To be deemed an outstanding action film, specific characteristics must be present, including high-speed car chases, intense crashes, and substantial vehicle explosions. While computer-generated special effects frequently aim to replicate this remarkable destruction, certain filmmakers opt for authenticity, choosing to capture these thrilling sequences with real-life stunts. In doing so, they often dismantle a significant amount of machinery. (Check out the greatest car chases in movies.)
The real-life car crash scenes come with a hefty price tag. The cost of automobile destruction in the initial seven “Fast and Furious” movies is approximated to be around $527 million. While some of the vehicles wrecked in these films are ordinary sedans and SUVs, others seem to be rare and valuable.
Nonetheless, akin to star actors, exclusive and costly cars frequently boast stunt doubles—replicas crafted from significantly more affordable vehicles that undergo customization to mimic their more luxurious counterparts. These expendable lookalikes are employed for action sequences, while the authentic vehicles take center stage for less hazardous close-up shots.
An example of this practice can be observed in “The Fast and the Furious,” where the renowned Toyota Supra was featured in eight distinct versions: two served as hero cars, while the remaining six acted as stand-ins.. (Those vehicles that do survive filming often command big prices as movie memorabilia. These are the most expensive movie cars ever sold.)
24/7 Tempo reviewed the “Movie Car Report” published by Confused.com, an insurance comparison company that occasionally analyzes data around various lifestyle and entertainment topics to compile a list of the movies in which the most cars have been destroyed.
Here are the films that demolished the most cars
20. Spectre (2015)
- Cars destroyed: 7
- Production budget: $300,000,000 (adj. for inflation: $364,970,023)
- Directed by: Sam Mendes
19. 6 Underground (2019)
- Cars destroyed: 20
- Production budget: $150,000,000 (adj. for inflation: $169,179,995)
- Directed by: Michael Bay
18. The Dukes Of Hazzard (2005)
- Cars destroyed: 26
- Production budget: $53,000,000 (adj. for inflation: $78,250,850)
- Directed by: Jay Chandrasekhar
17. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
- Cars destroyed: 75
- Production budget: $150,000,000 (adj. for inflation: $182,485,012)
- Directed by: George Miller
16. The Fast and the Furious (2001)
- Cars destroyed: 78
- Production budget: $38,000,000 (adj. for inflation: $61,870,051)
- Directed by: Rob Cohen
15. Ronin (1998)
- Cars destroyed: 80
- Production budget: $55,000,000 (adj. for inflation: $97,295,000)
- Directed by: John Frankenheimer
14. Gone in 60 Seconds (2000)
- Cars destroyed: 93
- Production budget: $103,300,000 (adj. for inflation: $172,974,710)
- Directed by: Dominic Sena
13. The Blues Brothers (1980)
- Cars destroyed: 104
- Production budget: $27,000,000 (adj. for inflation: $94,482,633)
- Directed by: John Landis
12. Blues Brothers 2000 (1998)
- Cars destroyed: 105
- Production budget: $28,000,000 (adj. for inflation: $49,532,000)
- Directed by: John Landis
11. G.I. Joe (2013)
- Cars destroyed: 112
- Production budget: $140,000,000 (adj. for inflation: $173,287,688)
- Directed by: Jon M. Chu
10. 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003)
- Cars destroyed: 130
- Production budget: $76,000,000 (adj. for inflation: $119,099,848)
- Directed by: John Singleton
9. A Good Day to Die Hard (2013)
- Cars destroyed: 132
- Production budget: $92,000,000 (adj. for inflation: $113,874,767)
- Directed by: John Moore
8. The Junkman (1982)
- Cars destroyed: 150
- Production budget: $1,000,000 (adj. for inflation: $2,988,052)
- Directed by: H.B. Halicki
7. Fast & Furious (2009)
- Cars destroyed: 190
- Production budget: $85,000,000 (adj. for inflation: $114,243,674)
- Directed by: Justin Lin
6. Furious 7 (2015)
- Cars destroyed: 230
- Production budget: $190,000,000 (adj. for inflation: $231,147,681)
- Directed by: James Wan
5. The Fast & the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006)
- Cars destroyed: 249
- Production budget: $85,000,000 (adj. for inflation: $121,574,876)
- Directed by: Justin Lin
4. Fast Five (2011)
- Cars destroyed: 260
- Production budget: $125,000,000 (adj. for inflation: $160,236,220)
- Directed by: Justin Lin
3. The Matrix Reloaded (2003)
- Cars destroyed: 300
- Production budget: $150,000,000 (adj. for inflation: $235,065,489)
- Directed by: Lana and Lilly Wachowski
2. Fast & Furious 6 (2013)
- Cars destroyed: 350
- Production budget: $160,000,000 (adj. for inflation: $198,043,072)
- Directed by: Justin Lin
1. Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011)
- Cars destroyed: 532
- Production budget: $195,000,000 (adj. for inflation: $249,968,503)
- Directed by: Michael Bay