 2002
Directed by: Doug Liman
Actors: Matt Damon, Franka Potente, Chris Cooper
10. The Transporter
In The Transporter, we meet Frank Martin, played by Jason Statham. He’s a former special forces operative who finds himself immersed in the dangerous world of illegal courier services. Frank has always had a strict rule of never inspecting the packages he transports, but one day he decides to break it. Little does he know that this decision will completely change his life.
Inside the package, Frank discovers a distressed woman named Lai, portrayed by Shu Qi. This revelation leads him down a treacherous path filled with human trafficking and corruption. As the story progresses, Frank must rely on his combat skills to unravel the dark secrets of this nefarious organization and bring justice to those who deserve it.
This action-packed thriller is packed with high-speed chases and intense fight scenes, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. It’s a gripping narrative that showcases courage in the midst of chaos.
Released: 2002
Directed by: Corey Yuen
Actors: Jason Statham, Shu Qi, François Berléand
11. Mad Max: Fury Road
In the dystopian spectacle Mad Max: Fury Road, we follow Max Rockatansky (Tom Hardy) as he becomes entangled in a frantic chase through the apocalyptic wasteland. Joining him is Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron), a strong-willed woman determined to liberate the Five Wives from their captor, Immortan Joe (Hugh Keays-Byrne). Directed by George Miller, this film is an adrenaline-fueled action thriller that pushes the boundaries of cinematic storytelling. With its explosively daring stunts, it garnered six Academy Awards, including Best Production Design and Best Film Editing.
Released: 2015
Directed by: George Miller
Actors: Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult
