The Chase Film subgenre is typically part of the Action and Thriller genres and often features the Films About Fugitives subgenre. Chase films typically involve cars, motorcycles and any type of motorized transport, but can also involve pursuits on foot. The Chase Film subgenre has been one of the most popular subgenres in the history of film and advances in film technology have made these films even more action-packed and exhilarating over the years.
The Chase Films initially became popular in the 1960’s with two star-studded ensemble films featuring chase sequences – It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963) and The Great Race (1965). At the tail end of the 1960’s Chase films were redefined by three classics of the subgenre – Bonnie and Clyde (1967), Bullitt (1968) and The Italian Job (1969).
The 1970’s continued the increasing popularity of the Chase film with various themes within the subgenre. Films About Cops and Films About Fugitives started to feature more innovative chase sequences and included The French Connection (1971), The Getaway (1972), The Seven-Ups (1973), Magnum Force (1973), The French Connection II (1975), Smokey and the Bandit (1977) and The Gauntlet (1977). Science fiction themed films (often of a Dystopian future) also featured chase sequences with The Million Game (1970), Death Race 2000 (1975), The Warriors (1979) and Mad Max (1979).
The Chase themes of the 1970’s carried over to the 1980’s but also involved more comedies with action-packed Chase sequences. The Blues Brothers (1980), The Cannonball Run (1981) and Running Scared (1986) all had comedic elements but also extended chase sequences by car or by foot. Science Fiction-based Chase films also continued to be popular with The Road Warrior (1981), The Prize of Peril (1983), The Terminator (1984), Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985), The Wraith (1986) and The Running Man (1987). Other classic and notable Chase films of the decade included The Hunter (1980), Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), Against All Odds (1984) and To Live and Die in L.A. (1985).
The 1990’s saw a shift to Films About Fugitives having some of the best and most memorable Chase sequences. Run (1991), Thelma & Louise (1991), The Fugitive (1993), The Getaway (1994), Heaven’s Burning (1997) and U.S. Marshals (1998) all included various fugitives evading law enforcement. The decade also produced some classic films of the subgenre with Total Recall (1990), Days of Thunder (1990), Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), Speed (1994), Mission: Impossible (1996), The Rock (1996), and Ronin (1998).
The Golden Age of Chase Films began in the 2000’s driven by two major franchises – The Fast and the Furious (2001) and The Bourne Identity (2002). These franchises would continue to innovate with mind-boggling and breathtaking chase sequences throughout the next two decades. Other classic films of the subgenre in the 2000’s included Gone in Sixty Seconds (2000), The Transporter (2002), The Italian Job (2003), Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003), Running Scared (2006) and Speed Racer (2008). The Dark Knight (2008), while a classic film in other subgenres, also featured one of the most exhilarating Chase sequences through Gotham City that is still deemed one of the best to this day.
Action-based Chase films continued to be dominated in the 2010’s by the Fast and Furious franchise with Fast Five (2011), Fast & Furious 6 (2013), Furious 7 (2015), The Fate of the Furious (2017) and Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (2019). The decade also produced classic films of the Chase subgenre with The Town (2010), Drive (2011), Premium Rush (2012), Rush (2013), Need for Speed (2014), John Wick (2014), Run All Night (2015), Logan (2017) and Wheelman (2017). Two films, however, helped redefine the Chase subgenre with innovative camera and stunt work – often using practical effects and little to no CGI. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) was the most exciting Chase film of the decade with an almost non-stop Chase sequence throughout. And Baby Driver (2017) redefined urban chase sequences with Edgar Wright again turning a formulaic subgenre upside down (more on that below in our list).
The 2020’s have only produced a few films to date that have notable Chase sequences and those films include Extraction (2020), Unhinged (2020) and F9 (2021).
Our list of Top Chase Films includes over 154+ films from 1963 – 2021. Our list includes everything from chase sequences in vehicles to chase sequences on foot. For our list of Top Chase Films You Haven’t Seen, there were many great films we couldn’t fit into the list. Honorary mentions include The Million Game (1970), Dirty Mary Crazy Larry (1974), Dangan Runner (1996), Drive Angry (2011), Run All Night (2015) and The Escape (2016).
We have embedded a compilation video of our Top Chase Action Films You Haven’t Seen and more details on these films can be found in the list below. Note: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
#10
The Wraith
Plot: Man is killed by a gang but returns as a Wraith with an invincible car to exact revenge.
KBZ’s Take: The plot of this film doesn’t make sense but it’s a fun forgotten film of the 1980’s. Starring Charlie Sheen in one of his earlier roles, The Wraith is a simple revenge tale but with supernatural undertones. Oh, and it features some very exciting chase and racing sequences. For fans of the subgenre and anything 80’s.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3Fjx0xZ
Plot: In a futuristic society, contestants fight to the death for cash prizes on live television.
KBZ’s Take: If the plot line above sounds familiar, then you either read The Running Man by Richard Bachman (Stephen King), or saw the ‘inspired by’ film The Running Man (1987). The Prize of Peril tracks more closely to King’s novel and features many of the same dystopian themes. It’s not a great film by any means, but it’s an interesting curiosity to watch to see what King’s novel could have (and should have) been. Try to find the original French language version if possible as the English dubbed version is horrible.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3ENqwWQ
#8
The Hunter
Plot: Bounty hunter is being hunted by a killer.
KBZ’s Take: Steve McQueen is to Action Chase Films what Robert DeNiro is to Gangster and The Mob Films – they are kings of their respective subgenres. While not a classic subgenre film like Bullitt (1968), The Hunter features a classic chase sequence in a Chicago parking garage. Unfortunately, it was McQueen’s last film as he died shortly after filming, but it’s still one of the best films of the subgenre and of McQueen’s storied career.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3ijLAwr
Plot: Contestants participate in a cross-country race from Connecticut to California.
KBZ’s Take: If you’re 40 years of age or older, it’s a good bet that you have seen this film. It was popular in the early 1980’s and one of Burt Reynolds funniest roles. While it’s been lost a bit to time, it’s still a hilarious, action-packed ensemble race across the country. If you’re from a younger generation and haven’t seen this film, seek it out as it’s a perfect blend of action and comedy. And it has a great theme song and “Da Dun Dan!” Captain Chaos!
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3Ul2nfT
Plot: Low level mobster is pursued by the Russian mob and a dirty cop.
KBZ’s Take: Be warned – though this film is very action-packed, it has explicit violence. It also has a Tarantino-vibe to it with a great cast. Though it was dismissed by critics, it has very high audience reviews and is an enjoyable action/thriller. One of the better films of the Chase film subgenre.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3FmRXZb
#5
Premium Rush
Plot: A bike messenger is pursued by a dirty cop.
KBZ’s Take: Initially, this film’s bike sequences will remind you of Quicksilver (1986). But that’s where the similarities begin and end. Premium Rush is a thrill-ride from start to finish with some of the most exciting chase sequences on film. Though the plot is simple, it’s the action and cast that make the film. Joseph Gordon-Levitt and the always great Michael Shannon make this a film not to miss for fans of the subgenre.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3VFTJtC
Plot: Wheelman in a robbery saves a hostage and is pursued by the cops, the hostage’s husband and fellow robbers.
KBZ’s Take: If you ever wondered what an Australian version of True Romance (1993) with Russell Crowe instead of Christian Slater might look like, then this is your film. This was Crowe’s last Australian film before becoming an international superstar in L.A. Confidential (1997). It’s not a perfect film, but it’s high on the violence and black comedy with numerous action sequences. It also has a surprising (and emotional) bond that develops between Crowe and the hostage (played by Yûki Kudô). You won’t forget the last 20 minutes of this film that includes amazing chemistry between Crowe and Kudô during a dance sequence set to the Bee Gee’s ‘Don’t Forget To Remember’. A must-see film for fans of the subgenre.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3Fu1Zrz
Plot: Secret service agent pursues a money counterfeiter who killed his partner.
KBZ’s Take: One of William Friedkin’s best films but has become another 80’s forgotten film over time. Friedkin has directed some of the tensest action scenes of all-time (The French Connection (1971) and Sorcerer (1977)), and To Live and Die in L.A. features some of his best action chase film work. Though the film stars William Petersen and Willem Dafoe, it will always be remembered by its amazing car chase sequence. A must see for fans of the subgenre.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3VtFNDs
#2
Run
Plot: Student runs for his life after the accidental death of a mobster’s son during a poker game.
KBZ’s Take: This little-seen gem from the early 1990’s is one of the best films of the Chase film subgenre. Starring Patrick Dempsey and Kelly Preston, the film has a somewhat dubious plot but also has some of the most exciting chase sequences on film. It’s also a non-stop thrill ride as Dempsey is pursued not only by the mob but also by dirty cops. Highly recommended film for fans of the subgenre.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3ESQdoZ
#1
Baby Driver
Plot: Young getaway driver is involved in doomed heist.
KBZ’s Take: In our article about The Top Time Travel Films You Haven’t Seen, we mentioned Edgar Wright and Last Night in Soho (2021) as a director whose film transformed a subgenre. And what Wright did for Time Travel and Slasher films, he has done for Action Chase films with Baby Driver. To start, the camera work is innovative and unparalleled when it comes to chase sequences on film. Second, it has an amazing chase sequence set to music that you can see a bit of here. Third, it has an amazing cast with Ansel Elgort, Kevin Spacey, Lily James, Jon Hamm, Jamie Foxx and Jon Bernthal. While most fans of the Chase film subgenre have likely seen this film, we wanted to include it as #1 on our list for film fans who might not yet have seen this classic film.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3ipCfTT
