Daniel Day-Lewis is undoubtedly one of cinema's most celebrated actors, with three Academy Awards to his name—three more than his fellow English actor, Jason Statham. Yet, while Day-Lewis excels in dramatic roles, Statham has carved out a unique niche with his action-packed performances. 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 head? No, but Jason Statham did all of these in the same film. In the world of action cinema, there's no comparison.
Statham has solidified his status as a leading action star of the 21st century. With his latest film, A Working Man, now released, it's the perfect time to celebrate his career. Here are our favorite moments from Jason Statham's thrilling and often humorous filmography. After all, until the Academy starts recognizing feats like walking through fire, water-skiing blindfolded, or mastering the piano late in life, this is the least we can do.
The Best Jason Statham Movie Moments
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12. Homefront
Ever get the feeling that Jason Statham's action heroes could take on anyone, even with their hands tied? That's exactly what happens in Homefront. Statham's character annihilates three opponents with his hands bound behind his back, proving his prowess in a thrilling opening to our list.
The Beekeeper
In The Beekeeper, Statham shows a softer side by sparing some scam call center employees who apologize before he demolishes their building. But fans of his no-mercy approach were not disappointed for long. He tracks down the call center manager, straps him to a truck, and sends the vehicle off a bridge, dragging the villain behind it. While bumblebees might not be the best at flying, they certainly fare better than a 1967 Ford F-100.
Wild Card
Returning to the film mentioned earlier, Wild Card showcases some of Statham's best fight scenes, despite its box office failure. Directed by the man behind Con Air and featuring Stanley Tucci with hair, the movie's final showdown sees Statham using a spoon and butter knife to take down five armed goons. It's a testament to his skill and resilience.
Death Race
Paul W.S. Anderson's Death Race may not have garnered much prestige, but it deserves recognition for its practical effects and thrilling action. Statham's character outsmarts the Juggernaut with the help of his rival, highlighting the film's commitment to real stunts years before Mad Max: Fury Road.
The Meg
No list of Jason Statham's memorable moments would be complete without his epic battle against a megalodon in The Meg. Statham not only slices open the giant shark but also surfs it as it leaps into the air, ultimately stabbing it in the eye. It's a thrilling reminder that, as the saying goes, if it bleeds, you can kill it.
The Transporter
Sliding into the seventh spot is Statham's iconic role as Frank Martin in The Transporter. The original 2002 film is packed with high-quality fight scenes, but the oil fight stands out. Frank uses grease to slip through his enemies' grasp before unleashing a devastating attack with bicycle pedals and spinning heel kicks.
The Fate of the Furious
Deckard Shaw's transition from villain to hero in the Fast and Furious series was initially controversial, but his redemption was sealed in The Fate of the Furious. Statham's airborne rescue of Dom and Elena's infant son, blending gun-fu with humor, stands out as one of his most memorable moments in the franchise.
The Expendables
In Sylvester Stallone's Expendables series, Statham's Lee Christmas shines. From kicking Scott Adkins into a helicopter to a dramatic flare shot from a flying boat, his action-packed scenes are unforgettable. However, his brutal basketball court beatdown of his girlfriend's abusive ex and his cronies remains a highlight, showcasing his swift and ruthless combat style.
Spy
In the comedy Spy, Statham steals the show as Rick Ford, the unkillable agent with a flair for the dramatic. His tales of driving a car off a freeway onto a train while on fire, and his immunity to 179 poisons, provide some of the film's funniest moments.
Transporter 2
The iconic barrel roll in Transporter 2 cannot be overlooked. With calm precision, Frank Martin flips his Audi to dislodge a bomb, showcasing his coolness under pressure and mastery of physics.
Crank: High Voltage
In Crank 2, after surviving a fall from a helicopter, Chev Chelios faces the surreal challenge of retrieving his stolen heart. His hallucination of a giant fight at a power station, where he becomes a 100-foot-tall kaiju version of himself, is a testament to the film's wild creativity.
Snatch
Topping our list is Snatch, where Statham's early career shines brightly. In his second film role, he holds his own against heavyweights like Brad Pitt and Benicio Del Toro, delivering some of the movie's most memorable lines. Turkish's response to Tommy's gun possession, "What is a gun doing in your trousers?" "For protection." "Protection from what? Zee Germans?" encapsulates Statham's wit and charm, making it a fitting choice for the top spot.
