7 Best Jason Statham Action Movies Ranked

As “A Working Man” graces the big screen, it’s an ideal moment to delve into the cinematic career of Jason Statham, the quintessential action star of the present era. Few action heroes armed with guns and fists have ever matched the charm and versatility that Statham showcases, and this has enabled him to maintain his allure, both domestically and internationally, for nearly three decades. However, which movies played a pivotal role in establishing him as a reliable box office attraction? The following films are those very ones, the straightforward action movies where Statham either leads an ensemble or undeniably holds the spotlight. These are his finest performances, and by now, there’s no shortage of them to select from. In terms of film quality, it’s safe to say that he boasts a stronger resume than Stallone, Schwarzenegger, and certainly Seagal.

The following movies narrowly fell short of the cutoff: “Death Race”, “The Mechanic”, “Parker”, and “Homefront” (all featuring scripts by Sylvester Stallone). It’s important to mention that the focus was primarily on action films without any comedic elements or those leaning more towards crime. Therefore, movies like “Wrath of Man”, “The Bank Job”, “Snatch”, and “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” (which are known for their humor and crime-centric themes) were not considered in this case.

7) Crank

If The Transporter showcases what makes Statham a quintessential modern action star (we’ll delve deeper into that later), Crank demonstrates that Statham excels at portraying anti-heroes just as effectively as he does traditional heroes. In simpler terms, Statham is equally skilled at playing complex characters as he is at playing straightforward ones.

I may not find “Crank” to be a delightful movie by conventional standards, but it’s an exhilarating rollercoaster ride that’s hard to resist. Jason Statham’s portrayal of Chev Chelios might not win him the title of the most lovable character in existence, but his performance makes him someone you can’t help but cheer for. This movie also boasts a compelling central idea – a protagonist who is racing against time while this same time is working against him.

However, “Crank 2: High Voltage” takes the original’s explicit content to heights that are almost unbearable. “Crank” is one of Statham’s vehicles that could deter many viewers. It’s true that there were several films from the mid-2000s that have aged better, but “Crank” remains a significant addition to Statham’s filmography.

6) The Meg

Among the top shark movies aside from “Jaws”, “The Meg” stood out as one of the early indications that Statham had the potential to attract audiences for large-scale productions, with a budget significantly surpassing $100 million. Given that creature features have diminished in popularity among big studio films over the years, producing “The Meg” was indeed a risky move.

The makers of “The Meg” strategically pitched it as more than just a monster film. It’s got elements of kaiju, horror, and primarily, action. It’s not simply a movie about a massive shark; it’s a fight between Statham and the gargantuan shark. Currently, “The Meg” (and to some extent, “Meg 2: The Trench”) is an enjoyable film. It’s good, but not exceptional. Nevertheless, in terms of significance for Stathum’s career trajectory – such as his ascension to A-list status – there might be no more crucial addition on his resume.

Stream The Meg on Prime Video.

5) Safe

There are several genres of action films starring Jason Statham. For example, there’s the group film genre (the Fast and Furious franchise, The Italian Job, Ghosts of Mars, the Expendables franchise, and Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre), as well as the revenge-focused action-thriller genre (Parker, the two Crank movies, Wrath of Man, The Mechanic and its sequel, Mechanic: Resurrection). Additionally, there’s a politically charged category that encompasses films like The Beekeeper (a story about elderly con artists) and A Working Man (involving child trafficking), but while the former was a box office hit, the less recognized Safe seems to have gone relatively unnoticed.

It’s unfortunate that the movie “Safe” serves as another perfect fit for Statham’s acting style while also offering a more complex exploration of gang activity. On one hand, Statham’s character, Luke Wright, fits him like a glove. A former fighter, Wright is a troubled man with no job or home. Despite not being officially assigned, he steps up to protect a gifted young girl from the Chinese triads and other dangerous groups. He doesn’t immediately recognize her talents; instead, he sees someone in need and does what he can to divert trouble away from her. The plot works well, and “Safe” might just be Statham’s mid-budget film with an impressive supporting cast, featuring James Hong, Robert John Burke from “RoboCop 3”, Anson Mount from “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness”, and Chris Sarandon from “The Princess Bride”.

Stream Safe on Prime Video.

4) The Transporter/Transporter 2

In simpler terms, “The Transporter,” directed by Louis Leterrier and Corey Yuen, was the film that launched Statham’s career as a leading man. This movie laid the groundwork for what sets Statham apart from other action stars of his era. Particularly, Statham shines when he plays a character who appears to have no emotions but secretly has a good heart. A noble trait is essential for both driving the plot and getting Statham into action scenes.

For “The Transporter”, the main motivation is safeguarding Shu Qi’s character Lai. Similarly, in “Transporter 2”, the mission becomes rescuing a boy who he was assigned to chauffeur. The exceptional aspect that enhances a Statham action film, particularly in the “Transporter” series (especially the first two movies), is his agile and acrobatic fighting abilities. In the eyes of the viewer, Statham convincingly portrays the ability to exit a room filled with oil slicks and a multitude of opponents unscathed.

Stream The Transporter and The Transporter 2 on Starz.

3) Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw

Remarkably, Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw managed to transform the once notorious villain from Furious 7 into a hero, which on paper shouldn’t have worked. However, they succeeded admirably in this feat, and it even rivals some of the sequels in terms of quality, making it a strong contender for the best Fast and Furious film.

Some people might argue that the film Hobbs & Shaw deviates significantly from the series, but in reality, it’s not too far off. While there’s a shift in tone and the occasional resemblance to a Johnson-centric project, the signature hit-or-miss humor and over-the-top action sequences are still present. The film’s main strength lies in the electrifying chemistry between Statham and Johnson, the captivating performances of Vanessa Kirby and Idris Elba as new franchise additions, and the dynamic direction by David Leitch. If you’re a Fast and Furious purist who didn’t enjoy Hobbs & Shaw (which is reasonable), consider it as a substitute for Furious 7, another film that heavily features Deckard Shaw.

2) The Beekeeper

The Beekeeper, much like Jason Statham’s John Wick, was a hit for its merits. It features a retired assassin, a compelling motive to return, and even a set of rules to abide by – all key elements that resonate with audiences.

In a fitting continuation, it’s no surprise that David Ayer and Statham collaborated again on “A Working Man“, as their partnership in films like “Sabotage ” and “Fury ” clearly demonstrates a strong creative bond. This could mark the beginning of a long-term collaboration similar to Statham’s work with Guy Ritchie. If so, “The Beekeeper“, set for release in 2024, promises to be a stellar launching pad. What sets “The Beekeeper” apart from other solo action films featuring Statham is the compelling central theme. There’s nothing more infuriating than fraudsters preying on the elderly through phishing scams. This type of narrative perfectly primes viewers to root for a protagonist armed with his can of kerosene.

Stream The Beekeeper on Prime Video.

1) The Expendables 2

In the footsteps of “The Expendables” (released in 2010), the sequel, “Expendables 2,” picked up the pace, much like a hyperactive Clydesdale on stimulants. At the time, the idea of assembling a group of action stars who had seen better days was quite innovative. Interestingly, not one but two movies in 2010 embraced this concept, with “RED” being another example. However, it wasn’t until “Expendables 2” that this unique approach truly shone.

If the Expendables series serves any purpose beyond being a platform for A-list and B-list actors to team up, it’s as a symbolic passing of the action star mantle. Essentially, Sylvester Stallone is giving the lead role to Jason Statham, who is clearly the main star in the first three movies (and singlehandedly leads the fourth). The movie features some clever one-liners (“I now pronounce you man and knife”), some interesting behind-the-scenes insights into the lives of its stars (for example, how Dolph Lundgren’s character Gunner Jensen claims to be an expert in chemical engineering, a field in which his real-life counterpart actually holds a Master’s Degree), and a fantastic villain performance by Jean-Claude Van Damme. The Expendables 2 is a modern action masterpiece. Unfortunately, The Expendables 3 was dull and uninspired, while Expend4bles was a disappointing mix of predictable cliches.

2025-03-28 00:40