Daniel Day-Lewis has earned his place as one of cinema's most celebrated actors, securing three Academy Awards—a feat that surpasses fellow English actor Jason Statham, who has yet to receive an Oscar. Yet, while Day-Lewis may boast an impressive array of accolades, has he ever matched Statham's cinematic feats of choking a man with casino chips, knocking someone out with a coin, eliminating an adversary with a spoon, or delivering a punch to a man's fist with his own head—all in the same film? Clearly, in terms of sheer action spectacle, there's no comparison.
Jason Statham has solidified his status as a reliable action icon of the 21st century. With his latest film, A Working Man, now in theaters, it's the perfect time to celebrate some of the most memorable and entertaining moments from his career. After all, until the Academy starts recognizing achievements like walking through fire, water-skiing blindfolded, or mastering the piano later in life, it's only fitting we honor Statham's unique contributions to cinema.
The Best Jason Statham Movie Moments
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Homefront
Ever wondered if Jason Statham's action heroes could take down multiple opponents with their hands tied behind their back? In Homefront, Statham proves it's not just a possibility but a reality, dispatching three adversaries with his hands bound. 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. However, fans of his action-packed roles were treated to a more satisfying scene when he pursues the call center manager, straps him to a truck, and sends it off a bridge, dragging the villain behind. It's a reminder that while bumblebees may not be the most efficient flyers, they certainly outdo a 1967 Ford F-100 in this context.
Wild Card
Returning to the film mentioned earlier, Wild Card—despite its box office disappointment—features some of Statham's most impressive fight scenes. Directed by the mastermind behind Con Air and featuring Stanley Tucci with hair, the film's climax sees Statham take down five armed goons with nothing but a spoon and a butter knife, emerging unscathed. Truly, he's the king of "knifey spoony."
Death Race
Paul W.S. Anderson's Death Race may not have garnered critical acclaim, but it deserves recognition for its commitment to practical effects and high-octane action. Statham's strategic alliance with his rival to outmaneuver the Juggernaut is a standout moment, showcasing the film's dedication to real, tangible thrills over CGI.
The Meg
No list of Jason Statham's greatest moments would be complete without his epic battle against a megalodon in The Meg. Statham not only spears the giant shark but also rides it as it leaps into the air, delivering a fatal blow to its eye. The scene culminates with the beast being devoured by smaller sharks, proving that no matter the size of the predator, if it bleeds, Statham can kill it.
The Transporter
In The Transporter, Statham's character, Frank Martin, delivers one of the most iconic action sequences with the oil fight. Slipping through his enemies' grasp, Frank uses bicycle pedals and spinning heel kicks to turn the tables, showcasing the film's Hong Kong-style action choreography.
The Fate of the Furious
Deckard Shaw's transition from villain to hero in the Fast and Furious series has been a rollercoaster, but his redemption is solidified in The Fate of the Furious. Statham's airborne rescue of Dom and Elena's baby, blending gun-fu with humor, stands out as one of his most memorable moments in the franchise.
The Expendables
As Lee Christmas in The Expendables series, Statham holds his own among Hollywood's toughest. His brutal basketball court beatdown of his girlfriend's abusive ex and his cronies is a highlight, showcasing his ability to deliver swift, decisive action.
Spy
In the comedy Spy, Statham's portrayal of Rick Ford, the unkillable agent, steals the show. His recounting of surviving extreme situations, like driving a car off a freeway onto a train while on fire, adds a hilarious twist to his action-hero persona.
Transporter 2
The barrel roll in Transporter 2 is legendary. Frank Martin's cool execution of flipping his Audi to dislodge a bomb underneath it is a testament to Statham's ability to make the impossible look effortless.
Crank: High Voltage
In Crank: High Voltage, after surviving a fall from a helicopter, Chev Chelios faces the surreal challenge of retrieving his stolen heart. His hallucination of fighting as a giant kaiju version of himself at a power station is a testament to the film's wild, over-the-top action.
Snatch
Topping our list is Snatch, where Statham, in only his second film, delivers some of the movie's most quotable lines. His character Turkish's witty exchange about carrying a gun for protection against "Zee Germans" is a perfect example of Statham's ability to blend humor with his action prowess.
