Summary
With decades of experience in the action genre, Jason Statham’s martial arts skills and acting range continue to impress. He has played a professional assassin inThe Mechanic, a driver-assassin inThe Transporter, anelite assassin inThe Beekeeper, an undercover assassin inA Working Man, and an assassin-for-hire inKiller Elite… Well, you get the idea. He’s even set to return as an assassin in the upcomingThe Beekeeper 2.
Regardless of one’s taste for such movies, it’s hard to deny that Statham is nearly unmatched in his niche. His epic one-liners have even become something of a meme, with the parody filmSpytaking the idea to absurd extremes. Beyond that, fans know that any modern Jason Statham movie will at least deliver brutal and convincing action, so at this point, audiences know exactly what to expect.
Amid Statham’s many similar action films, it’s easy to overlook his more diverse and impactful earlier roles, particularly in Guy Ritchie’sgangster films. But beyond those, his occasional ventures into other genres, including comedy, heist films, psychological thrillers, and even period dramas, have always stood out from the rest of his career. In light of the recent premiere of David Ayer’sA Working Man, this list takes a look atthe best Jason Statham moviesthat often break away from his usual action-hero persona.
Without a doubt, this one is controversial. Upon its release, Guy Ritchie’s Revolver was largely panned by critics and audiences — and for good reason. Overly pretentious, narratively convoluted, and filled with metaphysics and symbolism, it may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Yet for some, it represents Ritchie and Statham at their most daring and distinctive.
For Statham,Revolveroffers a rare opportunity to break away from his usual mold, unearthing new facets of his range. Despite the criticism, Ritchie has described the film as one of his most personal and beloved projects, insisting it was the exact film he wanted to make. Over time,Revolverhas gained a degree of recognition and remains one of Statham’s most unconventional and psychologically complex roles.
Spyis a wildly entertaining parody of the spy-action genre, taking everything fans have joked about regarding Statham’s characters for years and cranking it up to 11. Though his screen time in this comedy is fairly limited, every scene featuring him is arguably the funniest Jason Statham moment ever put on screen.
Nearly every line from his character, Rick Ford, feels like a self-glorification meme straight out of Statham-dedicated online discussions. The way he delivers them makes for a truly laugh-out-loud experience. It’s always refreshing when actors are self-aware of the stereotypes that made them famous and can play into them so effectively in films likeSpy.
Crankranks among Jason Statham’s most iconic films, as Neveldine and Taylor take the one-man army subgenre to completely unhinged extremes. Statham’s charisma and performance are a huge part of the movie’s appeal, with its deranged plot delivering non-stop thrills for both his poisoned assassin, Chev Chelios, and the audience alike.
While the sequel,Crank: High Voltage, may have pushed the comedy and chaos a bit too far, it still offers plenty of unforgettable Statham moments fans won’t find anywhere else. Both films stand as rare examples of a time when Statham was already an established action star yet didn’t take himself too seriously to dive into such wildly fun projects.
Ever sinceThe Fast and the Furiousfranchiseshifted gears withFast Five, it was only a matter of time before Statham joined the action. After a brief tease as the next villain inFast & Furious 6, he made a full-fledged debut inFurious 7, posing one of the biggest challenges for Dom and his crew. As expected, Statham’s Deckard Shaw eventually couldn’t resist the power of family and backyard barbecues, yet his explosive role inFurious 7remains a highlight of big-budget action cinema for the actor.
Another standout appearance in the franchise comes withHobbs & Shaw, where Statham takes the lead alongside Dwayne Johnson. Not only is it one of the most action-packed entries in the series, but it also delivers plenty of laughs thanks to the duo’s dynamic as unlikely allies.
Roger Donaldson’sThe Bank Jobshowcases another layered performance from Jason Statham, going beyond the typical action-packed roles of rugged, retired assassins. While the film does bring some action to the table, at its core, it’s a compelling and nuanced blend of heist thriller and period drama, based on the real-life 1971 Baker Street robbery.
The film’s historical backdrop and authentic tone emphasize the importance of strong performances just as much as the meticulously crafted heist itself, and Statham delivers. Though it may not boast as many big-name stars as some of his other films,The Bank Jobis consistently praised for its sharp execution and thoroughly engaging storytelling.
At first glance,Wrath of Man(loosely based on the 2004 French filmCash Truck) might seem like a typical Jason Statham movie, featuring an over-serious man consumed by wrath. However, this collaboration with Guy Ritchie isunexpectedly gripping and atmospheric. Once viewers grasp its unique strengths, they’ll likely rankWrath of Manamong Statham’s best.
The film meticulously builds tension and mystery around Statham’s stoic character, H, using almost every minute of its runtime for an admirable setup. When the action finally erupts, it does so in brief yet spectacular bursts of violence, leaving the audience in awe. For those who prefer their action films with a touch of sophistication, this one is a must-watch.
UnlikeRevolver, few would dispute the iconic status ofLock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrelsor its place on any list of Jason Statham’s greatest films. Fast, sharp, entertaining, and unmistakably British, the film’s influence on the crime-comedy genre — as well as its role in shaping Guy Ritchie’s signature style — is hard to overstate.
With an engaging story, razor-sharp editing, a perfect soundtrack, and standout performances from Jason Flemyng, Dexter Fletcher, Vinnie Jones, and a pre-action-hero Statham,Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrelsremains a rewatchable classic. Rightfully counted among the most quoted and beloved films in the Tarantino-esque crime genre, it stands as atestament to Ritchie’s early brilliance.
Another undeniable Ritchie-Statham classic,Snatchoften competes withLock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrelsfor the title of their best collaboration. The trade-off of Jason Flemyng and Dexter Fletcherfor Brad Pittand Stephen Graham is a key point of comparison, as in almost every other aspect, both films stand among the finest in the crime-comedy genre.
For Statham,Snatchmight earn extra points for its more Hollywood-style execution and for placing him at the center of the story. Arguably the pinnacle of Ritchie’s signature filmmaking,Snatchis packed with intriguing (and mostly hapless) characters, sharp dialogue, and unmistakable style, cementing its place as Statham’s best film.
