Movies are often known for their extravagant and jaw-dropping stunts that leave audiences on the edge of their seats. From car chases to explosions to death-defying leaps, stunt performers are integral to bringing these heart-pounding sequences to life. While many stunts in movies are carefully choreographed and executed with precision, there have been some truly insane stunts that have been pulled off on the big screen. Here are some of the craziest stunts ever pulled off in movies:
1. Tom Cruise climbing the Burj Khalifa in “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol”:
In the fourth installment of the “Mission: Impossible” franchise, Tom Cruise performed one of the most daring stunts in movie history. Cruise, known for his dedication to performing his own stunts, climbed the exterior of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Without the use of a stunt double, Cruise scaled the towering skyscraper, leaving audiences gasping in disbelief at the sheer audacity of the stunt.
2. Jackie Chan jumping off a building in “Police Story”:
Jackie Chan is famous for performing his own stunts, often with a comedic flair. In the film “Police Story,” Chan jumped from a building onto an awning, crashing through multiple panes of glass before hitting the ground. The stunt was performed without any safety harnesses or wires, making it one of the riskiest stunts in Chan’s career.
3. The car jump in “The Blues Brothers”:
In the cult classic film “The Blues Brothers,” Jake and Elwood Blues jump a car over an open drawbridge, soaring through the air before crashing onto the other side. The stunt was performed by professional driver and stuntman Buddy Joe Hooker, who executed the jump perfectly, creating one of the most iconic moments in movie history.
4. The helicopter chase in “Mad Max: Fury Road”:
“Mad Max: Fury Road” is filled with high-octane action sequences, but one of the most intense stunts in the film is the helicopter chase scene. In a breathtaking display of skill and coordination, stunt performers hung from poles attached to the sides of the speeding helicopter, creating a visually stunning and heart-stopping moment on screen.
5. The bus jump in “Speed”:
In the action-packed film “Speed,” Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock find themselves in a harrowing situation when a bus must jump a 50-foot gap in a freeway that has been demolished. The stunt, performed with a real bus and without the use of CGI, required precision timing and skill to execute successfully.
These stunts, among many others, showcase the dedication and fearlessness of stunt performers in Hollywood. Their willingness to push the boundaries of what is possible on screen has led to some of the most unforgettable moments in movie history. As audiences continue to crave bigger and more thrilling stunts, filmmakers will undoubtedly continue to think of even crazier stunts to wow audiences in the future.