10 Most Intense Aerial Dogfights In War Movies

Independence Day is undeniably cheesy and bound by the tropes of its time. However, these traits do not stop it from being a classic summer blockbuster with groundbreaking visual effects, likeable characters and a feel-good tone lacking in recent movies of its kind, including its own sequel.

The film's setpieces are well-crafted and seamlessly blend in-camera effects and VFX work that gives the action a fantastical touch that can also be grounded in reality. One scene that notably combines these qualities is the film's canyon chase that takes place between Colonel Steven Hiller (Will Smith) and an alien fighter craft.

The scene is well-paced, features sweeping camera movements that really sell the speed of the pursuit, and doesn't take itself too seriously due to Smith's game performance and the energetic and almost whimsical score from composer David Arnold. The scene is famously capped off by a duo of silly but classic one-liners and an alien that is on the receiving end of Hiller's understandable frustration.