Daniel Day-Lewis is undoubtedly one of the most acclaimed actors in cinematic history, boasting three Academy Awards to his name. However, when it comes to sheer action-hero prowess, he can't hold a candle to Jason Statham. Statham, with his signature blend of hard-hitting action and humor, has never won an Oscar, but he's pulled off feats in movies that are nothing short of legendary—from choking a man with casino chips to knocking someone out with a coin, and even killing with a spoon. All in one film, mind you. There's simply no comparison.
Statham has solidified his status as one of the 21st century's most reliable action stars, which is why the release of his new movie, A Working Man, is such a thrilling event. To celebrate, let's dive into some of the most unforgettable moments from Jason Statham's action-packed and hilarious career. After all, until the Oscars start recognizing feats like walking through fire, water-skiing blindfolded, or mastering the piano later in life, it's only fair we give Statham the spotlight he deserves.
The Best Jason Statham Movie Moments
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12. 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 he can, annihilating three opponents in such a fashion. It's a perfect 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 blowing up the building. While this might disappoint some fans who expect no mercy from their action heroes, Statham redeems himself by tracking down the call center manager, strapping him to a truck, and sending it off a bridge, dragging the scoundrel behind. It's a reminder that even if bumblebees aren't great flyers, they're still more aerodynamic than a 1967 Ford F-100.
Wild Card
Returning to Wild Card, a film that didn't get the box office love it deserved, Statham delivers some of the most thrilling fight scenes of his career. Directed by the man behind Con Air, and featuring Stanley Tucci with hair, the movie's highlight is Statham taking down five armed thugs with nothing but a spoon and a butter knife, emerging unscathed. Truly, Jason Statham is the king of "knifey spoony."
Death Race
Paul W.S. Anderson's Death Race might not have won him critical acclaim, but it deserves recognition for its commitment to practical effects and thrilling action. Statham outsmarts the Juggernaut with the help of his rival, showcasing the film's highlight and proving that practical effects can outshine CGI any day.
The Meg
No list of Jason Statham's greatest moments would be complete without his epic battle against a megalodon in The Meg. After slicing the beast open, Statham rides it as it leaps into the air, impaling its eye with a spear. The giant shark meets its demise, devoured by smaller sharks, proving that no matter the size of the predator, if it bleeds, Statham can kill it.
The Transporter
In the iconic The Transporter, Statham plays Frank Martin, delivering some of the best action scenes of the early 2000s. From the container fight to the oil fight—where Frank greases himself up to slip through his enemies' grasp before defeating them with bicycle pedals and spinning heel kicks—the film is a testament to Statham's action prowess.
The Fate of the Furious
Deckard Shaw's transition from villain to hero in the Fast and Furious saga was contentious, but since Fast 9 clarified his innocence in Han's death, fans can enjoy his action-packed moments guilt-free. One standout is the airborne rescue of Dom and Elena's baby in The Fate of the Furious, blending gun-fu with humor in a way that only Statham can.
The Expendables
In the Expendables series, Statham's Lee Christmas stands tall among Hollywood's toughest. From kicking Scott Adkins into a helicopter to the brutal basketball court beatdown of his girlfriend's abusive ex and his cronies, Christmas delivers action-packed moments that are both thrilling and satisfying.
Spy
Jason Statham's comedic turn as Rick Ford in Spy is a highlight of the film. His tales of unkillable toughness, like driving a car off a freeway onto a train while on fire, showcase his versatility and humor, making for some of the funniest scenes in the movie.
Transporter 2
The barrel roll in Transporter 2 is unforgettable. Frank Martin calmly flips his Audi to dislodge a bomb, showcasing his cool-under-pressure attitude and making physics seem irrelevant.
Crank: High Voltage
In Crank: High Voltage, after surviving a fall from a helicopter, Chev Chelios battles to reclaim his stolen heart. The hallucinated fight at a power station, where he imagines himself as a giant kaiju version of himself, is as surreal as it is entertaining.
Snatch
Topping our list is Snatch, where Jason Statham, in only his second film, stole the show with his memorable lines and performance. Among a cast of heavyweights, Statham's Turkish delivers lines like "What is a gun doing in your trousers?" "For protection." "Protection from what? Zee Germans?" showcasing his knack for humor and delivering a performance that stands the test of time.
