Entertainment
7 Most Universally Beloved Jason Statham Movies of All Time, Ranked
Some of the most popular actors of all time are action stars, such as Tom Cruise and Arnold Schawrzaneggar, and these icons feature in some of the most universally beloved films ever, such as Mission: Impossible and The Terminator. However, among the modern-day action legends, Jason Statham stands out as a definitive actor with some of the most entertaining action movies under his belt. Delivering hard-hitting, gritty action with a pinch of witty remarks, fans can never get enough Statham.
Statham has an extensive filmography with many beloved classics, mostly action movies that get the adrenaline pumping. Despite being an incredible actor, not everyone is a fan of every single movie of his, which is why this list will rank his seven most universally beloved films. Based on entertainment value, pacing, broad appeal, comedy, originality, acting, directing, fan opinion, critical acclaim, and overall quality, these films are masterpieces that almost everyone can agree are fantastic movies.
7
‘Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs and Shaw’ (2019)
The Fast & Furious franchise is one of the highest-grossing cinematic universes ever, and while Statham isn’t a main character, he has appeared in a handful, including Furious 7, which was left out of this list, and Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs and Shaw. Shaw (Statham) is a rogue operative, but he must work with lawman Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) when a new threat arises, a cybernetically advanced anarchist who has access to one of the most powerful weapons in the world.
Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs and Shaw may not be the most Statham-esque film, but its broad appeal makes it much more widely appreciated than his other films. By reaching into a new demographic, this movie introduced a whole new side of Statham while maintaining his grizzled action star style and dry humor. The buddy cop dynamic between Statham and Johnson is electrifying, which sets up this popcorn blockbuster perfectly. With over-the-top set pieces and adrenaline-fueled action, watching these two heavyweights on screen with each other is an absolute delight.
6
‘The Beekeeper’ (2024)
Most of Statham’s defining works are from the 2000s, but he has a handful of modern hits that are sure to get the blood pumping, including the newest entry on this list, The Beekeeper. Statham plays Adam Clay, a simple man working as a beekeeper. But when he learns that his neighbor killed themselves because of a scummy fraudster, he suits up to get revenge. Revealing his identity as a former special operative, he becomes a one-man army hellbent on taking down this phishing scam and paying them back tenfold.
It hasn’t had as much time as his other iconic films to make a name for itself, but this modern action sensation was the sleeper hit of the decade, providing a surprisingly entertaining and engaging action film. Action movies are full of CGI nowadays, which makes The Beekeeper a fresh change of pace that keeps Statham’s grim determination and unrelenting presence. This cathartic action movie is an explosion of drama and thrilling fight scenes, which helped it be one of Statham’s biggest box office successes, so much so that The Beekeeper 2 is planned for 2027.
5
‘The Bank Job’ (2008)
After the success of The Italian Job, which isn’t featured on this list, Statham returns in The Bank Job, which isn’t a sequel, but delivers the same feeling, but bigger and better. Based on the real-life robbery of 1971 Baker Street, a struggling car dealer gets his chance to strike it rich with a heist. However, he realizes he hasn’t just stolen millions of dollars, but scandalous secrets of powerful figures that underground organizations and the Royal British Family would kill to retrieve.
Most fans love Statham because of his intense action movies featuring roundhouse kicks and exhilarating car chases, but The Bank Job remains a beloved movie despite lacking those aspects. With good ratings across the board, fans and critics can agree that this story gave Statham time to flex his dramatic acting chops, proving he is a versatile actor who can do action, drama, and comedy. Statham plays a vulnerable protagonist in this heist thriller, making The Bank Job a fun departure from his typical films.
4
‘Crank’ (2006)
Out of all the movies on this list, The Bank Job and Crank are two of his lesser-known masterpieces, but they are still defining works that are important to his career. Chev (Statham) is a hitman who wakes up to learn that he has been injected with a poison that will immediately kill him if his heart rate drops below a certain level. Needing to keep moving and the adrenaline pumping, Chev sets out on a fast-paced quest for revenge, taking his rampage all throughout Los Angeles.
Crank has been forgotten by many, but diehard fans universally agree that this is one of Statham’s best movies, featuring high-adrenaline action. It doesn’t get more exhilarating than this, providing non-stop high-octane action with a relentless pace of drama, absurdity, and chaos. As opposed to his gritty and grounded films, Crank is unapologetically crazy, using its B-movie premise to the fullest with an execution that can only be achieved by Statham.
3
‘Spy’ (2015)
A lot of these movies feel like a Statham film, but one of his most unique departures is Spy, where he gives up the leading role to Melissa McCarthy to play the charming side character. After a top CIA agent is compromised, an unassuming desk worker volunteers to go deep undercover. However, getting in her way is Rick Ford (Statham), an overly arrogant and incompetent rogue agent who wants to do everything his way.
This departure from his typical style is another welcome experience, creating his funniest movie with excellent chemistry with McCarthy. Spy is also his highest-rated movie, so critics seem to think that it is his most universally beloved film. A mainstream audience can finally experience Statham’s charm and wit in full force, parodying his own tough-guy persona, which creates a hilarious spy comedy that is perfect from start to finish.
2
‘Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels’ (1998)
Guy Ritchie and Statham are an undefeated duo, with the top two movies on this list being from the pair, starting with Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels. After a group of friends loses a bunch of money to a high-ranking crime boss in a high-stakes game of poker, they only have one week to collect 500,000 GBP. Their plan is to rob a ruthless gang of thieves, which will only get them into more trouble.
Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels is what kick-started Statham’s career, and watching his first defining work is truly a spectacle to see how far he has evolved. Still, this film is a staple of his filmography and a beloved picture by all of his fans. He wasn’t always an invincible, gritty action hero, and this movie shows that his rapid-fire wit and charming style are just as entertaining. Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels is a gritty and raw gangster thriller that is a cult classic among Statham fans.
1
‘Snatch’ (2000)
Ritchie and Statham have collaborated five times, but their best was with Snatch. On one side of the story, there is the search for a stolen 86-carat diamond, and on the other is a boxing promoter, Turkish (Statham), who must find a new boxer after his prized fighter was knocked out before his match. Chaos ensues when these two stories collide, pitting a star-studded cast against each other that features Brad Pitt, Benicio del Toro, Steven Graham, and Vinnie Jones.
Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch could be interchangeable, as both are early, yet unforgettable performances from Statham. But the latter wins out because more fans seem to appreciate the dynamics of some of the greatest actors alive. Universally beloved for its kinetic directing style and Statham’s dry narration, this chaotic crime film is a great thriller and comedy. Snatch is Statham’s most important film, and that legacy has made it a revered classic that defines his filmography.
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