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Although this English actor is best known as an action hero in the movie world, Jason Statham is actually so much more. Taking up acting after an international diving career that saw him represent England in the 1990 Commonwealth Games in New Zealand, his physique is perfect for the silver screen. What are the best Jason Statham movies, though?
Since 1998, Statham has wowed film audiences with his tough-guy exterior and dry and dark on-screen humor. At 57, with 50 movie appearances under his belt and more on the way, Statham keeps coming, just like many of his on-screen characters. What do you think are his best movie roles, though? Enjoy the top five best Jason Statham movies ranked.
1. Snatch (2000)
You may remember first seeing Statham in his big-screen debut in Guy Ritchie’s “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.” Two years later, he returned to the Hertfordshire-born directors set in “Snatch” for only his second movie role. The upcoming star headlined “Snatch” with Brad Pitt and didn’t disappoint in the Hollywood A-grader’s company.
Statham plays Turkish, a rag-tag boxing promoter who also owns a “slot shop,” a gambling joint filled with slot machines. With his distinctive Cockney accent, Turkish narrates the movie as he and his fighter, the unintelligible Mickey (Pitt), navigate the world of English underground fighting. “Snatch” was Statham’s breakout lead role, resulting in many film offers and roles you’ll remember since.
Memorable line: “My name is Turkish. Funny name for an Englishman, I know. My parents-to-be were on the same plane when it crashed. That’s how they met. They named me after the name of the plane. Not many people are named after a plane crash.”
2. Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)
Do you remember seeing Statham in music videos for artists as diverse as Erasure, The Shamen, The Beautiful South and Yello back in the mid-1990s? Likely not. Statham’s acting debut kicked off just after that in “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrel,” with his performance as Bacon prompting the then-fledgling director Ritchie to offer him the leading role in “Snatch,” which truly launched both their careers.
Statham already had real-life experience as a street salesman, the profession of the charming and street-smart Bacon in the film. His ability to play the part with the authenticity every director hopes for made him a catch for Ritchie and a favorite among “Lock, Stock” viewers.
Memorable line: “Scarface. I’ve watched Scarface. If you wanna know how to do a drug deal, you watch Scarface.”
3. The Bank Job (2008)
Statham’s role as a London car dealer in debt to the mob in “The Bank Job” is another part typifying the actor’s ability to transcend the pure action genre in favor of a tough guy with a rugged exterior that likely never needs work to gain muscles, a finely honed sense of humor and a heart of gold. If you’ve seen the movie, you may recognize how Roger Donaldson brought out these underlying traits of Statham’s character with solid yet subtle directing techniques.
A ten-year industry veteran at that point, Statham delivers his role perfectly when asked to plan a bank heist on the city’s famous Baker Street. Driven by the need to support his gorgeous wife (Keeley Hawes) and family, he accepts the job offer from his friend Martine Love, played with sinister motives by the lovely Saffron Burrows. You might know her from the TV series “Boston Legal” and “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” that followed soon afterward.
Memorable line: “Why’d you pick Kev and me? You could’ve found better thieves.”
4. Wrath of Man (2021)
Appearing in a Guy Ritchie movie for the fourth time, Statham takes “Wrath of Man” to an all-action level filled with gunfights and revenge. As Patrick Hill, commonly known as H, an armored car security guard, there’s little time to deliver any typical humorous Statham one-liners as he’s too busy offloading bullets into bad guys.
If you want Statham action in a movie, “Wrath of Man” has it in security truckloads in this remake of Nicolas Boukhrief’s 2004 French thriller, “Cash Truck.” The previous three movies indicate the actor is better with a bit of humor in his roles, but “Wrath of Man” has thrills to make up for it. This typical’ guy’ movie has Josh Hartnett, Scott Eastwood and Andy Garcia supporting and is a perfect vehicle for Statham’s action skills.
Memorable line: “I can do in two days what you wish you could have done in two years.”
5. The Italian Job (2003)
Donald Sutherland, Mark Wahlberg, Edward Norton, Charlize Theron and Seth Green — it’s safe to say that Jason Statham had hit the big time when cast as a co-star to these Hollywood greats in the remake of 1969’s “The Italian Job.” As Handsome Rob, Statham plays his part as the gutless getaway driver with understated aplomb.
You might think “The Italian Job” is too similar to the “Oceans” movies, and you might be right. With so many characters, there’s not nearly enough time for Statham to show off his true acting worth, but he certainly doesn’t disappoint. “The Italian Job” is an all-action roller coaster ride and one sequel that improves on the excellent original starring Michael Caine, among notable others. It would be shameful not to include it, even if it isn’t quite a Statham platform. He’s in it, and he doesn’t let the team down at all.
Memorable line: “I think it’s time to move on, don’t you? They shut him down. I wish they would do the same to you.”
Honorable Mentions
With 50 movies under his belt, leaving the Jason Statham movie rankings at only five is difficult. Consider the following honorable mentions – you’re sure to remember plenty.
- Spy (2015)
- Crank (2006)
- The Mechanic (2011)
- Cellular (2004)
- Safe (2012)
- The Beekeeper (2024)
- The Meg (2018)
Of course, Statham played unforgettable parts in The Transporter franchise, driving a host of fine cars in the title role and in many of the 12 “Fast and the Furious” movies as Deckard. He was also in “The Expendables” franchise, but those will save well for later.
Jason Statham: A Combination of Unforgettable Action and Humor
Jason Statham has left his mark on the movie industry with his action and humor, and often a combination of both. Whether you’re a fan or not, you’ll surely acknowledge that this English actor has stood the test of time on the big screen, and there’ll be a new Jason Statham movie soon!
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Author
Jack Shaw is a senior writer at Modded. Jack is an avid enthusiast for keeping up with personal health and enjoying nature. He has over five years of experience writing in the men's lifestyle niche, and has written extensively on topics of fitness, exploring the outdoors and men's interests. His writings have been featured in SportsEd TV, Love Inc., and Offroad Xtreme among many more publications.
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