Top 12 Jason Statham Film Highlights

Daniel Day-Lewis is celebrated as one of the greatest actors in cinematic history, boasting three Academy Awards to his name. In contrast, fellow English actor Jason Statham has yet to win an Oscar, but his unique contributions to action cinema are undeniable. Has Day-Lewis ever choked someone with a handful of casino chips, knocked out an opponent with a coin, killed someone with a spoon, or punched someone in the fist with his own head? Jason Statham accomplished all of these feats in a single film. There's truly no comparison.

Statham has solidified his status as one of the most reliable action stars of the 21st century. His latest film, A Working Man, is a testament to his enduring appeal. To celebrate this release, we're highlighting our favorite moments from Jason Statham's dynamic and often humorous career. 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 his contributions.

The Best Jason Statham Movie Moments

13 Images12. Homefront

Ever get the feeling that Jason Statham’s characters could take down three opponents with their hands tied behind their back? In Homefront, Statham proves just that, effortlessly annihilating three adversaries despite his restraints. It's a thrilling way to kick off our list.

11. The Beekeeper

In The Beekeeper, Statham's character shows a surprising softness by allowing some scam call center employees to escape before blowing up their building. But fans of his action-packed roles were not disappointed for long. He tracks down the call center manager, straps him to a truck, and sends it off a bridge, dragging the villain behind. While bumblebees may not be the most efficient flyers, they certainly fare better than a 1967 Ford F-100 in this scenario.

10. Wild Card

Returning to the film mentioned in our introduction, Wild Card didn't shine at the box office despite its compelling elements, including direction by the creator of Con Air and a cameo from Stanley Tucci with hair. It features some of Statham's best fight scenes, culminating in a final showdown where he dispatches five gunmen with just a spoon and a butter knife, emerging unscathed. Jason Statham truly reigns as the king of unconventional weaponry.

9. Death Race

Paul W.S. Anderson's track record with video game adaptations might not be stellar, but his 2008 film Death Race deserves recognition for its commitment to practical effects. Statham's character outsmarts the Juggernaut with help from a rival, showcasing a thrilling highlight in a film that embraced real stunts years before Mad Max: Fury Road. Practical effects score a resounding victory over CGI.

8. The Meg

No list of Jason Statham's most memorable moments would be complete without his epic showdown in The Meg. He not only slays a megalodon with a metal spear but also rides the colossal shark as it leaps from the water, stabbing it in the eye. As the prehistoric predator falls back into the ocean, it's devoured by smaller sharks, proving that if it bleeds, Statham can kill it.

7. The Transporter

Securing the seventh spot is Statham's iconic role as Frank Martin in The Transporter. The 2002 original is packed with Hong Kong-style action scenes, making it tough to choose a single highlight. The oil fight stands out, where Frank uses grease to evade his enemies before launching a fierce counterattack with bicycle pedals and spinning heel kicks.

6. The Fate of the Furious

Statham's character, Deckard Shaw, underwent a controversial transformation in the Fast and the Furious series, but his redemption was cemented in The Fate of the Furious. The standout moment is his daring aerial rescue of Dom and Elena's baby, blending high-octane action with humor. Statham's journey in the Fast saga, starting from a post-credits cameo in Fast & Furious 6, has been filled with memorable action sequences.

5. The Expendables

In Sylvester Stallone's Expendables series, Statham's Lee Christmas stands out among Hollywood's toughest. From kicking Scott Adkins into a helicopter to launching a flare from a flying boat, Christmas has had many shining moments. The most memorable is his swift and brutal basketball court beatdown of his girlfriend's abusive ex and his cronies. Christmas may come once a year, but when he does, he delivers a swift and merciless justice.

4. Spy

In the uproariously funny Spy, Statham's portrayal of Rick Ford, the unkillable secret agent, showcases his comedic prowess. Amidst numerous hilarious moments, his recounting of driving a car off a freeway onto a train while on fire stands out. It's a testament to his character's legendary toughness and resilience.

3. Transporter 2

The iconic barrel roll in Transporter 2 is unforgettable. Frank Martin calmly flips his Audi to dislodge a bomb, showcasing his cool composure and mastery over physics. It's a moment that encapsulates the sheer audacity and thrill of Statham's action sequences.

2. Crank: High Voltage

After surviving a fall from a helicopter, Chev Chelios faces a new challenge in Crank 2 when Chinese gangsters steal his heart. The film reaches a surreal peak when Chev hallucinates fighting at a power station as a giant kaiju version of himself, complete with a mask of his own face. It's a testament to the wild and imaginative world of Statham's action films.

1. Snatch

Topping our list is Snatch, where Statham, in only his second film role, delivers a standout performance amidst a cast of 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" being a highlight. Statham's presence in Snatch is a testament to his ability to hold his own and steal scenes, making it a fitting number one on our list.