The Marvel Cinematic Universe has had a long history of chase sequences and iconic set pieces that fall apart perfectly. However, some chase sequences… are simply better than others. From street-level fights to riding motorcycles and crashing on highways, the chase sequences are aplenty, but only 5 of them make it to this list.
From the climatic fight scene in Ant-Man to the streets of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, here are the 5 best MCU chase scenes that we can rewatch countless times.
5. Ant-Man (2015)
The climax scene from Ant-Man (2015) | Credits: Marvel Studios
Although not entirely a chase scene or a fight scene, the climax of Ant-Man was something extraordinary. With the powers of shrinking down or scaling up at will, Ant-Man simply redefined what a chase sequence essentially is. Although the stakes were the same, however, changing the scale of the entire scene mid-fight, was quite the creative outlet.
With Ant-Man and Yellowjacket shrinking down to tiny sizes, the duo has a fight till death (or in this case, Thomas the Tank Engine runs over). However, due to the sheer size of the characters, the stakes felt real. Scaling down the character’s sizes, the fight was upscaled with plenty of humor moments and serious stakes, that felt unreal. Naturally, the climax scene in Ant-Man makes it to #5 on this list.
4. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
Spider-Man chases Vulture’s men in Spider-Man: Homecoming | Credits: Marvel Studios
Being the first solo movie of Tom Holland as Spider-Man, Spider-Man: Homecoming saw Peter Parker going up against goons of Vulture (and eventually the man himself). However, before the ultimate showdown happened, Parker had to go through a lot of streets to understand what was happening in his neighborhood.
While scouting, Peter Parker spots two of Vulture’s men selling a piece of alien technology to a buyer. Scaring them off, Peter Parker gives a chase and swings through backyards to catch their speeding van. Although it leads to Parker meeting Vulture for a brief moment, the chase scene stands out for being simply iconic. Being the most Spidey-esque chase scene in the MCU, Spider-Man: Homecoming finds itself on the 4th rank on this list.
3. Black Panther (2018)
A still from Black Panther (2018) | Credits: Marvel Studios
Featuring Chadwick Boseman in his iconic role of Black Panther, the Busan chase sequence in Black Panther stands out as one of the most tech-savvy chase sequences in the MCU (paralleled only by Iron Man being chased by jets). Following a shootout and Ulysses Klaue running away in an SUV, T’Challa and Shuri have no way of catching him… except following pursuit.
With Shuri driving a remote vehicle, Black Panther clings to the roof and gives Klaue a run for his money. The scene is kinetic, mobile, and very electrifying. Although the chase does end with Klaue being taken into custody, fans cannot forget the night vibes and the elevated score of Black Panther.
2. Black Widow (2021)
A still from Black Widow (2021) | Credits: Marvel Studios
Although Black Widow received mixed reception upon its release, there’s no doubt that the chase sequence featured in the movie remains one of the best in the MCU so far. Called “Chase for the Red Dust”, the scene showcases Yelena and Natasha running from Taskmaster and other Blackwidows through streets and alleys.
The reason why this chase sequence remains #2 on this list is because it features practical stunt-work rather than relying on CGI alone. With escalating vehicles, multiple pursuits, and a hint of comedy, the chase sequence in Black Widow is almost perfect. Although, there’s one last sequence that seems the best of the best in the MCU.
1. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
A still from Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) | Credits: Marvel Studios
Most MCU chases are one continous threat from start to finish. The chase scene in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, however, has three phases that raise the stakes. Starting off with disguised cops and a battering ram, the chase sequence ends with the Winter Soldier himself outpacing an SUV and finishing the job.
With Nick Fury having practically no powers, the scene is highly grounded in reality. Rather than relying on web shooters or a Vibranium shielf, Fury uses his brain each step of the way and eventually finds himself wounded but alive.
It’s not simply a chase scene. It actually sets up the rest of the premise of Captain America: The Winter Soldier with Steve Rogers getting involved in trying to save Nick Fury and uncovering the secret of the Winter Soldier. Naturally, the best chase sequence in the MCU remains that of Nick Fury and Bucky Barnes.
Do you agree with our picks? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
All Marvel movies are available to stream on Disney+.
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