A Crash Zoom is an extremely rapid zoom, either in or out, that happens so quickly it registers as a sudden, jarring shift in framing rather than a smooth optical transition. The effect is almost always used for comedic emphasis, shock, or stylistic punctuation, deliberately calling attention to the camera's presence as a storytelling device.

The technique became a hallmark of low-budget action films and horror movies in the 1970s, where rapid zooms were used to create dramatic impact without the expense of complex camera moves or editing. It was later adopted into comedy and parody filmmaking, where the exaggerated, self-aware nature of the crash zoom became part of the visual language of irony and absurdist humour. Directors such as Edgar Wright and Sam Raimi have used crash zooms extensively, embracing the technique's artificial, heightened quality as a deliberate stylistic choice that separates their work from naturalistic cinematography.

In AI video generation, a crash zoom is a challenging effect to produce because it requires precise control over both speed and optical characteristics. However, when specified clearly in a prompt or through camera control parameters, it can add dynamic energy and stylistic flair to generated content, particularly for creators working in genres that embrace heightened, stylised visuals.