The History of Crash Cars in Action Movies

Crash cars have been a popular trend in action movies for decades, with numerous examples of cars being destroyed or damaged during scenes. The history of crash cars in action movies dates back to the early days of cinema, with cars first appearing on screen in the late 1890s.

One of the earliest examples of a car being used for stunts in a movie is the 1895 short film, “L’Auto-mobile, Cucharonani or Le Singe à L’Auto,” directed by Georges Méliès. In this film, Méliès himself drove a Benz Motorwagen, and attempted to run over a man dressed as a monkey, but failed to do so.

In the early 1920s, with the advent of sound films, the use of crash cars in action movies began to gain popularity. One of the most iconic crash car scenes in history is the one from “The Great Escape,” released in 1940. In this scene, a car jumps over a wall and lands in a column of enemy tanks, causing them to explode and making a dramatic sound effect.

As cars became more sophisticated and stunts became more elaborate, the use of crash cars in action movies continued to evolve. In the 1960s, the film “Mad Max and the Road Warriors” featured a number of car chases and scenes in which cars were smashed and destroyed, making it a fan favorite.

In the 1980s and 1990s, the use of crash cars in action movies reached new heights. Films like “Die Hard,” “The Terminator,” and “Lethal Weapon” featured numerous car chases and stunts, including cars being jumped over buildings, exploding in mid-air, and even being driven through reverse. The success of these films helped to cement the use of crash cars as a staple of action movies.

In recent years, the use of crash cars in action movies has continued to evolve, with new technologies and techniques being developed to create more realistic and thrilling scenes. CGI has been used to create groundbreaking visual effects, such as cars flying through the air or crashing into other objects. One popular trend in recent months has been the use of car stunts for comedic effect, as seen in films like “Spy” and “Kingsman: The Secret Service.”

In conclusion, the history of crash cars in action movies is a long and storied one. From Méliès’s early experiments with speed and stunts to modern-day films featuring elaborate CGI and humor, the use of cars in action movies has come a long way. With new technologies and filmmakers continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible on screen, it’s likely that the use of crash cars in action movies will continue to be a popular trend for years to come.