A motion estimation method is provided for processing successive images in an image sequence, with a motion vector being associated with each of the processed images. For a current image, motion vectors associated with images that precede the current image in the sequence are selected. Candidate motion vectors are generated from the motion vectors that are selected. A motion vector is elected from among the candidate motion vectors. Information that associates the elected motion vector with the current image is stored in memory. At least one of candidate motion vectors is an acceleration vector generated from the acceleration between first and second motion vectors averaged relative to a first and second images, with the first and second images being distinct and preceding the current image in the image sequence. A motion vector averaged relative to a given image is obtained from selected motion vectors associated with images preceding the given image.