Daniel Day-Lewis is often celebrated as one of the greatest actors in cinematic history, boasting an impressive collection of three Academy Awards. Meanwhile, fellow English actor Jason Statham, with zero Oscars to his name, has carved out a unique niche as one of the 21st century's most reliable action heroes. While Day-Lewis may have the accolades, Statham's on-screen feats are undeniably thrilling. From choking a man with casino chips, knocking out an opponent with a coin, killing with a spoon, to punching a man in the fist with his own head—all in the same film—Statham's action prowess is unmatched.
With Statham's latest film, A Working Man, hitting the screens, it's the perfect time to celebrate his career's most memorable moments. These moments showcase not only his action skills but also his ability to bring humor and intensity to his roles. Let's dive into our top picks from Jason Statham's illustrious career, because until the Oscars recognize feats like walking through fire, water-skiing blindfolded, or mastering the piano late in life, these highlights are the least we can do to honor his contributions.
The Best Jason Statham Movie Moments
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Homefront
Ever wondered if Jason Statham's action heroes could take down multiple adversaries with their hands tied behind their back? In Homefront, Statham proves it's not just a hypothetical scenario. He annihilates three foes in this exact predicament, setting the stage for a thrilling showcase of his skills.
The Beekeeper
In The Beekeeper, Statham's character shows a softer side by sparing some scam call center employees who apologize. However, he doesn't let the manager off the hook so easily. Strapping him to a truck and sending it off a bridge, Statham ensures justice is served in his signature style. The scene humorously contrasts the flight capabilities of bumblebees and 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 starring a rare Stanley Tucci with hair, the movie culminates in a showdown where Statham dispatches five gunmen using only a spoon and a butter knife, unscathed. Truly, he reigns as the king of knifey spoony.
Death Race
Paul W.S. Anderson's Death Race may not have garnered much critical acclaim, but it showcases a commitment to practical effects that rivals Mad Max: Fury Road. Statham's cunning outmaneuvers the Juggernaut, making it a standout moment in the film and a testament to the power of real stunts over CGI.
The Meg
No list of Jason Statham's most memorable moments would be complete without his epic battle against a megalodon in The Meg. Statham not only spears the beast but also rides it as it leaps into the air, delivering a fatal blow to its eye. It's a testament to his action hero status—regardless of the size of the adversary, if it bleeds, he can kill it.
The Transporter
Sliding into the seventh spot is Statham's iconic role as Frank Martin in The Transporter. The 2002 original is packed with action, making it hard to pick just one moment. However, the oil fight, where Frank uses grease to evade his enemies before striking back with bicycle pedals and spinning kicks, is a standout.
The Fate of the Furious
Deckard Shaw's transition from villain to hero in the Fast and the Furious saga is cemented in The Fate of the Furious. His daring rescue of Dom and Elena's baby, inspired by Hard Boiled, combines action and humor, showcasing Statham's versatility within the franchise.
The Expendables
In The Expendables, Statham's Lee Christmas shines alongside other action legends. From kicking Scott Adkins into a helicopter to a brutal basketball court beatdown, his moments are intense. His quick 16-second thrashing of six men is a highlight, earning him a spot on the 'knife list' rather than the 'nice list'.
Spy
Jason Statham's comedic talents shine in Spy, where he plays Rick Ford, a seemingly invincible secret agent. His tales of surviving impossible scenarios, like driving a car off a freeway onto a train while on fire, are both hilarious and awe-inspiring.
Transporter 2
The iconic barrel roll from Transporter 2 is unforgettable. Frank Martin calmly flips his Audi to dislodge a bomb, demonstrating his cool-headedness and action prowess with the flair of a man brushing off a speck of dust.
Crank: High Voltage
In Crank: High Voltage, after surviving a fall from a helicopter, Chev Chelios hallucinates a giant fight at a power station. This surreal scene, featuring a 100-foot-tall version of himself, is a testament to the film's wild and entertaining nature.
Snatch
Topping our list is Snatch, where Statham, in his second film role, holds his own among Hollywood heavyweights. His character Turkish delivers some of the movie's most quotable lines, with the humorous exchange about carrying a gun for protection against "Zee Germans" standing out as a classic moment.