The greatest movie stunt of all time has been revealed, and surprisingly, it's not from the traditional big-budget blockbusters one might expect. Instead, voters from across the United Kingdom have chosen Keanu Reeves’ iconic bullet-dodging backbend from The Matrix as their favorite. This stunt, which has become emblematic of the 1999 sci-fi classic, has outshone some big names like Tom Cruise and Daniel Craig, whose nail-biting stunts from Mission: Impossible and Skyfall, respectively, also made it to the top five.
This interesting finding came from a recent survey commissioned by Samsung. Conducted by OnePoll.com, it included responses from 2,000 film enthusiasts who were asked to weigh in on their favorite stunts from cinema history. According to the data, 72% of participants agreed stunts often create memorable moments, with 86% believing they significantly ramp up the excitement level of any action film.
With the results of the survey making waves, Tony Christian, part of the stunts team at Spectrum Stunts and collaborator for Samsung, remarked on the artistry behind stunt work. He said, "We’re all captivated by big-movie action stunts, and it is undeniable the detail looks epic in slow motion. The research reveals some utterly iconic stunts we've been able to enjoy throughout the years." This statement not only emphasizes the beauty of stunts on the big screen but also hints at the tremendous effort and planning involved.
Other noteworthy stunts featured prominently on the list include the jaw-dropping car skydive sequence from Fast & Furious 7, which had actual cars dropped from 12,000 feet above ground, and the intense chariot race from the classic Ben-Hur, starring Charlton Heston. These moments capture the audience’s imagination and provide adrenaline-pumping thrills, something filmgoers clearly cherish.
Interestingly, the data shows nearly half of the viewers indicated they would choose to watch a film if it included significant stunts. High falls, vehicle chases, and complex fight sequences, deemed awe-inspiring, seem to hold immense allure. Tony added, "For stunts to truly impress, they don't necessarily have to be the most challenging maneuvers; what counts is whether they genuinely grab attention."
Among the broader impacts of this study, it stood out how actors like Tom Cruise are often the faces of intense stunt performances. The survey revealed Cruise was deemed the least reliant on body doubles, with 67% of respondents believing actors performing their own stunts demonstrate greater commitment to their roles.
The top stunts listed reflect not just well-known scenes but explicit details of the choreography and complex planning involved, which make each one remarkable. The top 20 stunts included:
- The Matrix (1999) – Bullet Dodging Backbend
- Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015) – Hanging from a Plane
- Fast & Furious 7 (2015) – Car Skydive Sequence
- Ben-Hur (1959) – Chariot Race
- Skyfall (2012) – Train Roof Fight
- Die Hard (1988) – Jumping Off Nakatomi Plaza Rooftop
- Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) – Motorbike Chase Into Canal
- Mission: Impossible - Fallout (2018) – HALO Jump
- Speed (1994) – Bus Jump Over Freeway Gap
- Casino Royale (2006) – Crane Chase Parkour Scene
- Jackie Chan's Police Story (1985) – Mall Pole Slide
- Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) – Liberty Island Fight
- The French Connection (1971) – Car Chase Under the Elevated Train
- Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) – Truck Dragging Scene
- The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) – Parachuting Off a Cliff
- Deadpool vs Wolverine (2024) - Opening fight
- The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) – Tangier Rooftop Chase
- Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) – Tank Battle
- GoldenEye (1995) – Dam Bungee Jump
- Inception (2010) – Rotational Hallway Fight
Interestingly, 58% of those surveyed expressed they would appreciate behind-the-scenes glimpses of stunt work, displaying a desire to understand more about the creativity and risks involved. A representative from Samsung commented on how the Galaxy S24 FE's features allow users to capture their moments with cinematic quality, hinting at the blend of technology and creative storytelling.
With such fascinating insights from the survey, the art of stunt work continues to captivate audiences, enhancing their viewing experience with thrilling, breathtaking moments. And as the film industry evolves, it seems clear stunts and the creativity behind them are here to stay, complementing narratives gorgeously on the big screen. The rankings of these spectacular stunts remind us of the impressive dedication and talent on display and inspire the next generation of filmmakers and stunts artists.
