Daniel Day-Lewis is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors in cinematic history, having won three Academy Awards. However, when it comes to sheer action prowess, he can't hold a candle to Jason Statham. Statham, with his flair for the dramatic and the dangerous, has done things on screen that would make even the most seasoned action hero pause. From choking a man with casino chips to knocking someone out with a coin, and even killing a man with a spoon, Statham's feats in a single movie are legendary. It's clear that in the world of action cinema, there's simply no competition.
Statham has solidified his status as one of the most reliable action stars of the 21st century. With his latest film, A Working Man, now in theaters, it's the perfect time to celebrate his career. Here's a look at some of the most memorable moments from Jason Statham's action-packed and often humorous filmography. After all, until the Oscars start recognizing feats like walking through fire, blindfolded water-skiing, or late-life piano mastery, this is the least we can do to honor his contributions to cinema.
The Best Jason Statham Movie Moments
13 Images
Homefront
Ever wondered if Jason Statham's action heroes could take down foes with their hands tied behind their back? In Homefront, Statham proves it's not just a wonder but a reality, annihilating three opponents with his hands bound. It's a thrilling start to our list.
The Beekeeper
In The Beekeeper, Statham's character shows a surprising softness by allowing some scam call center employees to escape before blowing up the building, simply because they apologized. However, he redeems himself by chasing down the call center manager, strapping him to a truck, and driving it off a bridge, dragging the villain behind. It's a stark reminder that even bumblebees fly better than a 1967 Ford F-100 when Statham's involved.
Wild Card
Returning to the film mentioned earlier, Wild Card may have underperformed at the box office, but it boasts some of Statham's best fight scenes. Directed by the man behind Con Air and featuring Stanley Tucci with hair, the movie culminates in Statham taking down five gunmen with just a spoon and a butter knife. Truly, he's the king of "knifey spoony."
Death Race
Paul W.S. Anderson's Death Race may not have won him many accolades, but it's a testament to his commitment to practical effects, showcasing giant death trucks crashing years before Mad Max: Fury Road. Statham's clever maneuvering against the Juggernaut, with the help of his rival, is a standout moment in the film.
The Meg
No list of Jason Statham's highlights would be complete without his epic battle against a megalodon in The Meg. Statham not only spears the giant shark but also rides it as it leaps from the water, ultimately defeating it in a thrilling display of action heroics.
The Transporter
In The Transporter, Statham's iconic character, Frank Martin, delivers non-stop action. The original 2002 film is a showcase of Hong Kong-style fight choreography, but the oil fight stands out, where Frank uses grease to evade his enemies before striking back with bicycle pedals and spinning heel kicks.
The Fate of the Furious
Deckard Shaw's transformation from villain to hero in the Fast and Furious series was initially controversial, but his heroic rescue of Dom and Elena's baby in The Fate of the Furious is unforgettable. Combining gun-fu with humor, it's a standout moment in Statham's Fast saga journey.
The Expendables
Joining the ranks of Hollywood's toughest in The Expendables, Statham's Lee Christmas delivers memorable action throughout the series. His brutal basketball court beatdown of his girlfriend's abusive ex and his cronies in a mere 16 seconds is a highlight, showing that Christmas comes but once a year, and it's a force to be reckoned with.
Spy
In Spy, Statham's comedic timing shines as Rick Ford, the unkillable agent who boasts about surviving incredible feats, like driving a car off a freeway onto a train while on fire. His scenes with Melissa McCarthy are some of the funniest in the film.
Transporter 2
The iconic barrel roll in Transporter 2 is a testament to Statham's cool-under-pressure demeanor. Flipping his Audi to dislodge a bomb with the ease of brushing off a speck of dust, it's a moment that defies physics and captivates audiences.
Crank: High Voltage
After surviving a fall from a helicopter, Chev Chelios faces even more bizarre challenges in Crank: High Voltage. His hallucination of fighting as a giant kaiju version of himself at a power station is a testament to the film's wild, over-the-top style.
Snatch
Topping our list is Snatch, where Statham's breakout performance alongside Hollywood heavyweights like Brad Pitt and Benicio Del Toro shines brightly. His character Turkish delivers some of the film's most quotable lines, making it a perfect encapsulation of Statham's early career and enduring charm.
