Daniel Day-Lewis is undoubtedly one of the most acclaimed actors in cinematic history, boasting three Academy Awards to his name—three more than his fellow English actor, Jason Statham. Yet, while Day-Lewis's performances are legendary, has he ever managed to choke a man with casino chips, knock out an opponent with a coin, kill someone with a spoon, or punch a man in the fist with his own head? Jason Statham accomplished all these feats in a single film, showcasing a level of action-hero prowess that's unmatched. There's simply no comparison.
Statham has solidified his status as one of the most reliable action stars of the 21st century. That's why the release of his latest film, A Working Man, is cause for celebration. To honor this occasion, let's dive into some of the most memorable and entertaining moments from Jason Statham's career. After all, until the Oscars start recognizing feats like walking through fire, water-skiing blindfolded, or mastering the piano late in life, it's the least we can do.
The Best Jason Statham Movie Moments
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12. Homefront
Ever wondered if Jason Statham's characters could take down three men with their hands tied behind their back? In Homefront, Statham not only answers that question but does so with flair, annihilating three opponents despite the handicap. 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 he demolishes the building—simply because they apologized. While fans might argue that Statham's films are about taking down villains, he redeems himself by pursuing the call center manager, strapping him to his truck, and sending the vehicle off a bridge, dragging the manager behind it. It's a stark reminder that while bumblebees might not be the best flyers, they fare 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 most impressive fight scenes. Directed by the mastermind behind Con Air and featuring a rare appearance by Stanley Tucci with hair, the film culminates in a showdown where Statham dispatches five armed goons with nothing but a spoon and a butter knife, emerging unscathed. Truly, the king of "knifey spoony."
Death Race
Paul W.S. Anderson's history with video game adaptations might not be stellar, but he deserves credit for Death Race, a film that embraced practical effects long before Mad Max: Fury Road hit the screens. Statham's cunning defeat of the Juggernaut, with help from a rival, is the film's highlight, showcasing the superiority of real stunts over CGI.
The Meg
No list of Statham's memorable moments would be complete without his epic battle with a megalodon in The Meg. Statham not only slices the prehistoric shark from teeth to tail but also surfs it as it leaps into the air, driving a spear into its eye. As the giant beast falls back into the water, it's devoured by smaller sharks, proving that no matter the predator, if it bleeds, Statham can kill it.
The Transporter
In the iconic role of Frank Martin from The Transporter, Statham delivers a series of action-packed sequences. The 2002 original, directed by Corey Yuen, is a masterclass in fight choreography. Choosing a standout moment is tough, but the oil fight—where Frank uses bicycle pedals and spinning heel kicks to defeat his enemies—takes the cake.
The Fate of the Furious
Deckard Shaw's transition from villain to hero in the Fast and Furious series was initially controversial, but it's now celebrated, especially since Fast 9 revealed he didn't kill Han. One of Statham's most memorable moments comes in The Fate of the Furious, where he executes an airborne rescue of Dom and Elena's baby, blending gun-fu with humor in a scene that stands out as his best in the franchise.
The Expendables
As Lee Christmas in Sylvester Stallone's Expendables series, Statham holds his own among Hollywood's toughest. From kicking Scott Adkins into a helicopter to firing a flare from a boat, his most memorable moment is a swift basketball court beatdown of his girlfriend's abusive ex and his friends. Christmas comes once a year, but when he does, he delivers a brutal 16-second thrashing.
Spy
In the comedy Spy, Statham showcases his comedic talent as Rick Ford, the unkillable agent with a penchant for self-made suits and a resistance to 179 poisons. His best moment comes when he regales Melissa McCarthy with tales of his daring escapades, including driving a flaming car onto a train.
Transporter 2
The barrel roll in Transporter 2 is iconic. Frank Martin calmly flips his Audi to dislodge a bomb, demonstrating the same coolness as if he were brushing off a speck of dust. It's a testament to his character's unflappable nature and a masterclass in defying physics.
Crank: High Voltage
After surviving a fall from a helicopter, Chev Chelios faces a new challenge in Crank 2: his heart has been stolen. The film's surreal highlight is Chev's hallucination of a kaiju battle at a power station, where he fights as a giant version of himself wearing a mask of his own head. It's a scene that defies belief but perfectly encapsulates the wild spirit of Statham's films.
Snatch
Topping our list is Snatch, where Jason Statham, in just his second film role, steals the show alongside Hollywood heavyweights. His character Turkish delivers some of the film's most memorable lines, with the exchange about carrying a gun for protection against "Zee Germans" standing out as a classic. In a film full of quotable moments, Statham's performance ensures he's the one you remember.
