2 of 6

Write now Article Tools

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 - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt00 64115/ (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 - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt00 79588/ (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 - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt00 80455/ (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 - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt00 86190/ (1983)

Best cinematography

On the Run: Rebel leader Luke Skywalker on a Speeder

In Pursuit: A nameless stormtrooper on another Speeder

Hurtling through the trees on the forest moon of Endor, Luke tries evading the armored soldier at incredible speeds, without so much as a seat belt for safety. A Speeder could be described as an electric, hovering Harley without wheels. Many shots of this chase show the rider's perspective, as thick Redwood trunks whiz by and the camera constantly shifts. Also watch for an Ewok attempting to ride a Speeder.

- Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt00 87469/ (1984)

Subterranean

On the Run: Indy, Willie, and Short Round in a mine cart.

In Pursuit: Some of Mola Ram's flunkies in two mine carts.

This scene will forever be etched in the minds of true Indiana Jones fans. While not the most realistic chase, this underground roller coaster ride blends the excitement of escaping the bad guys with the wonder of where the tracks will lead our heroes. Using various tricks, Indy and company manage to elude their pursuers, but the chase doesn't stop at the end of the tunnel!

- Toy Story - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt01 14709/ (1995)

Silliest

On the Run: A moving van full of living toys.

In Pursuit: Buzz and Woody on a radio controlled toy car.

In this movie, the cardinal rule for toys is to not get caught moving or talking. Yet, this climactic scene features toys spaceman Buzz and cowboy Woody riding RC through a neighborhood in broad daylight. Not only are they trying to reach the moving van (and their human owner, Andy), but they must also avoid getting squashed by real cars or mutilated by Sid's dog.

- Independence Day - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt01 16629/ (1996)

Earthling vs. Extraterrestrial

On the Run: Captain Steven Hiller in an F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet.

In Pursuit: Bad-attitude alien in an attack-style spacecraft.

We've all seen it before - aliens come to earth, intent on taking over the entire planet for their own self-serving purposes. In this scene, though, Hiller breaks off from a massive dogfight with an alien in hot pursuit, zooming through desert canyons and performing exceptional aerial maneuvers. The alien keeps up, but our intrepid hero finds a clever way to ground the enemy.

- Liar Liar - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt01 19528/ (1997)

Most unusual transportation

On the Run: Mother Audrey and son Max Reede in an airliner.

In Pursuit: Zany father Fletcher Reede on a rolling stairway.

You should automatically expect something really goofy to happen in a Jim Carrey comedy, and this scene is a great example. Facing the possibility of parting with his beloved son, Fletcher races to the airport, only to see the plane taxi away. What's the nearest and most convenient way to get to it? Yep, one of those rolling stairways normally used for boarding and disembarking between airplane and tarmac.

- Monsters, Inc. - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt01 98781/ (2001)

Most eclectic scenery

On the Run: Sulley and Mike through closet doors.

In Pursuit: Randall through those same doors.

In the monster world, the most potent energy is garnered via human child screams, and the way to these screams is through children's bedroom closet doors. Near the end of the film, Sully and Mike have something that Randall needs for his evil plot, and the only way to escape him is through dozens of these doors. The funny part of this chase is watching everyone go back and forth between the monster world and various human rooms in far-flung earth homes.

While some movie scenes involve unintentional chases (Harrison Ford running from a giant boulder and a runaway locomotive both topped that list), they were not true chases, since the chaser had no objective, and were thus not "officially" included here. Also, in light of the numerous car chases that saturate the Hollywood landscape, the above descriptions might be a welcomed change to any film fan's collection.

Learn more about this author, Len Morse.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about The top 10 movie chase scenes?
We want to hear your view. Write now!