Daniel Day-Lewis is celebrated as one of the greatest actors in cinematic history, boasting three Academy Awards to his name. In contrast, fellow English actor Jason Statham has yet to win an Oscar, but he brings a different kind of cinematic magic to the screen. Has Daniel Day-Lewis ever choked a man with a handful of casino chips, knocked out someone with a coin, killed a person with a spoon, or punched a man in the fist with his own head? Jason Statham did all these in the same movie, showcasing his unique brand of action-packed entertainment. There's no contest when it comes to sheer action prowess.
Statham has solidified his status as one of the 21st century's most reliable action superstars. With his latest film, A Working Man, now in theaters, it's the perfect time to celebrate some of the most memorable moments from his hard-hitting and hilarious career. 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 fair to honor Statham's contributions to cinema.
The Best Jason Statham Movie Moments
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12. Homefront
Ever wondered if Jason Statham's action heroes could take down three opponents with their hands tied behind their back? In Homefront, Statham proves it's not just a possibility but a reality, annihilating three foes in such a predicament. 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 center employees to escape before blowing up the building, simply because they apologized. However, fans of his action-packed roles were not disappointed when he tracked down the call center manager, strapped him to a truck, and sent it off a bridge, dragging the villain behind. It's a reminder that even bumblebees fly better than a 1967 Ford F-100.
Wild Card
Returning to the film mentioned in the introduction, Wild Card may have flopped at the box office, but it's a gem for Statham fans. Directed by the mastermind behind Con Air and featuring Stanley Tucci with hair, the movie boasts some of Statham's best fight scenes. In the final showdown, he takes down five gun-toting goons with just a spoon and a butter knife, emerging unscathed. Truly, Jason Statham is the king of knifey spoony.
Death Race
Paul W.S. Anderson's Death Race may not have won him critical acclaim, but it deserves recognition for its commitment to practical effects and thrilling car chases. Statham's character outsmarts the Juggernaut with the help of his rival, making it a standout moment in the film. It's a testament to the power of practical effects over CGI.
The Meg
No list of Jason Statham's memorable moments would be complete without his epic battle against 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 thrilling reminder that if it bleeds, you can kill it, no matter the size of the predator.
The Transporter
In The Transporter, Statham's iconic role as Frank Martin showcases some of the best action scenes in cinema. From the container fight to the oil fight, where Frank uses bicycle pedals and spinning heel kicks to defeat his enemies, the film is a non-stop thrill ride. The oil fight, in particular, stands out as Frank slips through his enemies' grasp before turning the tables on them.
The Fate of the Furious
Deckard Shaw's transition from villain to hero in the Fast and Furious saga was initially controversial, but his redemption arc has won over fans. One of the most memorable moments is his airborne rescue of Dom and Elena's infant son in The Fate of the Furious, blending action with humor in a way that only Statham can.
The Expendables
In the Expendables franchise, Statham's character, Lee Christmas, holds his own among Hollywood's toughest. From kicking Scott Adkins into a helicopter to the brutal basketball court beatdown of his girlfriend's abusive ex and his cronies, Statham's moments are unforgettable. Christmas may come once a year, but when he does, he delivers a swift and brutal justice.
Spy
In the comedy Spy, Statham steals the show as Rick Ford, the unkillable secret agent with a penchant for self-made suits and tales of legendary toughness. His recounting of driving a car off a freeway onto a train while on fire is both hilarious and quintessentially Statham.
Transporter 2
The iconic barrel roll in Transporter 2 is a testament to Statham's cool under pressure. Frank Martin flips his Audi to dislodge a bomb with the ease of flicking a speck of dust off his shoulder. It's a moment that defies physics and showcases Statham's action hero prowess.
Crank: High Voltage
In Crank: High Voltage, after surviving a fall from a helicopter, Chev Chelios faces the challenge of retrieving his stolen heart. The hallucination of a 100-foot-tall kaiju version of himself fighting at a power station is a surreal and unforgettable scene that only Statham could pull off.
Snatch
Topping our list is Snatch, where Statham, in only his second film role, shines alongside Hollywood heavyweights. His character, Turkish, delivers some of the movie's most quotable lines, with the exchange about carrying a gun for protection against "Zee Germans" being a standout. It's a testament to Statham's ability to hold his own in any cast and leave a lasting impact on cinema.
