Jason Statham began his career as a competitive diver, then transitioned into modeling and appearing in music videos. He’s since become famous for playing roles as criminals, strong characters, and villains in action films. While he’s appeared in popular movies like Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, The Expendables 2, and The Italian Job, he has a long and impressive list of other films to his name.
Jason Statham has become a major action star, achieving a level of recognition similar to Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger. He’s proven he can shine in everything from large-scale blockbusters to smaller films, and even comedies where he gets to show off his comedic timing. His frequent collaborations with director Guy Ritchie have also been key, helping him become known for playing strong, British characters in films like The Transporter and Crank.
Jason Statham continues to be incredibly busy, with many projects already planned or in development. Choosing just twelve of his best films is tough, but here’s a selection that fans consistently love.
‘The Mechanic’ (2011)
Milennium Films
Fans love Jason Statham in action-packed assassin roles, and The Mechanic is a remake of a classic thriller. The film follows Arthur Bishop, a professional killer who specializes in making murders look like accidents. When his mentor is killed, Arthur seeks revenge, but his plans get complicated when his son expresses interest in becoming an assassin as well.
This film really plays to Jason Statham’s strengths, and his cool demeanor is amplified by the energetic Ben Foster. While the plot isn’t particularly surprising, the strong cast and thrilling action sequences make it an enjoyable watch. It’s another solid addition to Statham’s collection of action films, like The Beekeeper and Shelter, that consistently deliver entertainment, especially during the slower January movie season.
‘Crank’ (2006)
Lionsgate
Jason Statham is well-known for playing Chev Chelios in the action-packed film Crank. In the movie, Chelios is poisoned and must constantly keep his adrenaline pumping to survive. It’s a thrilling chase for revenge against the criminals who targeted him, all while desperately fighting to stay alive. Many describe the film as being like Speed, but with a person as the central focus.
Okay, buckle up, because this movie is a total adrenaline rush from the start! It just keeps escalating into glorious chaos. And Jason Statham? He’s fantastic. He brings this incredible intensity, but also a surprisingly funny side – every stunt he pulls off is more over-the-top than the last. Honestly, with films like this and the Transporter series, Statham really proved he’s not just an action star, but someone audiences genuinely enjoy watching.
‘Safe’ (2012)
Lionsgate
Jason Statham is known for action roles where he doesn’t often work with children. But in the movie Safe, his character forms a surprising connection with a young girl named Mei. Luke Wright (Statham) is at a low point in his life when he witnesses a girl being threatened and steps in to protect her from dangerous criminals – including the Triad, the Russian Mafia, and corrupt police officers in New York City.
In the film Safe, Jason Statham takes on a role that’s different from his usual tough-guy characters. He starts as a downcast and hesitant man, but gradually evolves into the action hero fans expect. The transformation is convincingly portrayed, and Entertainment Weekly noted it’s one of Statham’s more sensitive performances, even amidst the film’s action sequences.
‘Cellular’ (2004)
New Line Cinema
Jason Statham is famous for playing strong, heroic characters, but he’s equally convincing as a villain, as seen in the movie Cellular. The film centers around a teacher (Kim Basinger) who calls a random man (Chris Evans) after being kidnapped. When the man tries to report the crime to the police, he discovers the kidnappers are actually corrupt LAPD officers, and Statham plays their leader.
The movie Cellular feels distinctly like a product of 2004, capturing a time when cell phones were becoming essential but still felt new. Beyond that, it’s fun to see a young Chris Evans before his Captain America days. And it’s a standout role for Jason Statham, as he gets to play a compelling villain – something he doesn’t often get to do, but pulls off brilliantly.
‘Shelter’ (2026)
Black Bear Pictures
In the new action thriller Shelter, director Ric Roman Waugh (known for Shot Caller and Greenland) pairs with Jason Statham for the first time. The film follows Mason (Statham), a former hitman trying to live a peaceful life, whose world is turned upside down when he takes in a young girl named Jesse (Bodhi Rae Breathnach) after a shipwreck. Caring for Jesse puts a target on their backs, and Mason must use his deadly skills to keep them safe from increasingly dangerous enemies.
Although not everyone loved it – one review called it a predictable thriller that didn’t showcase Jason Statham’s range – the film has generally been well-received by critics. Many praised it as a surprisingly heartfelt take on the action genre, supported by impressive action sequences. The movie stays true to what fans expect from Statham, and that’s a good thing, especially because it gives him a chance to show off his acting skills alongside his action prowess.
‘The Transporter 2’ (2004)
20th Century Fox
The Transporter 2 follows the same idea as the first movie: Jason Statham plays Frank Martin, a professional who delivers important packages. This time, he’s hired to drive the son of a well-known politician. When the boy is kidnapped while Frank is looking after him, Frank has to find him and bring him home, all while trying to clear his own name as a suspect in the kidnapping.
While the original Transporter film was enjoyable, The Transporter 2 truly hits its stride. The film elevates Jason Statham’s character by giving him a meaningful mission: protecting a child, turning him into a genuine hero. The movie showcases incredible driving skills that would impress even the cast of Fast & Furious, along with plenty of intense action and fight scenes. Many fans consider this installment to have the best action sequences of the entire series, and it’s widely regarded as the definitive film for the iconic character of Frank Martin.
‘Wrath of Man’ (2021)
United Artists Releasing
The action thriller Wrath of Man centers around H (Statham), a mysterious new security guard for a cash-transport company. When a robbery attempt occurs, H reveals exceptional shooting skills, leaving his colleagues questioning his true motives and how he ended up in the job.
The movie is full of thrilling moments, with a particularly intense shootout at the end that really highlights Jason Statham’s performance. Wrath of Man has received a lot of positive attention for its creative visuals, complex but easy-to-follow story, and Statham’s nuanced acting during the film’s more dramatic scenes – all of which contributed to its success for director Guy Ritchie and Statham.
‘Furious 7’ (2015)
Universal Pictures
The end of Fast & Furious 6 revealed a shocking death and introduced Jason Statham as Deckard Shaw. Furious 7 centers around Shaw’s quest for revenge against Dom Toretto’s team, after they injured his brother, Owen Shaw, in the previous film. Unlike other antagonists who lead teams, Deckard Shaw operates alone, often appearing unexpectedly and catching the heroes off guard, leaving them struggling to survive.
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This is Jason Statham’s first major role in the series, and he proves he can stand out even with a large cast. While Statham is known for playing bad guys, this character feels different because of his family connections, adding a surprising emotional depth. He’s introduced as a relentless and ruthless villain, so much so that the films have had trouble turning him into a hero later on. Though he’s become more of a hero in subsequent movies, Furious 7 showcases him at his most menacing and is arguably his best performance in the series.
‘Spy’ (2015)
20th Century Studios
Jason Statham really showed his range this year! We all know he can play the tough guy, but in Spy, he absolutely kills it as a hilariously over-the-top, self-important superspy. The movie throws him into the role of protector for a newbie field agent, and the clash of personalities is pure gold. There’s this running gag where he’s obsessed with getting a Face/Off procedure – seriously, it’s brilliant – and despite being a total pro, everything seems to go wrong for him. It’s a surprisingly funny performance from a guy we usually see taking things very seriously.
You wouldn’t normally expect to see Jason Statham in a Melissa McCarthy comedy, but he’s surprisingly funny and completely steals the show whenever he’s on screen. It’s unusual for him to do comedic roles, and that’s part of what makes it work – his serious, intense persona is hilarious when played straight. He should really consider doing more comedies.
‘The Bank Job’ (2008)
Lionsgate
In The Bank Job, Jason Statham stars as Terry Leather, a struggling car salesman who is offered a tempting deal by a woman named Martine: rob a bank to get out of debt. The film is inspired by a real bank robbery that took place in London in 1971. It’s a classic heist movie set in London, and Statham plays a sophisticated thief, a role that both fits and challenges his usual on-screen persona.
While not his most famous part, this role really lets Jason Statham show off his acting skills. The movie came at a pivotal moment in his career. After years of appearing in poorly received action films, his performance here surprised many critics, proving he was a more talented actor than people gave him credit for. Although he continued to star in action movies, The Bank Job stands out as a hidden gem in his work.
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