As a rule, I eliminated any chases that overly rely on CGI effects and quick cut editing to enhance the chase. Only old fashioned car chases with real stunts and crashes allowed. So, unfortunately, I had to cut some of the cooler ones from recent years (Matrix Reloaded, Quantum of Solace.
5. The Blues Brothers
Honestly, if we were rating chases based on property damage alone this film would have no competition. Unfortunately, other factors had to be taken in to consideration and that's where The Blues Brothers misses points.
Still, there are some pretty nifty, memorable car chase moments in this 1980 musical-comedy directed by John Landis.
For example, when this film came out it set the record for number of vehicles destroyed in a movie, a record which stood until it's sequel, Blues Brothers 2000, came out in 1998.
The chases in this movie are mostly over the top for comedic effect, featuring hilariously inept driving by the police, insanely physics-defying stunts, and a great punchline at the end of the chase when Jake and Elwood make it to their ultimate destination.
I couldn't find a good video of the police car pileup in the final long chase scene, so here instead you can see the first chase early in the film.
4. The French Connection
This is one of the most often mentioned of all car chases on film, and with good reason.
For starters, the inclusion of Gene Hackman gets you automatic points. Not to mention the great editing and some fantastic (real) crashes. Much of the chase was shot guerrilla style, without permits, which if you live in New York must be a terrifying thought. Plus, this sequence pretty much invented the "woman pushing a stroller" bit which I'm sure has been done to death by now.
Mostly, this chase rules because it is a car chasing a TRAIN. A runaway train with a gunwielding madman onboard, So so cool.
3/3.5 Ronin
The "Michael Bay Law of Car Chases" states in article three that a car chase is made infinitely cooler if you add guns. Case in point: 1998's Ronin, a film that would suffer badly if not for the three well placed car chases through European meccas. Add Robert De Niro brandishing a rocket launcher from the sunroof and you automatically have one of the awesomest chases ever...
Then they had to go and one up it with this gem!
With some excellent stunt driving, impeccably choreographed stunts, and some of Europe's finest automobiles, Ronin easily makes this list.
2. To Live and Die in L.A.
William Friedkin is better known for the chase in The French Connection, but this is the better true car chase. Both scenes have terrific cinematography and editing though, which is an absolute must in any good car chase.
Also of note is the staging of the "driving against traffic" sequence in such a bizarre way. Notice how Chance (William Peterson) gets back into the correct flow at the end? No, the movie doesn't take place in England. Friedkin had the entire highway driving the wrong way, making for an even more disorienting scene.
1. Bullitt
The hilly streets of San Francisco. Mustang vs. Charger. The sweet reveal at 2:10 in the above clip. The tense buildup. Steve McQueen at his prime. THE iconic movie car chase. Bullitt's chase seems to have it all. But is it the best?
Did you read the above paragraph? Of course its the best!
(just for fun, watch the clip again and count how many times they pass the green VW Beetle)
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