If you only know Jason Statham from the memes and the “bald guy who fights everyone” energy, his best movies prove there’s more range there than people admit: sharp crime-comedy timing, clean old-school action craftsmanship, and the occasional self-parody that actually works. Entertainment Weekly recently pulled together a solid “best of” list that spans his gritty early work through his franchise era and newer mid-budget hits.
The Beekeeper (2024)
Modern Statham comfort food at its best. He plays Adam Clay, a quiet beekeeper with a mysterious past who’s pushed into taking on a predatory scam network. The film is brisk, straightforward, and perfectly tuned to his style — a mix of stoicism, intensity, and controlled chaos that showcases exactly what he does best.
Blitz (2011)
One of Statham’s grittier outings, Blitz casts him as London detective Tom Brant, hunting a killer targeting police officers. It’s a grounded cop thriller that swaps big explosions for procedural tension, giving him a more stripped-down, street-level toughness than his usual one-man-army mode.
Crank (2006)
Pure adrenaline cinema. As Chev Chelios, a hitman poisoned with a toxin that forces him to keep his heart rate up to survive, Statham delivers one of the most chaotic performances of his career. The film’s manic energy, hyperactive editing, and cartoonish violence made it a cult classic and solidified his legend as an unflinching action star.
The Expendables (2010)
A love letter to ’80s and ’90s action cinema. Playing knife-specialist Lee Christmas alongside Sylvester Stallone, Jet Li, and Dolph Lundgren, Statham embraces the over-the-top vibe completely. It’s fan service done right — loud, absurd, and nostalgic — and he brings a sharp, youthful energy to the ensemble.
Fast X (2023)
Even with limited screen time, Statham’s return as Deckard Shaw adds momentum to the Fast & Furious saga. He’s fast, fierce, and unpredictable — a natural fit for a franchise built on big entrances and bigger payoffs.
The Fate of the Furious (2017)
This is where Shaw’s redemption arc clicks. Statham turns his former villain into a reluctant ally, walking the line between charm and menace. His character’s evolution gives the sprawling franchise a fresh jolt of personality.
The Mechanic (2011)
Here, Statham perfects the “professional with a code” archetype. As Arthur Bishop, a precision hitman who stages deaths to look like accidents, he’s cool, efficient, and quietly tormented. It’s a slick remake that thrives on his trademark minimalism and precision.
The Meg (2018)
Proof that Statham can anchor a blockbuster creature feature. As deep-sea rescue diver Jonas Taylor, he faces off against a prehistoric shark the size of a submarine. It’s ridiculous, yes — but he grounds the spectacle by playing it straight, giving the movie just enough weight to keep the fun afloat.
Parker (2013)
In this crime-thriller, Statham plays a professional thief who lives by strict moral rules. When his crew betrays him, revenge becomes the only plan. The movie leans more on character and atmosphere than spectacle, showing he can carry a heist story with personality as much as muscle.
Safe (2012)
A protector-thriller built around heart and speed. Statham stars as Luke Wright, an ex-cop turned cage-fighter who becomes the guardian of a gifted child being hunted by rival gangs. It’s a lean, propulsive film that lets him show a little tenderness beneath all the firepower.
Snatch (2000)
Still his essential watch. Guy Ritchie’s kinetic crime-comedy showcases Statham’s wit and charisma as Turkish, the small-time boxing promoter caught in a diamond-heist web. It’s where his screen presence truly popped — sharp, fast, and funny before Hollywood turned him into an all-action brand.
Spy (2015)
The funniest role of his career. As a hyper-serious secret agent who constantly brags about impossible missions, Statham steals every scene in Spy. It’s a perfect self-parody — he plays it straight, which makes it even funnier, proving he can do comedy without losing his tough-guy edge.
Transporter 2 (2005)
Peak “Statham as a brand.” As driver-for-hire Frank Martin, he’s defined by discipline, rule-following, and jaw-dropping car chases. The sequel smooths out the formula — faster pacing, tighter stunts — and helped make him synonymous with modern action precision.
A Working Man (2025)
Directed by David Ayer, this recent release has Statham playing Levon Cade, a former soldier turned construction worker drawn into a rescue mission. It’s another grounded, bruising entry in his catalogue — gritty, stripped-down, and undeniably Statham.
Wrath of Man (2021)
Reuniting with Guy Ritchie, this revenge thriller delivers a colder, meaner Statham. Gone are the quips; instead, there’s silence, calculation, and pure menace. It’s one of his most tightly wound performances — proof that beneath the stoicism, there’s real craft and control.
Jason Statham’s filmography spans over two decades of evolving action cinema — from British crime grit to Hollywood spectacle. Whether he’s driving, fighting, or smirking through chaos, he remains one of the most reliable screen presences in modern genre filmmaking — equal parts precision, physicality, and pure charisma.
