by Len Morse

Created on: April 03, 2009   Last Updated: February 10, 2011

Chase scenes are traditionally the most exciting exploits in a movie. No matter where they occur in a film's plotline, the audience is hoping for either a successful escape or a triumphant capture. Chases may not be the most emotional or intellectual scenes, but the good ones raise the adrenaline, and can be explosive, funny, scary, or just darn impressive. Also, a chase scene doesn't have to be long to be enjoyable.

Some chase scenes remind us of how badly transportation can go awry, how movement can look different from a unique perspective, and how - sometimes - a few seconds of hesitation can alter the rest of your life. The following are ten chase scenes from movies (listed from earliest to latest) that you might consider adding to your personal DVD collection or Netflix queue.

• Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)

Longest chase duration

On the Run: Butch and Sundance on horseback.

In Pursuit: A posse of lawmen on horseback.

This chase lasts throughout a large chunk of the movie. Our intrepid bank/train robbers are pursued over rough terrain, through small towns, and even to the far away country of Bolivia. Befuddled by the consistency of their trackers, Butch repeatedly asks one of the best lines in the whole movie: "Who ARE those guys?"

• The Muppet Movie (1979)

Ground vs. Air

On the Run: Gonzo hanging from a bunch of helium balloons.

In Pursuit: Kermit the Frog and Fozzie Bear in a Studebaker.

How many chase scenes have we seen where those involved are using the same kind of transportation? This is one example of two completely different modes of movement. Not only that, but Gonzo isn't necessarily trying to evade anyone; he's simply at the mercy of the wind.

• The Blues Brothers (1980)

Most collateral damage

On the Run: Jake and Elwood Blues in an old police car.

In Pursuit: Most of the Illinois law enforcement community.

Elwood: "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and we're wearing sunglasses." Jake: "Hit it." Thus began one of the most destructive chases in movie history. These two apathetic men, who care only about completing their noble mission and staying alive, become wanted felons and are chased by fellow musicians, Nazis, a scorned ex-fiancee, and of course, hundreds of cops.

• Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983)

Best cinematography

On the Run: Rebel leader Luke Skywalker on a Speeder

In Pursuit: A nameless stormtrooper on another Speeder

Hurtling

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