From Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels to Hobbs & Shaw, these 10 movies define Jason Statham’s career and prove why he remains one of Hollywood’s most bankable action stars.
Jason Statham has carved out one of the most impressive résumés in modern action cinema, moving from small British crime dramas to some of the biggest blockbuster franchises in Hollywood. Known for his tough-guy charisma, deadpan humor, and high-octane stunt work, Statham has become the rare star who can consistently carry an action film to box office success.
Here are the 10 films that define his career:
Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)
Statham’s big break came with Guy Ritchie’s Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. Playing the witty black-market hustler Bacon, he made an immediate impression in his very first scene, proving himself as a rising star.
Snatch (2000)
Reuniting with Ritchie, Statham starred as Turkish in Snatch, a boxing promoter caught up in a messy underworld plot. Acting alongside Brad Pitt and Benicio del Toro, he cemented his place as a breakout talent.
Ghosts of Mars (2001)
Though the John Carpenter sci-fi action movie wasn’t a critical hit, it marked Statham’s first major step into pure action territory. Cast as Officer Jericho, he proved he had the physicality to lead in the genre—even if the studio wasn’t quite ready to let him carry the film.
The Transporter (2002)
The role of Frank Martin in The Transporter made Statham a true action star. The film, about a professional driver with strict rules, became his first franchise and showed audiences worldwide what his career would look like going forward.
Crank (2006)
In Crank, Statham played Chev Chelios, a man who must keep his adrenaline pumping or die. The wild, over-the-top action film became a cult hit and showcased his sharp comedic timing alongside his physical intensity.
The Expendables (2010)
Sylvester Stallone’s The Expendables franchise brought together action stars past and present, and Statham emerged as one of its central figures. His character, Lee Christmas, became the heart of the team and solidified Statham as Stallone’s natural successor in the genre.
Furious 7 (2015)
After a cameo in Fast & Furious 6, Statham’s Deckard Shaw took center stage in Furious 7. Initially a villain, his character’s popularity was undeniable, eventually evolving into one of the franchise’s most essential players.
Spy (2015)
Proving his range, Statham delivered a hilarious turn as CIA agent Rick Ford in Spy. Acting opposite Melissa McCarthy, he played a self-serious yet ridiculous spy, earning praise for his comedic chops and surprising audiences who knew him only for action roles.
The Meg (2018)
As Jonas Taylor, Statham battled a giant prehistoric shark in The Meg, which went on to gross over $500 million worldwide. What could have been a campy monster flick became a major hit thanks in large part to Statham’s grounded performance.
Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (2019)
Teaming with Dwayne Johnson, Statham co-led the Fast & Furious spinoff Hobbs & Shaw, which raked in $760 million globally. The film proved he could not only shine in an ensemble but also headline one of the biggest franchises on the planet.
From his early days with Guy Ritchie to global blockbusters and even comedies, Jason Statham has built a career defined by versatility, charm, and non-stop action. With fans eager for each new project, Statham remains one of Hollywood’s most dependable action stars.
