Top 10 Taking the Bullet Moments in Movies

“The Dark Knight” (2008)
Lieutenant Jim Gordon knows the Joker is gunning for mayor Anthony Garcia, as part of a killing spree that aims to unmask Batman. Unfortunately for Jim, he doesn’t know how or when the maniacal killer clown will strike. As it turns out, the Joker comes in the flesh (albeit minus the face paint) to deal the killing blow himself during one of the mayor’s public appearances. At the last second, Gordon throws himself into the path of the bullet meant for Garcia. Surviving his wound, he uses the incident to fake his death in order to protect those close to him, while continuing to hunt down the Joker.

“21 Jump Street” (2012)
When police partners Jenko and Schmidt infiltrate a high school to investigate a dangerous new drug, their unlikely friendship is put to the test by the social pitfalls and pressures of adolescent life. But in a standoff with the drug’s creator Mr. Walters, it’s up to Jenko to save Schmidt, who can’t shoot back for fear of hitting classmate and love interest Molly. In heroic fashion, Jenko dives in front of his partner, taking a bullet in the arm and another in the vest - and allowing Schmidt to save the day. Its a favor Schmidt tries to repay in the sequel . . . with less than stellar results.

“Avengers: Age of Ultron” (2015)
Blink and you’ll miss him. Quicksilver’s time in the Marvel Cinematic Universe was sweet, but undeniably shorter than most would have liked. In his main appearance to date, the brash, quick-tempered superhuman finds himself fighting on the wrong side. But after realizing Ultron’s evil intentions, Quicksilver and his sister join the good guys, fighting with the Avengers in the Battle of Sokovia. As a rain of bullets moves toward Hawkeye and a Sokovian child, Quicksilver rushes to intercept - making the ultimate sacrifice to the save the innocent. His time may have been brief, but he left the MCU a true hero.

“Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang” (2005)
With professional killers hot on their trail, private investigator Perry van Shrike decides it’s time to give thief-turned-actor Harry Lockhart some tough love. They’re in too deep, and he tells Harry to go home. Of course, that’s not what happens, and when the duo find themselves in a shootout, Perry pushes Harry behind him, taking most of the impact of a bullet that passes through Perry . . . through the book in Harry’s pocket… and into his chest - just a little bit. Still, the move gives Harry the chance to keep fighting, both saving the day and getting the girl.

“Turner & Hooch” (1989)
Suffice it to say… Turner and Hooch don’t exactly hit it off right away. And when circumstances force Turner to take Hooch home with him, well, things get a lot worse before they get better. But in the course of an investigation into the murder of Hooch’s owner Amos, man and mastiff begin to bond, and together confront corrupt Police Chief Hyde and money launderer Walter Boyett. In the final firefight, Hooch bravely takes a bullet for his new best friend, perishing in the process . . . but not without leaving a new, smaller, but equally destructive Hooch behind.

“Hot Fuzz” (2007)
In a movie that parodies dozens of other action films, it’s no surprise that this buddy cop comedy manages to squeeze in a “taking the bullet” moment too. Motivated metropolitan police officer Nicholas Angel and his new partner, the affable, immature and rotund Danny Butterman aren’t exactly peas in a pod. But, despite the odds, they bond when Danny rescues Angel from the sinister Neighbourhood Watch Alliance, and as the dust settles after the final battle, Danny gets his own moment of glory: hurling himself into the path of a blunderbuss shot meant for Angel, and surviving to tell the tale.

“Pocahontas” (1995)
Seeing Pocahontas’ love for John Smith, Chief Powhatan agrees to lay down arms. Her courage convinces even the colonists, who have come to rescue John and destroy the tribe. It’s all love and peaceful sunrise until their leader, the moustachioed villain Governor Ratcliffe, insists on spoiling the moment. Taking aim at Powhatan, he fires . . . just as Smith pushes the chief out of the way and takes the bullet instead. In putting his life on the line, Smith wins the goodwill of the tribe, and extra points with his girlfriend’s dad. Heck, even the animals are finally getting along.

“Crash” (2004)
We often see strong characters or allies sacrificing themselves in “taking the bullet” moments. But in “Crash”, it’s a little girl who takes the bullet, or at least appears to. When he finds his daughter cowering under her bed in fear of stray bullets, Daniel gives her an imaginary “impenetrable cloak” to make her feel safe. Later in the film, an enraged shop owner, Farhad, decides to kill Daniel, who he blames for a break in. As the shot goes off, Lara jumps into her father’s arms, hoping to protect him with her invisible cloak. And to Lara, it seems to have worked: Farhad’s bullet was a blank.

“In The Line Of Fire” (1993)
Secret Service agents are tasked with protecting the safety of the President. But in 1963, Frank Horrigan failed to save John F. Kennedy from assassination. His attempts to protect the current President come off as paranoid, but he’s vindicated when assassin Mitch Leary tries to kill the President at a campaign dinner. Horrigan protects the President with a classic leap-into-the-bullet move . . . and is saved by a bullet-proof vest, allowing him to jump back into action, dispatch the assassin, and put his past failure behind him.

Before we reveal the identity of our top pick, here are some honorable mentions:

“City Slickers II: The Legend of Curly's Gold” (1994)

“Dumb and Dumber To” (2014)

“Ride Along 2” (2016)

“The Bodyguard” (1992)
This “taking the bullet” moment has it all: a skeptical protectee, slow motion, and a dramatic leap. As superstar Rachel Marron accepts an Academy Award for Best Actress, hitman and former Secret Service agent Greg Portman uses a laser sight to aim a camera-gun at her. The ever vigilant Frank Farmer sees the laser and rushes to protect her. He takes the bullet, and then, with professional poise, turns to shoot Portman dead. Though he looks seriously wounded, he survives to enjoy one last kiss from Rachel, and new assignments as a bodyguard.