Jason Statham looks like he’ll be breaking enemy bones and blowing things up until he’s 90, but we aren’t bothered about that. There’s no one else we’d rather see do it than him. Statham had his breakout role in Guy Ritchie’s Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. Since then, he has fired multiple bullets and driven past the speed limit more times than any other movie star on the wheel. But audiences just cannot get enough of him, proven by the 2024 ranking of the world’s most bankable stars.
Statham has made 45 movies in his career so far (counting A Working Man), most of them in the action genre. Any new fan looking to watch all the actor’s films will have their work cut out for them while combing through the numerous streaming services in existence. Thankfully, Prime Video has a decent Statham collection. 10 of the British action star’s movies are available on the platform now, and more are certain to come. When they do, we’ll gladly let you know.
‘London’ (2005)
Set almost entirely in a lavish Manhattan apartment bathroom, London is not an action movie. Chris Evans plays Syd, a heartbroken, coke-addled mess who crashes his ex-girlfriend London’s going-away party in a desperate attempt to win her back. He brings along Bateman, a philosophical banker and occasional dealer with a surprising amount of emotional baggage.
Statham Is Chatty and Introspective
Definitely a departure from Statham’s usual action-heavy roles, London is a character study disguised as a party film. Hunter Richard’s direction is intimate, with a soundtrack by The Crystal Method pulsing beneath flashbacks that reveal the highs and lows of Syd and London’s relationship. Statham’s Bateman is wounded and weirdly profound. Critics were divided, but the movie has gained a cult following for its portrayal of heartbreak and offbeat structure.
‘War’ (2007)
War opens with FBI agents John Crawford and Tom Lone facing off against the elusive assassin named Rogue during a shootout at the docks. Rogue disappears and is presumed dead, but he resurfaces years later to murder Lone and his family, which leads Crawford on an obsessive quest for vengeance. The blood-soaked chess match between Crawford and Rogue is set against the backdrop of a brewing turf war between the Triads and the Yakuza.
A Stylish and Satisfying Ride
Directed by Philip G. Atwell, War is a brutal and surprisingly layered thriller. The action choreography, especially in the final sword fight, is sharp and sleek, and the movie’s noir-ish tone adds weight to its revenge-driven plot. Statham plays Crawford and Jet Li plays Rogue. Despite being on opposite sides, their chemistry crackles and their final confrontation delivers a twist that changes the whole story. War grossed over $40 million and remains a favorite among fans of action movies.
‘The Meg’ (2018)
An underwater adventure film directed by Jon Turteltaub, The Meg introduces viewers to the world of Jonas Taylor, a skilled rescue diver played by Jason Statham, who is called back into action by two of his former friends after a deep-sea research mission goes awry. Apparently, the team had unleashed the long-thought-extinct Megalodon, a colossal prehistoric shark and terrifying predator, and it’s up to Taylor to save them.
A Thrilling Cinematic Feast
The Meg is a must-see for fans of Jason Statham because of how he shines in his quintessential action-hero role. He perfectly pulls off the rugged, no-nonsense, haunted-by-his-past Taylor, who takes on an adversary much stronger and larger than him. The movie also boasts amazing underwater visuals and advances at a thrilling pace while also delivering a healthy dose of humor.
‘Snatch’ (2000)
Guy Ritchie’s Snatch is a must-watch if you’re a fan of heist thrillers. A fast-paced and wildly entertaining crime comedy, it weaves multiple storylines in the chaotic underworld of London’s gangsters, but one thing connects them all together – a stolen diamond. Characters like an unpredictable mobster, a small-time boxing promoter, and more, move the plot forward and indulge in maddening acts of violence.
British Crime Comedy at its Best
Packed with quirky characters played by the likes of Brad Pitt, Jason Statham, Alan Ford, Benicio del Toro, Stephen Graham, and more, the movie is a brilliant one that keeps viewers glued to the screen with its razor-sharp dialogue and unexpected plot twist. Statham plays Turkish, and his dry wit and magnetic presence make him instantly likable. Paired with Ritchie’s signature directing style, non-linear storytelling, and acclaim, Snatch falls under the cult-classic territory.
‘Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre’ (2023)
Jason Statham appears in this spy-action flick as a seasoned and sharp-witted operative, Orson Fortune, who is tasked with bringing together a team of the world’s best special agents and preventing the sale of a deadly weapons technology. The mission takes a humorous turn when Fortune recruits a Hollywood actor to infiltrate the inner circle of the arms dealer.
Espionage, Action, and Humor
Also directed by Guy Ritchie, Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre showcases Statham’s ability to flawlessly transition between intense action sequences and lighter, more comedic moments. The movie leans more into a playful and genre-savvy tone, and the timing is perfect. The supporting cast is brilliant too, including Josh Hartnett, Aubrey Plaza, Hugh Grant, and Cary Elwes, who each bring their unique flair to the adventure and make it a standout in the genre of clever, action-driven thrillers.
‘Chaos’ (2005)
Director Tony Gilgio hasn’t done much, but he’ll forever be on our good side for putting Jason Statham and Wesley Snipes in the same movie. There is kind of a Demolition Man dynamic here, with Detective Quentin Conners (Jason Statham) hunting down the robber Lorenz (Wesley Snipes). But why hasn’t Lorenz taken anything from his latest heist? Chaos has the answers.
Who To Root For?
This high-flying action flick is, in summary, stunning. The director pairs visual pageantry with jaw-dropping shootouts, creating a tense, exhilarating, and occasionally sorrowful picture that reminds us why we love the genre in the first place. It is beneficial, of course, to have the additional talents of Ryan Phillippe and Henry Czerny, not to mention the truly ethereal allure of Justine Waddell, to advance the twist-heavy narrative. Amid its astounding hailstorm of bullets and punches, this Chaos is worth sticking around for.
‘Redemption’ aka ‘Hummingbird’ (2013)
Hummingbird’s Joey (Statham) is experiencing the usual vet problems that no government ever seems keen on solving. He is back in London from Afghanistan, and neither has a job nor a place to stay. Additionally, he has PTSD. Thankfully, he gets temporary shelter in the apartment of a photographer who is away for eight months, but things take a dark turn when he acquaints himself with a nun.
Peaking Into London’s Underworld
With its sleek neon look, corrosive screenplay, and bold Lynchian themes, this Hummingbird is solid. Peaky Blinders creator, Steven Knight, oversaw the proceedings, so the quality comes as no surprise. Ordinarily, Knight prefers drama, but the action on display here might fool you into thinking he has been exploring the genre for decades. It’s undoubtedly one of Statham’s best non-American movies.
‘Safe’ (2012)
Luke Wright (Statham) from Safe is a reticent former cage fighter whose life has lost meaning after the Russian mob murdered his family because he threw a fight. Soon, he comes across a young mathematical prodigy being hunted by a Chinese Triad and is forced to protect her. Predictably, this makes his life more chaotic, but there may be a silver lining.
Never Mess with a Child
This powerful feature of a man protecting a child is made up of likely parts and players, but that doesn’t make it any less intense and heartrending. Young Catherine Chan deserves a lot of credit for her performance as Mei. Thanks to her, the predominant conflicts are often offset by scenes of warmth. Danger might be everywhere in the film, but with Statham in control, you’ll feel as safe as Mei in Safe.
‘The Beekeeper’ (2024)
There is a large phishing operation going on in The Beekeeper, but despite having enough money to build towers, the people behind it are careless with who they target. They soon make the mistake of scamming an elderly woman who has been kind enough to host a retired clandestine human intelligence operative named Adam Clay (Statham). As expected, he goes after them.
The Punisher?
“Repeat after me, ‘I will never steal from the weak and the vulnerable again.'” The Beekeeper’s basic-yet-punchy quotes are as good as the fights. Jason Statham’s action films are rarely met with critical acclaim, but this time, everyone was awed, including audiences who made the $160 million box office gross possible. Hopefully, we’ll get part two, with David Ayer back in the director’s seat.
‘Blitz’ (2011)
Dread has permeated the South East London law enforcement scene in Blitz. A serial killer is only targeting cops, so DS Tom Brant (Statham) is tasked with hunting him down. Will he get to the villain before the villain gets to him?
Who Will Stop the Menace?
A killer targeting cops and is hungry to get press coverage? You’ve probably seen it all before, but you’ve never seen Statham punch the way he punches in this Lionsgate flick. Blitz is pure action bliss. Tough guy Luke Evans, who, interestingly, plays the brother of Jason Statham’s character in the Fast & Furious franchise, is also present. With low expectations, you’ll have a great viewing experience.
