10 movies that are worthy of an Oscar for Best Stunt Design

      The Academy Awards have taken a significant stride forward with the announcement of a new category for Best Stunt Design. According to Variety, this award will debut for films released in 2027 and will be awarded at the 2028 Oscars. However, one can't help but reflect on which films might have won a golden statue for their stunt work if this category had existed in previous decades.

      Numerous films boast stunning stunts that resulted from immense effort, planning, and risk during production. Some performers even tragically lost their lives while attempting complex stunts. It's unfortunate that stunt teams have not been recognized with Oscars sooner. To celebrate the introduction of this new category, let's revisit some of the top films that should have received the Academy Award for Best Stunt Design.

      **The Fall Guy (2024)**

      The Fall Guy features a stunt performer who becomes a genuine action hero, and director David Leitch along with his team ensured that Ryan Gosling’s character stood out. The film is filled with daring and visually striking practical stunts, showcasing impressive falls, car chases, and explosive fight scenes. Overall, The Fall Guy illustrates the often-overlooked contributions of stunt performers to filmmaking, with the new Oscar category poised to give them the acknowledgment they merit.

      **Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)**

      Terminator 2: Judgment Day is renowned for its explosive and high-stakes stunts, surpassing its predecessor. Iconic scenes include the T-1000 pursuing John Connor through a trench with a large truck and under an overpass in a helicopter. While the film is notable for its groundbreaking visual effects featuring a shape-shifting antagonist, director James Cameron also invested heavily in practical effects to create thrilling, authentic sequences that still resonate today.

      **Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)**

      George Miller’s masterpiece transformed the action genre in 2015 with its multitude of practical stunts. Essentially a two-hour-long chase across a desolate landscape, Mad Max: Fury Road maintains a relentless pace as Max, Furiosa, and their allies battle against hordes of marauders using classic cars, monster trucks, BMX bikes, and big rigs. Much of the film’s action occurs on actual moving vehicles, with real collisions and explosive moments captured on-screen. Released during a time when CGI was heavily relied upon, this ambitious blockbuster set a new benchmark for practical stunts and visual effects.

      **Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)**

      With its creative and thrilling action sequences, Raiders of the Lost Ark kicked off one of the most beloved film franchises in history. Audiences became enamored with Indiana Jones as he embarked on globe-trotting escapades, battling Nazis, riding horses, climbing onto moving vehicles, and swinging over gaps using his whip. However, the most memorable scene features Indy fleeing from a massive boulder, captivating viewers from the film's opening moments.

      **Ben-Hur (1959)**

      Although Ben-Hur is not a conventional action movie, one of the most legendary stunts in cinema history is the protagonist’s exhilarating chariot race against Messala. Made during an era without CGI, this intense 15-minute race still captivates viewers as racers are hurled into the air or trampled by their own horses. This iconic sequence has been emulated in numerous films over the years, solidifying Ben-Hur as an everlasting classic.

      **Police Story (1985)**

      Jackie Chan gained fame for performing his stunts, many of which are deserving of accolades for their athleticism. One of his most remarkable performances can be found in Police Story, which he also co-wrote and directed. Featuring stunning kung fu choreography, Chan famously slid down a pole adorned with glimmering string lights multiple stories without any safety measures. Film School Rejects noted that he emerged from this stunt with second-degree burns due to the heated light bulbs. Additionally, Chan climbs onto a moving bus using only an umbrella in a scene reminiscent of Buster Keaton, showcasing the timeless nature of his practical stunts.

      **John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)**

      As the pinnacle of Baba Yaga’s ultra-violent journey, John Wick: Chapter 4 showcases some of the finest stunts in a franchise known for its impressive action sequences. True to form, John Wick employs his signature gun-fu style as he takes down legions of armed adversaries. The film also includes unforgettable moments of Wick navigating a maze of mercenaries with a fire-breathing shotgun and tumbling down multiple flights of stairs. Regardless of whether this installment marks Wick’s final venture, the stunts ensure that he departs on a high note.

      **Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018)**

      The Mission: Impossible series is filled with scenes of Tom Cruise performing perilous stunts, which have increasingly escalated in audacity. However, these feats reached new heights in Mission: Impossible – Fallout. This espionage blockbuster