57 Years Later, The “Ahead of Its Time” Thriller That Re-Defined the Action Genre Leaves Free Streaming

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A single scene can sometimes make a movie legendary, and Saving Private Ryan is a well-known example. But one of the first films to achieve this is about to be removed from its current free streaming platform. The scene in question didn’t just improve Saving Private Ryan; it fundamentally changed how action movies are made. If you enjoy action-packed films like Fast & Furious or John Wick, you owe a debt to Steve McQueen’s Bullitt – the movie that pioneered those iconic car chases and battles. However, you’ll need to watch it soon, as it’s leaving free streaming services.

I just saw that Bullitt is free to watch on Tubi right now, which is awesome! But, heads up, it won’t be there for long. It’s on their “Leaving Soon” list with a bunch of other good movies. The frustrating part is Tubi isn’t saying exactly when it’s going, just that it’ll be gone by the end of December. So, if you’re like me and love this movie, you should definitely watch it on Tubi while you still can!

Released in 1968, Bullitt is a legendary action thriller. The film centers on Detective Frank Bullitt as he investigates the murder of a protected government witness. His investigation quickly reveals a conspiracy much larger than he initially expected. However, most people remember Bullitt for one thing: its groundbreaking car chase. While the movie has a strong story, the chase scene is what truly makes it iconic.

‘Bullitt’s Car Chase Redefined Action Cinema


Warner Bros.

Action movies existed long before Bullitt. While some consider The Great Train Robbery (1903) to be the very first, Bullitt is undoubtedly one of the most important and impactful. The film is especially remembered for a thrilling car chase featuring Steve McQueen and two opponents in powerful muscle cars.

In the classic car chase scene, Steve McQueen expertly drove a green Ford Mustang through the streets of San Francisco – including Potrero Hill, North Beach, and Russian Hill – while being pursued by two villains in a black Dodge Challenger. Remarkably, the entire sequence was filmed practically, without relying heavily on special effects, and the result still looks amazing. While it’s not the most explosive chase, the scene masterfully builds suspense and its innovative camera work has inspired filmmakers for generations.

Even after 57 years, the movie Bullitt and its famous car chase remain incredibly popular with audiences. It boasts a remarkable 98% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, along with a user score of 85%. One Rotten Tomatoes user called it “way ahead of its time” and said it “could be regarded as a school in its genre, even by today’s standards,” while others shared similar praise.

This is a truly classic police action movie! Steve McQueen, the setting of San Francisco, and a powerfully modified Mustang all come together to create something unforgettable.

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2025-12-13 17:04