Daniel Day-Lewis is celebrated as one of the greatest actors in cinematic history, boasting three Academy Awards to his name—three more than his fellow English actor, Jason Statham. Yet, while Day-Lewis has mastered the art of method acting, Statham has mastered the art of action. Has Day-Lewis ever choked a man with casino chips, knocked someone out with a coin, killed with a spoon, or punched a man in the fist with his own head? Jason Statham did all these in the same film, showcasing his unparalleled action prowess. There's simply no comparison.
Statham has solidified his status as one of the 21st century's most reliable action stars. With his latest film, A Working Man, now in theaters, it's the perfect time to celebrate his career's most memorable moments. After all, until the Oscars start recognizing feats like walking through fire, water-skiing blindfolded, or mastering the piano later in life, it's the least we can do to honor Statham's unique talents.
Ever wondered if Jason Statham's action heroes could take down three men with their hands tied behind their back? In Homefront, Statham proves it's not just a wonder—it's a reality. He annihilates three adversaries with his hands bound, setting the stage for an exhilarating showcase of his skills.
In The Beekeeper, Statham's character shows a softer side by allowing some scam call center employees to escape before blowing up the building. However, he quickly reverts to form by tracking down the call center manager, strapping him to a truck, and sending it off a bridge, dragging the villain behind. It's a reminder that while bumblebees may not be the most efficient flyers, they're certainly more graceful than a plummeting 1967 Ford F-100.
Returning to the film mentioned earlier, Wild Card may have underperformed at the box office, but it's a gem directed by the mastermind behind Con Air. With Stanley Tucci sporting hair and some of Statham's best fight scenes, the movie culminates in a thrilling finale where Statham dispatches five armed goons with nothing but a spoon and a butter knife, emerging unscathed. Truly, Jason Statham reigns supreme in the realm of "knifey spoony."
Paul W.S. Anderson's track record with video game adaptations may not be stellar, but Death Race deserves recognition for its commitment to practical effects and high-octane action. Statham's strategic alliance with his rival to outmaneuver the Juggernaut is a standout moment, showcasing the film's dedication to real, tangible thrills over CGI.
No list of Jason Statham's greatest hits would be complete without his epic battle against a megalodon in The Meg. Statham not only slices the giant shark open but also surfs it as it leaps into the air, impaling it with a spear through the eye. As the beast falls back into the water, it's devoured by smaller sharks, proving that no matter the size of the predator, if it bleeds, Statham can kill it.
Securing the seventh spot is Statham's iconic role as Frank Martin in The Transporter. The 2002 original is a masterclass in action choreography, with countless memorable fights. The oil fight stands out, where Frank uses grease to slip through his enemies' grasp before unleashing a devastating series of spinning heel kicks with bicycle pedals.
Deckard Shaw's transition from villain to hero in the Fast and Furious series was initially contentious, but his redemption arc solidified in Fast 9. One of his standout moments is the airborne rescue of Dom and Elena's baby in The Fate of the Furious, blending action with humor in a way only Statham can.
Joining the ranks of Hollywood's toughest in Sylvester Stallone's Expendables series, Statham's Lee Christmas shines throughout. From kicking Scott Adkins into a helicopter to a brutal basketball court beatdown of his girlfriend's abusive ex and his cronies, Christmas delivers action-packed justice in just 16 seconds.
In the uproariously funny Spy, Statham steals the show as Rick Ford, the unkillable agent with a penchant for self-made suits and immunity to 179 poisons. His recounting of driving a car off a freeway onto a train while on fire—not the car, but himself—is a comedic highlight that showcases his versatility.
The iconic barrel roll in Transporter 2 is a testament to Statham's cool under pressure. Frank Martin flips his Audi to dislodge a bomb, executing the maneuver with the ease of brushing off a speck of dust. It's a moment that defies physics and cements Statham's status as an action legend.
After surviving a fall from a helicopter, Chev Chelios faces a new challenge in Crank 2: his heart has been stolen. The film's surreal peak comes when Chev hallucinates a giant kaiju version of himself fighting at a power station, wearing a mask of his own face. It's a testament to the film's wild, unapologetic style.
Topping the list is Snatch, where Statham, in only his second film role, holds his own against Hollywood heavyweights. His character Turkish delivers some of the film's most quotable lines, with the exchange about carrying a gun for protection against "Zee Germans" standing out as a classic. In a movie filled with memorable moments, Statham's performance is a standout, proving his comedic and dramatic chops.