12 Great Movies With the Best Stunts (That Should’ve Gotten An Oscar Nod)

It’s now being decided to honor the stunt industry in Hollywood, a significant aspect of filmmaking that has been underappreciated for quite some time. While viewers are thrilled to see stunts acknowledged at the awards, there’s also growing curiosity about which movies might have taken home the prize had it been awarded earlier.

A wealth of breathtaking films with stunning stunts and intense action sequences spanning more than a century has captivated audiences. Due to the sheer number of these masterpieces, there is much debate among fans about which ones should have received recognition for their exceptional work in the past.

Sherlock Jr. (1924)

As a passionate cinephile, I can’t stress enough the profound impact and unmatched talent of the iconic Buster Keaton from the golden age of silent films. His name alone should spark recognition, but let me tell you, he deserves every ounce of praise and more. He was not just a face in the crowd; he was a mastermind behind some of the most legendary physical comedy routines and death-defying stunts that still leave us amazed even by today’s standards.

In Sherlock Jr., they witnessed Buster Keaton execute numerous jaw-dropping feats, like leaping from a water spout onto a moving train or balancing on the handlebars of a speeding police motorcycle. One iconic stunt was a visual trick that made it seem as if he jumped over a solid person. Time and again, Buster Keaton risked his physical well-being for the sake of entertainment. If Sherlock Jr. hadn’t posthumously received an Oscar for Best Stunts, there’s no doubt that Buster Keaton would have deserved it.

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Harrison Ford’s memorable and outstanding depiction of Indiana Jones is widely recognized as one of the most remarkable screen characters ever created. It’s a cornerstone of great action-adventure films, spawning a TV series and two follow-ups, all chronicling the thrilling escapades of the world’s foremost archaeologist.

The initial movie, “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” is most likely to be fondly recalled for its legendary opening sequence. It’s debatable whether this scene, featuring Jones fleeing from the colossal boulder, ranks among the most spectacular cinematic stunts ever executed. The visual aesthetics and narrative elements contribute significantly to making this on-screen moment a milestone in film history, one that continues to inspire both contemporary and future filmmakers.

Police Story (1985)

Jackie Chan, an exceptional entertainer whose impressive acting and daredevil stunts deserve immense appreciation, started his journey in the 1970s with the films “Fist of Fury” and “Enter the Dragon.” These movies, too, should be recognized for their groundbreaking stunts. Yet, among all his feats, it’s the movie “Police Story” that truly stands out as one of his greatest stunt performances.

In this movie, Jackie Chan portrays a Hong Kong police officer falsely accused of murder, who then embarks on an action-packed adventure filled with breathtaking stunts and side-splitting physical humor. Among the numerous memorable stunts in the film, viewers often recall the scene where Chan performs a daring leap from a balcony onto a pole adorned with lights, followed by a slide down. Despite its appearance of pure enjoyment, this stunt was extremely risky and came close to being fatal for Chan himself. Jackie Chan truly deserves every bit of praise he receives, particularly for his work in the movie Police Story.

Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

In a surprising twist, James Cameron’s sequel surpassed the original in scale and quality. Unlike his previous role as an antagonist, Arnold Schwarzenegger reprised his character, the T-800, this time as a hero. He valiantly protected John Connor from impending robotic threats and thwarted Judgement Day.

The movie features numerous thrilling stunts and authentic action scenes that merit admiration for their remarkable execution. Among these, the standout moment is arguably the legendary canal chase scene. In this sequence, The Terminator and John are seen speeding away on a motorcycle while being pursued by the T-1000 in a colossal truck along a canal. The heart-pounding action provides viewers with the excitement they’d expect from such an outstanding sequel.

The Jackass Movies

Despite lacking a traditional narrative, the “Jackass” movies could potentially be nominated for the Best Stunt category at the Academy Awards. These films are known for their cast members performing a variety of physically challenging and humiliating stunts, with Johnny Knoxville being one of the hosts. The latest installment, “Jackass Forever”, showcased Knoxville facing off against a charging bull.

As a cinema enthusiast, I’d like to express my admiration for those daring stunts that some might label as violent. However, I believe they deserve applause for their remarkable on-screen performances. In fact, comedian John Mulaney recently voiced this sentiment on his new talk show, John Mulaney Presents: Everybody’s in LA. He suggested that Knoxville should receive the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. Many of us share Mulaney’s viewpoint, as we find the Jackass films to be a unique blend of hilarity and pain, creating a cinematic history that’s hard to forget.

Casino Royale (2006)

James Bond was overdue for a revamp in the series. Fortunately, the 2006 film, “Casino Royale,” provided just that. In this rendition, Daniel Craig portrays the slick and alluring assassin, yet this incarnation of the iconic character is packed with more action than ever before.

In this updated version of the film, Bond showcased a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat dynamism that left viewers amazed as he chased and battled enemies with an innovative action style. Given the widespread popularity of parkour during that period, Bond was portrayed as a master of the art form. Moreover, instead of focusing solely on a high-stakes poker game, the movie creatively interwove moments where Bond humorously dispatched villains. Remarkably, even the iconic Aston Martin from Bond’s fleet suffered destruction in this film. Given its impressive stunts, it goes without saying that James Bond is certainly a strong contender for the Best Stunt award within the franchise.

The Dark Knight (2008)

Among all Batman films, The Dark Knight might be the most deserving of the Best Stunts award. Christopher Nolan’s sequel to Batman Begins is renowned for its action sequences. On numerous occasions in this film, Nolan raises the bar for the vigilante with increasingly impressive stunts.

In this film, there are several moments that stand out to viewers, but three particularly memorable ones include:

1. The iconic scene of Batman perched atop a skyscraper.
2. An impressive stunt where Batman somersaults over an eighteen-wheeler driven by the Joker.
3. A shocking and authentic explosion of a hospital, orchestrated by the Joker – this sequence is undeniably the most impactful.

Director Nolan masterfully captures the action in a way that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, making this movie worthy of acclaim for its dynamic and exciting portrayal of high-stakes drama.

John Wick (2014)

I’m grateful that Keanu Reeves’ John Wick film, initially slated for a straight-to-DVD release, was rescued by the studios and graced our cinema screens instead. This decision transformed it into a global sensation that has left an indelible mark on cinema as we know it. Today, I can’t help but admire its relentless, action-packed style and captivating narrative, which have undeniably revolutionized the film industry.

Under the guidance of ex-stuntman Chad Stahelski, it’s evident that John Wick has significantly shaped how contemporary filmmakers construct action-packed movies. The swift and stylish action sequences in John Wick have left an indelible mark on other films, spawning similar franchises. While John Wick didn’t invent a new genre, it undeniably popularized a style of action that no studio or film can ignore today. Beyond being just an exhilarating action movie, John Wick has ushered in a fresh epoch for action storytelling.

Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

In 2015, George Miller’s Mad Max series experienced an outstanding overhaul with Mad Max: Fury Road. Featuring Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron, Miller pondered what a film would resemble if it were essentially one extended chase scene. Consequently, Fury Road came to be, a movie that aimed to create one of the finest, longest action sequences ever seen on screen.

The remarkable skill of the stunt, special effects, makeup, and costume teams played a pivotal role in making the scenes in Mad Max: Fury Road believable, thus contributing significantly to its status as an impressive example of action-packed filmmaking.

Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)

I can’t help but echo the sentiment that Daniels’ “Everything Everywhere All At Once” perfectly embodies its title. As a viewer, I found myself immersed in this vibrant universe populated by Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan, Stephanie Hsu, and Jamie Lee Curtis. The narrative follows Evelyn, a mother grappling with life’s complexities, who suddenly discovers extraordinary powers. In the face of a multiversal crisis that could potentially terminate all of existence, Evelyn embarks on an exhilarating journey. This film, brimming with quirky and entertaining elements, also delves deep into the profound, offering a captivating blend of humor, action, and emotion.

Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan have a rich history in the world of stunts, and they both demonstrate impressive fighting skills throughout this film. Each action scene featuring either actor is truly memorable. While their stunts may not be overly intricate, they certainly showcase some of the most imaginative choreography.

The Fall Guy (2024)

For quite some time now, discussions have been ongoing among creative minds in the industry and filmmakers about introducing a Best Stunt category at the Academy Awards. However, it was the underestimated Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt action-comedy, The Fall Guy, that recently sparked renewed interest in this topic. This movie, directed by former stunt coordinator David Leitch, is a contemporary take on the original series, focusing on the character Colt Seavers as he delves into a Hollywood-scale conspiracy while performing exciting stunts.

This film aimed to be a heartfelt homage to everything related to stunts, covering an extensive variety such as car chases, fights, massive leaps, boat chases and much more. Notably, it holds the record for the greatest number of car cannon rolls in any movie. Regrettably, it didn’t live up to critical acclaim, but viewers should definitely reconsider watching The Fall Guy. It is one of the most under-appreciated movies of 2024.

The Mission: Impossible Franchise

When the topic of movie stunts arises, it’s undoubtedly Tom Cruise who springs to mind first. He’s earned legendary status in the realm of action cinema, and notably through his Mission: Impossible film series, where he consistently pushes the boundaries with thrilling stunts.

In the first movie, it’s well-known that Cruise was suspended from the ceiling with wires. The film’s incredible popularity and the success of this stunt led to even bolder feats in the sequels. From hanging off a plane mid-flight to scaling the tallest building on Earth, Cruise is known for personally executing these daring stunts and making them captivating. Given the movie’s grandeur, it’s worth giving more recognition to its impressive cinematic skills. It’s challenging to dispute that there isn’t a more deserving candidate for a stunt award than Tom Cruise.

2025-04-23 03:39

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