15 Movie Stars Who Do Their Own Stunts

Action films and TV shows thrive on moments that make your heart race. From car chases to rooftop leaps, stunts are what bring these scenes to life. While stunt doubles often take the risks, some actors choose to step into the danger zone themselves, adding raw intensity to their roles.

These stars train hard, face real danger, and sometimes get banged up to make their performances unforgettable. Below, I dive into 15 actors known for doing their own stunts, spotlighting the movies and shows where they pushed their limits. Their commitment makes every punch, jump, and crash feel real.

Jackie Chan

Jackie Chan is a legend in action cinema, known for his acrobatic stunts in films like ‘Police Story’ (1985). He famously slid down a pole through electric lights, suffering burns and a broken back, yet kept filming.

His work in ‘Rush Hour’ (1998) and ‘Shanghai Noon’ (2000) showcased his martial arts skills and daring, like jumping from buildings with no safety net. Chan’s blend of humor and death-defying stunts makes him an icon.

Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves brought intensity to ‘John Wick’ (2014), training for months to perform most of his gunfights and hand-to-hand combat. His skills with firearms and judo made the action feel seamless.

In ‘The Matrix’ (1999), Reeves tackled wire work and martial arts, enduring injuries like a neck surgery before filming. His dedication to authentic action elevates every fight scene he’s in.

Tom Holland

Tom Holland’s gymnastic background shines as Spider-Man in ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ (2017). He performed many of his own flips and swings, using his dance training to nail the character’s agility.

In ‘Uncharted’ (2022), Holland did his own stunts, including climbing cargo in a falling plane sequence. His athleticism and willingness to take risks make his action roles thrilling.

Dwayne Johnson

Dwayne Johnson’s wrestling roots make him a natural for films like ‘Fast Five’ (2011). His size makes stunt doubles hard to match, so he handles car chases and fights himself.

In ‘Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle’ (2017), Johnson’s stunts included jungle brawls and helicopter sequences. His physical presence and fearless attitude amplify his action-hero status.

Sylvester Stallone

Sylvester Stallone defined action with ‘Rocky’ (1976), taking real punches during fight scenes to keep them authentic. His grit carried into ‘Rambo: First Blood’ (1982), where he did cliff jumps and combat stunts.

At 70, Stallone still performed stunts in ‘The Expendables 3’ (2014), including helicopter sequences. His toughness and dedication keep him a powerhouse in action films.

Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron trained hard for ‘Atomic Blonde’ (2017), performing nearly all her fight scenes, including a brutal stairwell sequence. She tore a thumb ligament but kept going.

Her work in ‘The Old Guard’ (2020) showed off her combat skills, inspired by intense training. Theron’s ability to handle complex choreography makes her action roles stand out.

Harrison Ford

Harrison Ford ran from a giant boulder in ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ (1981), doing the stunt himself across multiple takes. Injuries like torn ligaments didn’t stop him in the ‘Indiana Jones’ series (1981-2023).

Even at 81, Ford tackled stunts for ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’ (2023). His fearless spirit brings Indy’s adventures to life, cementing his legendary status.

Jason Statham

Jason Statham, a former diver, brings athleticism to ‘The Transporter’ (2002). He performs car chases and fights, relying on his martial arts training for precision.

In ‘Crank’ (2006), Statham’s high-energy stunts, like dangling from a helicopter, nearly cost him his life. His love for adrenaline fuels his action-packed performances.

Daniel Craig

Daniel Craig redefined James Bond in ‘Casino Royale’ (2006), doing stunts like a crane chase and a stairwell brawl. Injuries like lost teeth and a shoulder surgery didn’t slow him down.

In ‘Skyfall’ (2012), Craig’s stunt work added grit to Bond’s missions. While doubles handled extreme moments, his physicality made the character feel raw and real.

Gal Gadot

Gal Gadot’s military background helped her in ‘Wonder Woman’ (2017). She performed sword fights and wire work, bringing authenticity to the superhero’s strength.

Despite injuries like a hernia in ‘Wonder Woman 1984’ (2020), Gadot’s dance training aided her choreography. Her commitment makes her action scenes powerful and believable.

Margot Robbie

Margot Robbie embraced Harley Quinn’s chaos in ‘Birds of Prey’ (2020), doing her own fight scenes with boxing and gymnastics skills. She left extreme flips to doubles but nailed the rest.

In ‘The Suicide Squad’ (2021), Robbie’s combat stunts shone through. Her athleticism and bold approach make her action roles vibrant and engaging.

Christian Bale

Christian Bale learned fight choreography overnight for ‘Batman Begins’ (2005), performing many of Batman’s stunts. His memory helped him master complex sequences.

In ‘The Dark Knight’ (2008), Bale stood atop the Sears Tower for a scene, showing his fearlessness. His dedication brought intensity to the Dark Knight’s battles.

Michelle Rodriguez

Michelle Rodriguez drives fast in the ‘Fast and Furious’ series (2001-2023), handling car stunts like drifts and chases. Her gun training adds realism to her role as Letty.

In ‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ (2023), Rodriguez’s fight scenes were spot-on after physical prep. Her passion for action makes her a standout.

Zoë Bell

Zoe Bell, a stuntwoman turned actress, starred in ‘Grindhouse’ (2007), clinging to a car’s hood in ‘Death Proof’ during a wild chase. Her skills from doubling in ‘Kill Bill’ (2003-2004) shone through.

In ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ (2019), Bell blended acting and stunts seamlessly. Her fearless approach makes her a unique force in action films.

Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise scaled the Burj Khalifa in ‘Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol’ (2011) and clung to a plane in ‘Rogue Nation’ (2015). A broken ankle in ‘Fallout’ (2018) didn’t stop him.

From ‘Top Gun’ (1986) to ‘Dead Reckoning Part One’ (2023), Cruise’s stunts, like flying jets, push limits. His drive for real action makes his films unforgettable.

Which star’s stunts left you speechless, or did I miss a fearless performer? Share your pick in the comments!