Daniel Day-Lewis may be renowned for his exceptional acting prowess, earning him three Academy Awards, but Jason Statham brings a different kind of cinematic magic to the screen. While Day-Lewis has never 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, Statham accomplished all of these feats in a single film. There's truly no comparison when it comes to the unique brand of action and humor Statham delivers.
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, let's take a look at some of the most memorable and entertaining moments from Jason Statham's action-packed and often humorous career. After all, until the Oscars start recognizing feats like walking through fire, water-skiing blindfolded, or mastering the piano late in life, celebrating Statham's achievements is the least we can do.
The Best Jason Statham Movie Moments
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Homefront
Ever wondered if Jason Statham's characters could take down adversaries with their hands tied behind their back? In Homefront, Statham proves he can, annihilating three opponents in such a scenario. It's a thrilling way to kick off our list.
The Beekeeper
In The Beekeeper, Statham's character shows a softer side by allowing some scam call centre employees to escape before demolishing the building. However, he doesn't disappoint action fans entirely. He tracks down the call centre manager, straps him to a truck, and sends it off a bridge, dragging the villain behind. It's a reminder that even bumblebees can't fly as well as a 1967 Ford F-100 when Statham is at the wheel.
Wild Card
Returning to the film mentioned in our introduction, Wild Card is a hidden gem that didn't get the recognition it deserved. Directed by the mastermind behind Con Air and featuring Stanley Tucci with hair, it showcases some of Statham's finest fight scenes. In the climactic battle, Statham takes down five armed goons using only a spoon and a butter knife, emerging unscathed. Truly, he's the king of "knifey spoony."
Death Race
Paul W.S. Anderson's Death Race may not have won critical acclaim, but it deserves credit for its practical effects and action-packed sequences. Statham outsmarts the Juggernaut by teaming up with his rival, delivering a standout moment that highlights the film's commitment to thrilling, real-world stunts.
The Meg
No list of Statham's greatest moments would be complete without his epic battle against a megalodon in The Meg. After slicing the beast open from head to tail, Statham rides it as it leaps into the air, stabbing it in the eye with a metal spear. As the giant shark falls back into the water, it's devoured by smaller sharks, proving that if it bleeds, Statham can kill it.
The Transporter
One of Statham's most iconic roles is Frank Martin in The Transporter. The 2002 original is packed with Hong Kong-style action scenes directed by Corey Yuen. Choosing a single highlight is tough, but the oil fight stands out. Frank covers himself in oil to slip through his enemies' grasp before using bicycle pedals and spinning heel kicks to turn the tide.
The Fate of the Furious
Deckard Shaw's transition from villain to hero in the Fast and Furious series was initially controversial, but The Fate of the Furious solidified his place in fans' hearts. The airborne rescue of Dom and Elena's baby, inspired by Hard Boiled, combines gun-fu with humor, making it one of Statham's most memorable scenes.
The Expendables
In the Expendables franchise, Statham's character, Lee Christmas, gets plenty of screen time to shine. From kicking Scott Adkins into a helicopter to firing a flare from a boat, his action scenes are unforgettable. However, the basketball court beatdown of his girlfriend's abusive ex and his friends is the highlight, showcasing Christmas's brutal efficiency.
Spy
In the hilarious Spy, Statham steals the show as Rick Ford, the unkillable secret agent with a knack for comedy. His tales of legendary toughness, like driving a car off a freeway onto a train while on fire, are pure gold and showcase his comedic timing.
Transporter 2
The barrel roll in Transporter 2 is iconic. Frank Martin calmly flips his Audi to dislodge a bomb underneath, demonstrating the cool confidence of a man brushing off a speck of dirt. It's a moment that defies physics and showcases Statham's action hero prowess.
Crank: High Voltage
After surviving a fall from a helicopter, Chev Chelios faces a new challenge in Crank: High Voltage when his heart is stolen. The hallucination of a giant kaiju fight at a power station, complete with a mask of his own face, is a testament to the film's wild creativity and Statham's ability to embrace the absurd.
Snatch
Topping our list is Snatch, where Statham, in only his second film, holds his own against Hollywood heavyweights. His character, Turkish, delivers some of the film's most memorable lines, including the classic exchange about carrying a gun. Statham's performance in Snatch is a testament to his versatility and charm, making it a fitting number one on our list.
