Last Updated on August 3, 2021
#1 – ALIENS
Ah, the APC. One of the greatest machine creations from any James Cameron film, it is also the most badass tank ever put on film. This thing can kick all sorts of ass and is clearly the influence for the vehicles from AVATAR and possibly even THE DARK KNIGHT. This is our #1, right here. Game over, man. Game over.
#2 – SAVING PRIVATE RYAN
Another incredible WWII movie, the closing battle scene features Tom Hanks going against an oncoming tank using only a pistol and his final bullets. The slow burn of this scene is palpable and fills you with a sense of dread. But, as the scene comes to a close, we are given yet another reason as to why Steven Spielberg is a master of his craft.
#3 – PATTON
One of the ultimate war movies of all time, PATTON has tons of tanks and every other conceivable form of military weapon. Being the story of one of the most decorated generals in American history, there are several recreations of significant WWII battles, giving us great wide scale shots of tanks in action. A great movie for war film enthusiasts and film buffs.
#4 – KELLY’S HEROES
A classic military movie, KELLY’S HEROES is also a comedic heist film. When the movie comes down to the crew versus a tank, you would think some creative battle tactics would be needed. But, instead of fighting, why not share in the spoils of war? A great movie moment.
#5 – FAST AND FURIOUS 6
Justin Lin blew audiences away with the sixth entry in this franchise and it can easily be summed up by the balls to the wall scene featuring a car chase versus a tank. Usually, tanks are looked at like elephants in that they are slow and lumbering, but this scene proves they can be fast and, well, furious.
#6 – THE DARK KNIGHT RISES
While the Tumbler was introduced in the preceding films in Christopher Nolan’s trilogy, Bane puts them to the best use in the final chapter. The camouflaged tanks are used to control the citizens of Gotham and do a damn fine job with their heavy firepower.
#7 – TRON
Another cult classic, this time for the video game crowd. There are lots of iconic moments from TRON, but we would be remiss if we didn’t point out the patrol tanks that secure The Grid. Neon colors and powerful pixelated weapons may not be quite as formidable as a light cycle but it is still pretty damn cool.
#8 – TANK GIRL
A cult classic that bombed theatrically, TANK GIRL is a post-apocalyptic dark comedy that could be summed up as WATERWORLD meets MAD MAX with a pinch of girl power. Lori Petty plays the title role who searches the desolate wasteland in her pimped out tank. A very 1990s movie with a great soundtrack.
#9 – THE A-TEAM
While not a great movie, Joe Carnahan certainly knows how to frame an action setpiece. The shot of the tank in mid-air is badass enough, but the interaction between the team members is what makes this great. Liam Neeson chewing the scenery opposite Bradley Cooper is cool enough, but the whole use of the tank here is pretty spectacular.
#10 – INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE
I love this scene. Whether it be the line “the pen is mightier than the sword” or Indy rescuing his dad, this is a solid action scene and one of the best in the trilogy. But, what makes it stand out is when Indy shoves the rock in the turret of the tank, something widely debated since the movie was released as to whether it is even possible. Who cares? It makes a great movie moment!
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