Every Jason Statham Movie of the 2000s, Ranked

The 2000s were an incredible time for Jason Statham; having only previously starred in Guy Ritchie’s film Padlock, stock and two smoking barrels in 1998, he entered the 2000s with full force. Not following the typical acting career path of smaller, supporting roles to build a profile, Statham went off the deep end, essentially leading action films as a star from his early years. Known for his tough-guy personality, fighting skills, muscular physique, and witty deliveryhe seemed destined to be an action star.

Statham has starred in a multitude of different genres, from martial arts films, gangster comedy dramas, and tenacious heist thrillers. Throughout the 2000s, his performances continued to transcend the screenfeaturing some of his best scenes that propelled him into pop culture; whether portraying the driver in The transporter or a small promoter in Snatchtheir roles always stand out from the norm. His unique cinematic choices, combined with his confident demeanor and sense of comedic timing, have made him a fan favorite in the action genre.

21

In the Name of the King (2008)

As a Farmer (Camden Konreid)

In this fantasy action film, Statham plays the role of Farmer, a man who lives happily with his wife, Solana, and son, Zeph. The farmer’s world is turned upside down by an invading force of animalistic creatures called ‘The Krug’, who are magically controlled by the evil Gallian. After the attack causes damage to the village and his son is murdered, Farmer sets out to seek revenge. However Statham plays his role with dignity and commitmentthe plot seemed very similar to other fantasy epics like Lord of the Ringsand was unsuccessful critically or at the box office.

20

Turn Up the Volume (2000)

As Mr. B

Statham stars as Mr.B, a drug dealer and gangster in this gritty action film about a young musician looking to make it big in the industry while dealing with the dangers of life on the streets. Although Mr. B’s role is not the main one, his part adds many integral plot elements and drama that drive the narrative. Not always remembered as a highlight of his career, gave a glimpse of the style of characters that Statham would masterfully embody As his career progressed, the hardened, no-nonsense gangster navigates the criminal underworld.

19

Ghosts of Mars (2001)

As Jericho Butler

Ghosts from Mars is an American space western action horror set on Mars in the 22nd century. Statham plays Sergeant Jericho Butler, a valued member of a police squad tasked with combating the inhabitants of a mining colony on the planet who have been possessed by ancient elders. Statham’s role adds a layer of intrigue and intensity to the film as one of the most commanding officers who dare to take risks. Although well directed and with an interesting story, Statham’s full acting ability was not displayed in a more limited role compared to some of his other work.

18

The One (2001)

As Evan Funsch

In this sci-fi action film, Statham takes a backseat to Jet-Li, who appears in nine different roles in this interdimensional, multiverse travel spectacle. Statham’s role as the Multiverse Authority Agent who wishes to aid in the apprehension and arrest of Gabriel Yulaw (Jet Li) is, once again, an early precursor to some of the characters he would play. He plays his role competently and shows off some of his athletic and martial arts skillsbut the film was widely criticized for its unimaginative action sequences. Even so, Statham gave an excellent performance and was one of the highlights of the film.

17

13 (2010)

Like Jasper

In psychological crime thriller 13Statham takes on this darker and more intense role, playing Jasper Bagges, the rich and violent British man who bets on the Russian roulette competitions that make up the film’s plot. Statham knows how to match the atmosphere of the movie he’s inplaying an aggressive and hardened character in a film full of psychological suspense. His role is an integral part of the film’s narrative, and while it doesn’t include as many action-packed sequences that would help build his reputation, his scenes are still exciting and fun to watch.

16

Transporter 3 (2008)

As Frank Martin

In the last part of the original trilogy, he once again takes on the lead role as Frank Martin. Martin is a highly skilled and effective driver who performs “less than legal” jobs transporting packages to and from different clients. The transporter the series put Statham on the map as a legitimate, bankable action star. This third film continued to push the boat out with a more expansive concept for the film’s narrative and bigger, more explosive action stunts. A little less polished than the first two in the franchise, it still shows Statham at the top of his game.

15

Crank: High Voltage (2009)

As Chev Chelios

Statham once again reprises his role as Chev Chelios, a Los Angeles-based hitman with a need for high-octane action. In this film, Chev is injured in a helicopter crash and has his heart artificially replaced. Chelios is told that he needs to keep his internal battery charged or he will die, which he does through various means, including jumper cables, stealing ambulance batteries, and sex on a race track. Although the film’s plot was considered absurd, Statham’s film the performance was considered captivating and genuineproving that he can provide a solid performance in a less than stellar film.

14

Revolver (2005)

As Jake Green

For the first time since the cult classic Snatch, Statham teams up with director Guy Ritchie in this action thriller. Statham stars as Jack Green, a Cockney gangster and gambler who has just been released from prison and is seeking revenge on the mob boss who put him behind bars. The film takes many twists and turns in its complex narrative, and Statham is able to portray implausible scenarios effortlessly and in a believable way. His work with Ritchie continues to impress, with the witty dialogue and fast-paced gangster action for which the two would become famous.

13

London (2005)

As Bateman

In romantic drama film LondonStatham portrays a banker who delivers cocaine to an acquaintance (Chris Evans) who invites him to a party, and the night turns into a torrid, violent, drug-fueled affair. Statham, starring alongside Jessica Biel and Isla Fisher, breaks out of his usual role and shows great chemistry with his co-stars. This film really helps solidify Statham as a solid, dramatic actor, and although he has his fair share of fight scenes, it is his ability to portray a complex yet more subdued character in Bateman that helped him fully showcase his range of performance.

12

War (2007)

As Jack Crawford

In what appears to be a repeat of The Onewith Statham and Jet Li starring in an action film with combat choreography by Corey Yuen. Statham plays an FBI agent who is determined to find and take down Li’s mysterious assassin character titled ‘The Rogue’. In their second collaboration, the two build on the chemistry from the previous filmand they work off each other masterfully, portraying genuine emotions and actions in each sequence. The narrative has been criticized for being too cliché, but for Statham’s part, he continues to rack up impressive action roles, with an emphasis on drama and tension.

11

Transporter 2 (2005)

As Frank Martin

In the second installment of the original Conveyor trilogy, Statham once again returns to the character of Frank Martin, the experienced driver who is tasked with protecting the son of a politician from an international drug cartel who wants to kidnap him for ransom. Statham offers a nice balance of action star happy to dole out violence while also adding some vulnerable moments with the child and the emotions involved in her kidnapping ordeal. The action and plot successfully carry over from the first film, and Statham once again delivers a truly powerful performance in another blockbuster.

10

Chaos (2005)

As Quentin Conners

Statham plays Detective Quentin Conners, a hardened and ruthless Seattle Police Department officer who, after being fired from the force, is brought back to help negotiate and stop a bank robbery. Chaos is a gritty, well-executed crime thriller, with Statham easily providing the driving force behind the film. Sometimes it’s roles like this in lesser-known films that can help an actor really find their way and help them land the roles that would change their careers. Statham elevates what could have been a more standard bank robbery story into something genuinely entertaining and fun to watch.

9

Death Race (2008)

As Jensen Ames

In this intense dystopian thriller, Statham plays Ames, a convicted prisoner who was wrongfully sent to prison after being convicted of killing his family. In this timeline, many prisons are now privatized and make money by organizing brutal televised car races that end in death or freedom. The film addresses themes involving the modern culture of the prison system and the exploitation of inmates. Death Race has a lot of great racing sequencesand Statham approaches his role with gravitas and dignity, which makes the emotional arc of the barbaric narrative really hit home.

8

Mean Machine (2001)

As a monk

In one of the best remakes of the classic 1975 film The longest yard, Medium Machine sees Statham play against Monk, an extremely volatile and psychotic convict who happens to be a brilliant football player. This sports comedy really helps highlight the layers of Statham’s acting ability; although he plays a violent maximum security prisoner, he uses this character and the viewer’s preconceived notions too subvert expectations and deliver a lively comedic performance. His characters never shy away from brutality, but it was performances in films like this that helped transform Statham into the leading man he was destined to become.

7

Cell Phone (2004)

As Ethan Greer

In another standout role for Statham, he stars as a rogue detective who leads a gang of dirty cops to kidnap and hold a woman hostage. The film provides an outlet for Statham show your darker and more threatening side and showcase his ability to play roles outside of his typical hero archetype. His role is perfectly played and matches the gritty and dynamic tone of the film. He nails the desperate detective who is forced to keep digging, and the desperation and tension he manages to elicit helps him command the screen with his presence.

6

The Expendables (2010)

As Lee Christmas

The Expendables is an action film featuring a who’s who of action stars and Hollywood elite, telling the story of a group of elite mercenaries tasked with overthrowing a Latin American dictator. Statham plays the squad’s resident blade expert, Lee Christmas, and it provides much of the humor and emotion throughout the narrative like the playful and sensible Brit. It’s a film that pays homage to the great action films of the 80s and 90s, and Statham shows his ability to hold his own with some of the biggest names in the industry.

5

The Transporter (2002)

As Frank Martin

In his first installment as Frank Martin, Statham, the driver with a strict code of conduct, finds himself involved in a plot involving human trafficking, in which he must find a way out to exonerate himself. This is one of Statham’s first leading roleswhich launched him into pop culture and made him a household name. Deftly handling hand-to-hand combat sequences in some of the best fight scenes of his career and gritty chase sequences put him on the map and made his trademark hard-hitting yet witty protagonist.

4

Crank (2006)

As Chev Chelios

With a plot similar to that of its sequel High voltage, Crank follows the original story of Chev Chelios, a Los Angeles hitman who is double-crossed and injected with a poisonous synthetic drug that will kill him unless he keeps his adrenaline pumping in a race against time to find the culprits. The film’s high-energy premise is matched by Statham’s on-screen presence providing grounding and electrical intensity for a creatively crafted film. The action sequences are incredibly choreographed and executed, and Statham really shines in this eccentric, high-octane role.

3

The Italian Job (2003)

Like handsome Rob

Inspired by the 1969 British film of the same name Italian work sees Statham play Handsome Rob, the conductor and getaway driver for a team of thieves who plan to steal a fortune in gold from a former business partner. Despite the cast, Statham shines in his most understated role with a strongly charismatic and memorable performance. The film’s plot and structure, combined with Statham’s chemistry with the entire cast, make this one of the gems of his early filmography and set the stage for the rest of his career.

2

The Bank Job (2008)

Like Terry Leather

In Statham’s most underrated film, he stars as Terry Leather in The bank’s workwhich is a plot based on the robbery of safes at Lloyds Bank in London in 1971. Leather is a small-time crook who believes he is committing a major bank robbery, but ends up getting involved in a government conspiracy. Statham gives one of his best performances. The realistic plot of the film, combined with Statham’s balanced and mature performanceit gives a genuine feeling of realism. The intricate plot, intriguing characters, and Statham’s ever-present charisma elevate this to one of his most acclaimed films of all time.