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 accomplished all these feats in the same film, showcasing his unique brand of action-hero prowess. There's simply no comparison.
Statham has solidified his status as one of the 21st century's most reliable action stars. With his latest film, A Working Man, now in theaters, it's the perfect time to celebrate some of the most memorable and entertaining moments from his career. After all, until the Academy starts awarding Oscars for 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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Homefront
Ever wondered if Jason Statham's action heroes could take down three men with their hands tied behind their back? In Homefront, Statham proves it's not just a possibility but a reality, making it a thrilling start to 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. However, he quickly reverts to form 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 bumblebees fly better than a 1967 Ford F-100.
Wild Card
Returning to the film mentioned earlier, Wild Card may have underperformed at the box office, but it features some of Statham's best fight scenes. Directed by the mastermind behind Con Air and featuring Stanley Tucci with hair, the film's climax sees Statham take down five armed goons with just a spoon and a butter knife, unscathed. Truly, the king of knifey spoony.
Death Race
Paul W.S. Anderson's Death Race may not have garnered critical acclaim, but it deserves recognition for its commitment to practical effects and thrilling car chases. Statham's strategic victory over the Juggernaut, in collaboration with his rival, stands out as a highlight, showcasing the superiority of practical effects over CGI.
The Meg
No list of Jason Statham's greatest 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 testament to his ability to take down any predator, no matter its size.
The Transporter
In The Transporter, Statham's character, Frank Martin, delivers a series of unforgettable action sequences. The oil fight, where Frank uses bicycle pedals and spinning heel kicks to defeat his enemies, is a standout moment that showcases his agility and combat skills.
The Fate of the Furious
Deckard Shaw's redemption arc in the Fast and Furious series is cemented in The Fate of the Furious with his daring rescue of Dom and Elena's baby. This blend of action and humor, inspired by Hard Boiled, is one of Statham's most memorable scenes in the franchise.
The Expendables
As Lee Christmas in The Expendables series, Statham holds his own among Hollywood's toughest. His brutal basketball court beatdown of his girlfriend's abusive ex and his cronies is a testament to his character's ferocity, delivered in just 16 seconds.
Spy
In the comedy Spy, Statham's portrayal of Rick Ford, the unkillable secret agent, steals the show. His humorous recounting of driving a car off a freeway onto a train while on fire is a highlight that showcases his comedic timing.
Transporter 2
The iconic barrel roll in Transporter 2 is a testament to Statham's cool under pressure. Frank Martin's nonchalant execution of flipping his Audi to dislodge a bomb is a masterclass in action filmmaking.
Crank: High Voltage
In Crank: High Voltage, Chev Chelios' hallucination of fighting as a giant kaiju version of himself at a power station is a surreal and unforgettable moment that epitomizes the film's wild energy.
Snatch
In Snatch, Statham's second film, he delivers some of the movie's most quotable lines, holding his own against Hollywood heavyweights. Turkish's witty response to Tommy's gun in his trousers ("What is a gun doing in your trousers?" "For protection." "Protection from what? Zee Germans?") is a perfect example of Statham's charm and humor.
