The world of cinema has continued to captivate movie lovers with the thrilling spectacle of several action sequences, one of the most exciting of them also being car chases. Robert Pattinson’s recent portrayal of the DC superhero in The Batman delivered a great tense and visually impressive car scene with Pattinson in Batmobile chasing Colin Farrell’s Penguin, and it stands alongside cinematic greats that have left an indelible mark on the audience.
Here, we explore five car chase scenes from iconic movies that have and are also expected to outshine such sequences on the silver screen.
Car Chase Sequences that Rev Up Against The Batman
Bullitt (1968)
Starring Steve McQueen in the title role, the 1968 action thriller follows a policeman investigating a mob boss. The movie is known to feature one of the most famous car chase scenes ever filmed. The legendary sequence takes place between McQueen’s Frank Bullitt in a green Mustang GT chasing two hitmen.
Filmed with raw realism and groundbreaking handheld camerawork in the steep hills of San Fransisco, the chasing scene creates a tense and unforgettable experience for the audience. Bullitt is known to set new standards for such sequences and has continued to influence several other films.
The French Connection (1971)
William Friedkin’s 1971 neo-noir action thriller follows two NYPD detectives as they attempt to bust a drug cartel based in France. Starring Gene Hackman and Roy Scheider, The French Connection won five Oscars at the 44th Academy Awards and became the first R-rated film to win an Oscar for Best Picture.
The car chase in The French Connection, which is also known as one of the best car-chasing sequences, follows Gene Hackman’s Popeye Doyle following a French drug smuggler through the crowded streets of New York City. The gritty and relentless scene successfully captures the chaos danger, and intensity of Hackman’s performance.
The Italian Job
Both iterations of The Italian Job are known to feature some of the best car chase sequences with Mini Coopers. The 1969 film starring Michael Caine follows the chase sequence through the streets of Turin, Italy, and is known for its choreography and camerawork. It captures the thrill of a chasing sequence with infectious energy along with a dash of humor, adding to the movie’s lighthearted and entertaining tone and making it a classic of both car chase sequences and heist films.
The 2003 film starring Charlize Theron, Mark Wahlberg, and Jason Statham has also won over with a great chase scene featuring Mini Coopers. The chase sequence for the 2003 film was shot in the streets and subways of Los Angeles. It was reportedly filmed for 40 days, and the production used electric Minis for the sequence as the city of Los Angeles reportedly wanted to prevent car fumes from getting trapped underground in the subway tunnel.
Ronin (1998)
Starring Robert DeNiro and Jean Reno, the 1998 spy thriller film Ronin follows a team of former special operatives tasked with stealing a heavily guarded briefcase. Among many standout sequences, the film also features an iconic car chase through the streets, sidewalks, and tunnels of Paris. The thrilling sequence reportedly required a total of 300 stunt drivers and the destruction of 80 cars. Jean-Pierre Jarier, a former Formula 1 driver, was also involved in its filming.
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Death Proof (2007)
Quentin Tarantino’s 2007 slasher thriller Death Proof follows a psychotic killer chasing three best friends. It is known for one of the most iconic and thrilling car chase scenes set in desolate Texas countryside. The chase is notable for its intensity, raw realism, and masterful blend of suspense and action. The film showcases incredible driving, stunts, and intense cinematography, all paying homage to some of the grittiest car chase scenes across different eras of Hollywood.
These movie scenes are known to have left an indelible mark on film history and have continued to be an inspiration for filmmakers. Robert Pattinson’s Batmobile chase in The Batman does stand out as a worthy addition to the genre, making it among some of the best sequences that have cemented their place in the cinematic landscape.
