Buzz
Growing up, I was always fascinated by movies, and I also enjoyed pretending to get into epic fights with my friends or jumping my Stingray bike over anything that got in my way. So, naturally, creating this list was a blast for me. Sadly, with the rise of CGI and special effects, truly memorable stunts are becoming a rare sight. But remember, everyone, this list is based on the most unforgettable stunts, not necessarily the most difficult ones.
10. District 13
This lesser-known French futuristic movie has made waves thanks to its impressive stunt choreography and its focus on parkour, a sport that emphasizes swiftly navigating from one point to another using only one's physical abilities.
9. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
Butch Cassidy: Then you jump first. Sundance Kid: No, I said. Butch Cassidy: What’s wrong with you? Sundance Kid: I can’t swim. Butch Cassidy: Are you out of your mind? The fall could easily kill you.
While it was actually Newman and Redford’s stunt doubles who performed the daring river jump off a construction crane at the studio's Century Ranch near Century Lake, it remains one of the most unforgettable stunts. The crane itself was cleverly hidden by a matte painting of the cliffs.
8. Steamboat Bill Jr.
No matter how many times they tested and measured the scene, it still required immense courage for Buster Keaton to stand in that exact spot and let an entire house collapse around him. It’s a brief moment, so even if you're at work with a slow internet connection (on your lunch break, of course), you can still watch this iconic clip before you head home to enjoy the rest.
7. The Great Escape
I knew if I left this out, I'd be stoned! How could anyone forget the iconic 65-foot leap to freedom over a barbed-wire fence? Sure, today we’re used to seeing daredevils leap over buses and cars on those flimsy bikes, but remember, this stunt was performed on a 400-pound 1962 Triumph. The stuntman was Bud Ekins. Both Ekins and McQueen were passionate about motorcycle racing and shared a strong friendship.
6. Police Story
Any stunt list would be incomplete without mentioning Jackie Chan. Though I never quite enjoyed the typical martial arts films, Chan’s approach is always playful and full of humor, which makes his movies more enjoyable. Chan has even paid tribute to Harold Lloyd with a clock-hanging scene in Project A and to Buster Keaton in Project A II, where he mirrors Keaton’s house collapse stunt (see #8). The end of this clip from Police Story features a pretty remarkable stunt by Chan.
5. Stagecoach
One of John Wayne’s early films showcases some of the most dangerous stunts ever captured on film. I can’t even imagine anyone attempting these stunts today. In one of them, a stuntman positions himself to be dragged at full speed, hanging onto the front horse of the stagecoach, before letting go and somehow avoiding being trampled, then managing to roll right between the wheels as the stagecoach passes over him. He also doubled for Wayne during a dramatic scene where he jumps from horse to horse. These stunts were executed by Yakima Canutt, a legend among stuntmen, still highly respected today.
4. The Spy Who Loved Me
So many unforgettable Bond stunts, so little time. But here’s my personal favorite. This stunt brings together downhill skiing, bullets flying out of ski poles, and, of course, a Union Jack parachute. Honestly, what could be more Bond-esque and iconic than that?
3. Ben Hur
I just had to place Ben Hur at the top. The stunt I’m talking about happens about halfway through the iconic Chariot race when Judah Ben Hur is forced to the inner part of the track, with nowhere to go but straight into the wreckage of a fallen chariot. The stunt was performed by Joe Canutt, who gets launched over the front of his chariot, barely managing to hang on as he climbs back up. The fact that this wasn’t planned only makes the stunt even more amazing and unforgettable.
Contributor: Blogball
2. Raiders of the Lost Ark
This chase sequence is one of my all-time favorites, featuring some incredible stunts. The iconic 'under the truck' stunt was performed by Vic Armstrong, and it was inspired by the legendary stuntman Yakima Canutt. (See #5) Believe it or not, Spielberg didn’t actually direct this particular scene. The second unit followed his storyboard, while Spielberg directed the close-ups with Harrison Ford later.
1. Safety Last
Harold Lloyd was known for performing his own stunts. In this classic scene, he climbs and hangs from a building, dealing with various humorous distractions along the way, all while only using three fingers on his right hand. Harold Lloyd was a true innovator. Unfortunately, the person who uploaded this clip to YouTube has disabled embedding (I have no idea why some people do this – it’s incredibly frustrating!). To watch the clip, go here [opens in a new window].
