Practical Car Chases That Put CGI to Shame

Car chases have been a staple of action cinema for decades, thrilling audiences with roaring engines, screeching tires, and the heart-pounding danger of high-speed pursuit. While CGI has its place in modern filmmaking, there’s something undeniably raw and gripping about a chase that’s done for real, with stunt drivers pushing actual machines to their limits. The sense of weight, the unpredictability, and the genuine skill on display make practical car chases unforgettable.

Many filmmakers still swear by practical stunts, choosing to risk the asphalt over relying solely on green screens. These sequences often become the defining moments of a movie, the parts viewers remember long after the credits roll. From carefully choreographed mayhem to sheer mechanical chaos, these are the car chases that remind us why real rubber burning on real roads will always hit harder than pixels on a screen.

‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (2015)

This post-apocalyptic epic took vehicular mayhem to another level by building and modifying dozens of unique, fully functional vehicles. George Miller’s team orchestrated jaw-dropping desert chases that played out in real time, with stunt performers leaping between moving rigs and trucks while explosions erupted around them. The decision to use mostly practical effects gave the film a visceral punch that CGI could never fully replicate.

The chase scenes were shot in harsh desert conditions, which added an unpredictable, almost dangerous energy to the action. Every swerve and collision carried real physical impact, making viewers feel like they were riding shotgun through chaos. The result was an adrenaline-charged spectacle that’s still celebrated as one of the greatest examples of practical stunt work in modern cinema.

‘Ronin’ (1998)

John Frankenheimer’s ‘Ronin’ is often cited for its nerve-shredding car chases through the narrow streets of Paris and Nice. The production hired some of the best stunt drivers in the business, who piloted high-performance cars at breakneck speeds through real traffic and tight corners. The sequences were shot with camera rigs inside the vehicles, immersing the audience right in the middle of the action.

What made these chases so gripping was the authenticity of the driving. You could feel the tires losing grip, the engines straining, and the drivers wrestling for control. The fact that every near miss and screech was the result of actual driving skill made the tension skyrocket. It’s a masterclass in how to stage a pursuit without relying on digital shortcuts.

‘The French Connection’ (1971)

Widely regarded as one of the most intense car chases ever filmed, ‘The French Connection’ delivers raw, street-level thrills. Director William Friedkin famously shot the chase through real New York traffic without proper permits, adding a dangerous unpredictability to the scene. Gene Hackman’s Popeye Doyle barrels through the city in pursuit of an elevated train, narrowly avoiding collisions at terrifying speeds.

The lack of safety measures, combined with real vehicles and real pedestrians, gave the sequence an unmatched sense of danger. Every bump and near crash was genuine, and that authenticity has helped the scene remain iconic for over five decades. It’s the kind of filmmaking that would be nearly impossible to pull off today.

‘Bullitt’ (1968)

Steve McQueen’s ‘Bullitt’ set the gold standard for cinematic car chases. The legendary pursuit through the streets of San Francisco featured McQueen himself behind the wheel for many of the shots, piloting a Ford Mustang GT 390 against a Dodge Charger R/T. The chase was filmed on real city streets, with all the bone-jarring jumps and skids captured in-camera.

The distinctive engine roars and tire squeals were recorded live, adding to the sense of immersion. The raw power and precision driving on display made the chase an instant classic. Decades later, it still stands as a benchmark for how practical effects can deliver heart-pounding excitement.

‘Baby Driver’ (2017)

Edgar Wright’s stylish ‘Baby Driver’ blends music and high-octane action in a way that feels both fresh and grounded. The opening getaway sequence was performed using real cars weaving through Atlanta traffic, with precise timing to match the soundtrack’s rhythm. Skilled stunt drivers executed hairpin turns, drifts, and near misses with flawless precision.

By grounding the action in practical stunts, Wright gave the film’s chases a tangible sense of speed and danger. The choreography between the vehicles and the music created an energy that computer effects would have struggled to match. It’s a perfect example of how practical stunt work can enhance a film’s personality.

‘The Bourne Identity’ (2002)

In ‘The Bourne Identity’, Jason Bourne’s Mini Cooper chase through the streets of Paris delivers gritty, high-stakes tension. The production team shot the sequence in real locations with tight, winding streets that made every maneuver feel risky. The Mini’s small size allowed for daring stunts, like squeezing through impossibly narrow alleys and staircases.

The chase relied on skilled driving and practical camera setups to keep the action grounded. You could feel the jolts from cobblestone roads and the claustrophobia of the tight European streets. It’s a scene that proves you don’t need supercars or CGI to create unforgettable vehicular action.

‘Death Proof’ (2007)

Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Death Proof’ features a standout car chase that plays like a love letter to classic stunt work. The film’s climax puts stuntwoman Zoë Bell on the hood of a speeding car, clinging on for dear life while being pursued by a relentless villain. The scene was done entirely for real, with no digital safety nets.

The danger is palpable because every swerve, bump, and near miss is genuine. By relying on practical stunts, Tarantino gave the sequence a raw, nerve-wracking intensity. It’s a reminder of how much tension can come from knowing what you’re seeing is actually happening.

‘Skyfall’ (2012)

The opening chase of ‘Skyfall’ sets the tone for the entire film with its mix of motorcycle rooftop runs and a high-speed pursuit through Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar. Most of the action was achieved with practical stunts, including real vehicles weaving through narrow streets and crowded markets. The realism of the sequence makes it all the more thrilling.

The use of actual stunt work gave weight to every impact and kept the danger grounded. You can sense the precision and timing required to pull off such complex maneuvers in real locations. It’s a testament to the Bond franchise’s dedication to practical spectacle.

‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’ (1991)

James Cameron’s ‘Terminator 2’ is remembered for many things, but its Los Angeles flood channel chase stands out as a pure practical stunt masterpiece. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s motorcycle pursuit of a semi-truck driven by the T-1000 was filmed entirely with real vehicles performing dangerous stunts. The sheer size difference between the bike and the truck made the chase visually gripping.

The sequence’s practical execution gave it a weight and danger that CGI could never replicate. From the truck crashing off a bridge to the precise timing of jumps, every moment felt authentic. It’s a perfect example of why physical stunt work leaves a lasting impression.

‘The Dark Knight’ (2008)

Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Dark Knight’ features a jaw-dropping chase through Gotham’s streets, highlighted by the unforgettable truck flip. The entire sequence was shot using practical effects, including building a massive rig to launch the truck into the air without digital tricks.

The scene’s grounded realism made it one of the most talked-about action set pieces of the decade. The combination of precise stunt driving, in-camera effects, and Nolan’s commitment to practical filmmaking ensured that every moment felt intense and immediate. It’s proof that even in the modern blockbuster era, real stunts can still steal the show.

Which of these thrilling practical chases do you think stands above the rest? Share your pick in the comments.