Bullit

When director Peter Yates paired Steve McQueen with a 1968 Ford Mustang GT, he was probably sure of a good car chase scene. In fact, the scene is still considered the benchmark for cinematic car chases. The quality of driving, the sense of realism and the thought-out camera angles make this – we think – the greatest car chase in movie history.

Ronin

When the director of the movie is a former amateur racing driver, you know you’re in for something special. There are a number of great chases in this movie but the final one stands out above the rest. Shot in the streets of Paris, this chase involved 300 stunt drivers and some impressive driving with some cars reaching up to 120mph.

Baby Driver  

Anybody who loves cars needs to see this movie – fact! We follow a young driver caught up in a criminal heist gang – specifically our protagonist offers the group (very) quick and (very) impressive getaways. The driving at some points in this film will leave you with your mouth open. You could pick any of the car chases in this movie but perhaps the opening one is the best. Between the blazing red Subaru, the ripping handbrake turns and daredevil escape routes you know that you’re in for a cinematic ride.

Wanted 

This one is a bit of a guilty pleasure – it’s not particularly wholesome but it’s oh so tasty. From the moment that Angelina Jolie performs a 360-degree spin in a hot red Viper which simultaneously scoops up James McAvoy, you’re hooked. Jolie goes on to hang out the windscreen and shoot at the enemy whilst driving the car with her feet. Then just as we think the car chase is over (with a police road barrier looming ahead) she barrel-rolls over it, landing perfectly atop a passing bus before driving off into the night. Come on – that is a car chase and a half! 

Bourne Supremacy

This one features the ever-entertaining hero escaping villain format! Matt Damon (a.k.a Jason Bourne) drives weaves through rows of traffic, performs incredible handbrake turns and pinballs off a number of cars in this car chase scene. In the end, Bourne decides to face his assailant – he maneuvers himself to face the villain’s car side-on and drive him into a pillar.

The drama of the stunts, the talent of the driving and the beauty of the cars make these some of the best car chases in movie history. Whilst we love them on the screen, we would definitely not recommend any off-screen recreations anytime soon!