Daniel Day-Lewis is widely acclaimed as one of the greatest actors in cinematic history, boasting three Academy Awards to his name. That's three more than his fellow English actor, Jason Statham. However, Day-Lewis has never quite matched Statham's unique feats, such as choking a man with casino chips, knocking out someone with a coin, killing with a spoon, or punching someone in the fist with his own head—all in the same movie. When it comes to sheer action prowess, Statham is in a league of his own.
Statham has solidified his status as one of the 21st century's most reliable action stars. His latest film, A Working Man, is a testament to his enduring appeal. To celebrate this new release, we've compiled a list of our favorite moments from Jason Statham's thrilling and often humorous career. After all, until the Oscars start recognizing feats like walking through fire, blindfolded water-skiing, or late-life piano mastery, it's the least we can do.
The Best Jason Statham Movie Moments
13 Images
Homefront
Ever wonder if Jason Statham's action heroes could take down three adversaries with their hands tied behind their back? In Homefront, Statham does exactly that, proving his dominance right from the start.
The Beekeeper
While The Beekeeper shows Statham's softer side by sparing some scam call center employees, it's his ruthless pursuit of the call center manager that steals the show. Statham straps the villain to his truck and sends it off a bridge, dragging the scoundrel behind. It's a reminder that even bumblebees can't fly as poorly as a 1967 Ford F-100.
Wild Card
Wild Card, despite its box office flop, features some of Statham's finest fight scenes. Directed by the mastermind behind Con Air, the film showcases Statham taking down five armed men with just a spoon and a butter knife. Truly, he's 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 practical effects and action-packed sequences. Statham's strategic alliance with his rival to defeat the Juggernaut is a standout moment that showcases his cunning and skill.
The Meg
No list of Statham's greatest moments would be complete without his epic battle against a megalodon in The Meg. Statham not only spears the giant shark but also rides it as it leaps from the water, proving that if it bleeds, he can kill it.
The Transporter
In The Transporter, Statham's character, Frank Martin, delivers one of the most iconic action sequences with the oil fight. Slipping through his enemies' grasps, Frank turns the tables using bicycle pedals and spinning heel kicks, cementing his status as an action icon.
The Fate of the Furious
Deckard Shaw's redemption arc in the Fast and Furious series culminates in a memorable moment in The Fate of the Furious. Statham's airborne rescue of Dom and Elena's son, mixed with humor and high-octane action, showcases his versatility and charm.
The Expendables
As Lee Christmas in The Expendables, Statham holds his own among Hollywood's toughest. His swift and brutal beatdown on a basketball court against his girlfriend's abusive ex and his cronies is a testament to his action prowess.
Spy
In Spy, Statham's comedic timing shines as Rick Ford, the unkillable secret agent. His tales of surviving incredible feats, like driving a car off a freeway onto a train while on fire, are both hilarious and a testament to his legendary toughness.
Transporter 2
The barrel roll in Transporter 2 is a moment of pure cinematic magic. Frank Martin's calm execution of flipping his Audi to dislodge a bomb underneath it showcases his cool under pressure and defies physics in the most entertaining way.
Crank: High Voltage
In Crank: High Voltage, after surviving a fall from a helicopter, Chev Chelios hallucinates a fight as a giant kaiju version of himself. This surreal moment encapsulates the wild, over-the-top nature of Statham's action films.
Snatch
Topping the list is Snatch, where Statham, in his second film role, delivers some of the most memorable lines and scenes. His character Turkish's quip about guns and protection from "Zee Germans" is just one of the many reasons Snatch remains a standout in his career.
