Daniel Day-Lewis is often celebrated as one of the greatest actors in the history of cinema, with three Academy Awards to his name. However, unlike his fellow English actor Jason Statham, Day-Lewis hasn't had the chance to showcase feats like choking a man with casino chips, knocking someone out with a coin, killing with a spoon, or using his head to punch a man in the fist—all in the same film. In terms of sheer action prowess, there's simply no competition.
Jason Statham has solidified his status as one of the most reliable action stars of the 21st century. With his latest release, A Working Man, it's the perfect time to celebrate some of his most memorable moments. After all, until the Oscars start recognizing feats like walking through fire, water-skiing blindfolded, or mastering the piano later in life, it's only right to honor Statham's unique contributions to cinema.
The Best Jason Statham Movie Moments
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Homefront
If you've ever wondered if Jason Statham's characters could handle themselves in a bind, Homefront provides a clear answer. Here, Statham's character takes down three adversaries with his hands tied behind his back, showcasing his incredible skill and resilience.
The Beekeeper
In The Beekeeper, Statham's character shows a surprising softness by allowing some call center employees to escape before blowing up the building. However, he quickly regains his edge by pursuing the call center manager, strapping him to a truck, and driving it off a bridge, dragging the villain behind. It's a reminder that even bumblebees might not be the best flyers, but they're certainly more effective than a 1967 Ford F-100 in this scenario.
Wild Card
Wild Card, despite its box office struggles, features some of Statham's best fight scenes. Directed by the mastermind behind Con Air, the film culminates in Statham using a spoon and a butter knife to dispatch five armed assailants, walking away unscathed. It's a testament to his prowess—truly the king of knifey spoony.
Death Race
Paul W.S. Anderson's Death Race may not have won many accolades, but it deserves recognition for its commitment to practical effects and thrilling action. Statham's character outsmarts the Juggernaut by teaming up with a rival, showcasing the film's highlight and proving the superiority of practical effects over CGI.
The Meg
No list of Jason Statham's most memorable moments would be complete without his epic battle with a megalodon in The Meg. Statham not only slices the giant shark open but also surfs it as it leaps into the air, ultimately spearing it in the eye. It's a vivid demonstration that no matter the size of the predator, if it bleeds, you can kill it.
The Transporter
One of Statham's most iconic roles is Frank Martin in The Transporter. The original 2002 film is a masterclass in action choreography, with countless memorable fights. The oil fight stands out, where Frank uses grease to evade his enemies before turning the tables 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 actions in The Fate of the Furious are unforgettable. The airborne rescue of Dom and Elena's son, inspired by Hard Boiled, blends action with humor in a way that only Statham can deliver.
The Expendables
As Lee Christmas in The Expendables franchise, Statham holds his own among Hollywood's toughest. From kicking foes into helicopters to a brutal basketball court beatdown, his character delivers unforgettable action. Christmas might only come once a year, but when he does, he brings a whirlwind of violence.
Spy
In Spy, Statham showcases his comedic talents as Rick Ford, an unkillable agent with a flair for the dramatic. His tales of driving a car off a freeway onto a train while on fire are both hilarious and testament to his legendary toughness.
Transporter 2
The iconic barrel roll in Transporter 2 is a highlight of Statham's career. Frank Martin's cool execution of flipping his Audi to dislodge a bomb is as smooth as it is thrilling, defying physics with style.
Crank: High Voltage
In Crank: High Voltage, Chev Chelios faces the absurd challenge of retrieving his stolen heart. The hallucinatory fight at a power station, where he imagines himself as a giant kaiju, is both surreal and unforgettable.
Snatch
In Snatch, Statham's second film, he delivers some of the movie's most quotable lines amidst a cast of Hollywood heavyweights. His character Turkish's witty exchange about carrying a gun for protection from "Zee Germans" is a standout moment in a film brimming with memorable dialogue.
