Daniel Day-Lewis is often celebrated as one of the greatest actors in cinematic history, boasting three Academy Awards. Yet, he's outdone by fellow English actor Jason Statham, who, despite having zero Oscars, brings a unique flair to the screen that Day-Lewis simply can't match. Has Day-Lewis ever 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? No, but Jason Statham did all of this in one movie alone. Clearly, there's no competition here.
Statham has established himself as one of the most reliable action stars of the 21st century. It's thrilling to know that he's starring in a new film, A Working Man. To celebrate this release, let's revisit some of the most memorable and hilarious moments from Jason Statham's action-packed career. After all, until the Oscars start recognizing feats like walking through fire, water-skiing blindfolded, or mastering the piano later in life, this is the least we can do.
The Best Jason Statham Movie Moments
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12. Homefront
Ever wonder if Jason Statham's action heroes could take down three guys with their hands tied behind their back? In Homefront, Statham proves it's not just a wonder—it's a fact. He annihilates three opponents while bound, setting the stage for an unforgettable start to our list.
The Beekeeper
In The Beekeeper, Statham's softer side emerges as he allows some scam call center employees to escape before blowing up their building, simply because they apologized. But fans of Statham's action prowess need not worry. He redeems himself by chasing down the call center manager, strapping him to a truck, and sending it off a bridge, dragging the villain behind. It's a reminder that even if bumblebees aren't the best flyers, they're still more aerodynamic than a 1967 Ford F-100.
Wild Card
Returning to the film mentioned earlier, Wild Card, directed by the visionary behind Con Air, showcases some of Statham's finest fight scenes. Despite its box office flop, the movie features Statham taking down five gun-wielding goons with nothing but a spoon and a butter knife in the final showdown. Jason Statham: truly the king of knifey spoony.
Death Race
Paul W.S. Anderson's Death Race may not have earned him critical acclaim, but it's a testament to his commitment to practical effects. Statham's strategic victory over the Juggernaut, with the help of his rival, remains a highlight, showcasing the superiority of practical effects over CGI.
The Meg
No list of Jason Statham's iconic moments would be complete without his epic battle in The Meg. Statham not only kills a megalodon with a metal spear but also surfs on the giant shark as it leaps out of the water, piercing its eye. It's a stark reminder that no matter the predator, if it bleeds, you can kill it.
The Transporter
Sliding in at number seven is Statham's iconic role as Frank Martin in The Transporter. The original 2002 film is packed with action, but the oil fight stands out. Slipping through his enemies' grasp before turning the tables with bicycle pedals and spinning heel kicks, Statham's performance is unforgettable.
The Fate of the Furious
Deckard Shaw's transformation from villain to hero in the Fast and the Furious series was initially controversial, but his redemption is now celebrated. The airborne rescue of Dom and Elena's infant son in The Fate of the Furious is a highlight, blending action with humor in a way only Statham can.
The Expendables
Joining the ranks of Hollywood's toughest in The Expendables, Jason Statham's Lee Christmas has had many memorable moments. From kicking Scott Adkins into a helicopter to the basketball court beatdown of his girlfriend's abusive ex and his cronies, Christmas delivers action in spades.
Spy
In Spy, Statham showcases his comedic chops as Rick Ford, the indestructible secret agent. His tales of incredible toughness, like driving a car off a freeway onto a train while on fire, steal the show and cement his versatility as an actor.
Transporter 2
How could we forget the iconic barrel roll from Transporter 2? Frank Martin's cool-as-a-cucumber maneuver to dislodge a bomb from his Audi with a perfect flip is physics-defying brilliance.
Crank: High Voltage
After surviving a fall from a helicopter, Chev Chelios faces the theft of his heart in Crank 2. His hallucination of a giant kaiju fight at a power station, complete with a mask of his own head, is a testament to the film's wild imagination.
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 movie's most quotable lines, with the exchange about guns and Germans being a standout. In a film filled with memorable moments, Statham's performance is the crown jewel.
