Jason Statham became one of the most recognizable faces in action cinema during the 2000s, taking on roles that showcased his toughness and presence on screen. In this countdown of the Best Jason Statham movies from the 2000s ranked, we look back at the films that best captured his unique blend of grit and high-octane performance, evaluating each based on its influence, execution, and fan response.
Jason Statham’s Rise to Action Stardom in the 2000s
The British actor known for his stoic attitude and physical roles, Jason Statham solidified his image as an action star in the 2000s. Over just ten years, he appeared in 21 films, often as the hard-hitting, no-nonsense character audiences loved. This prolific period saw him working with notable directors and starring in major franchises, helping him build a reputation that made his name synonymous with the genre. His performances alongside actors like Jet Li, Chris Evans, and Jessica Biel exhibited both diversity and dedication, but which projects really highlighted Statham’s action prowess?
20. In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale (2007)
Directed by Uwe Boll,
“In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale”
attempted to bring a fantasy action video game world to the big screen. Despite its sizable production budget, the film did not find critical or commercial success, earning just $13.1 million against its $60 million cost. Jason Statham played Farmer, a peaceful man forced into a journey of revenge after his village is attacked by monstrous Krugs, his son is killed, and his wife taken by the evil sorcerer Gallian, portrayed by Ray Liotta.
The story follows Farmer and his allies as they battle through dangerous lands, confronting enemies both human and mystical, ultimately aiming to end Gallian’s reign. Although the film struggled with execution and was widely criticized for its production value, Statham’s presence as the central hero stands out as the highlight, embodying themes of courage, loss, and transformation in a classic good-versus-evil tale. Well-known actors including Leelee Sobieski and John Rhys-Davies rounded out the cast, but even their contributions couldn’t reverse the film’s fortunes.
19. Turn It Up (2000)
In 2000’s “Turn It Up,” Statham appeared in a supporting role in a film centered on street crime and the ambitions of aspiring musicians. Directed by Robert Adetuyi and featuring Ja Rule and Pras Michel, the movie was criticized for relying heavily on familiar clichés and lacking originality. Statham’s character, Mr. B, meets a violent end in a recording studio shootout, but his storyline is only a small part of the film’s broader exploration of life in the music industry and the struggle for survival.
Despite an ensemble cast that included Vondie Curtis-Hall, the movie failed to capture the audience’s attention or develop a compelling narrative. The focus on crime’s intersection with music industry aspirations had the potential to offer insight, but ultimately, it suffered from weak plotting and missed opportunities to build authentic drama.
18. Ghosts of Mars (2001)
John Carpenter’s “Ghosts of Mars” cast Statham as Jericho Butler in a science fiction horror set on the desolate planet of Mars. Released in 2001, the movie imagined a mining colony overrun by vengeful spirits and alien possession. While the film has garnered a cult following among some who saw it during their childhood, it is often regarded as one of Carpenter’s less successful outings, marked by critics for its tonal inconsistencies and outdated style.
The film, featuring Natasha Henstridge, Ice Cube, and Pam Grier, blends elements of ’80s action with speculative science fiction, arguably never finding its footing. Though the premise had promise, “Ghosts of Mars” is best known for its eccentric mix of genres and performances, with Statham’s role illustrating his willingness to experiment with unconventional material early in his career.
17. The One (2001)
Directed by James Wong, “The One” starred Jet Li as a man hunted across parallel universes by versions of himself. Statham joined the cast as Whitlock, providing support in this blend of science fiction, martial arts, and action. The film is noted for imaginative fight choreography and Jet Li’s impressive physicality, but its execution was marred by questionable early-2000s special effects and a story that struggled to fully engage audiences.
Although Statham’s forays into sci-fi often met with mixed reactions, “The One” has become something of a guilty pleasure for fans drawn to over-the-top concepts. It is recognized more for its energetic action sequences than its narrative depth, but Statham’s performance alongside Li marked an early step in his ascent as a global action star.
16. War (2007)
Statham reunited with Jet Li in “War,” directed by Philip G. Atwell. This film promised intense showdowns but was criticized for a surprising lack of memorable action. Statham played Special Agent Jack Crawford opposite Jet Li’s mysterious Rogue, set amid a twisting plot involving betrayal and vengeance among rival criminal organizations.
While “War” fared better than some of Statham’s other 2000s entries, it ultimately let down fans who expected elaborate fight scenes from its two high-profile leads. John Lone and Devon Aoki provided strong supporting performances, but the film’s pacing and focus shifted attention away from the dynamic battles that could have defined it.
15. Revolver (2005)
Guy Ritchie and Jason Statham teamed up for “Revolver,” a crime thriller that confounded many viewers. Statham portrayed Jake Green, a seasoned confidence trickster out for revenge, entangled in a cerebral game of deception. While the collaboration between Ritchie and Statham had previously proved fruitful, this film suffered from an overly complex narrative that left much of the audience perplexed.
The movie tried to blend philosophical themes with a story about the criminal underworld but could not sustain coherence. Ray Liotta, Vincent Pastore, and André 3000 added depth to the ensemble, but despite strong acting, “Revolver” was criticized for being overly convoluted within a limited runtime, making it one of the most challenging films in Statham’s 2000s catalog.
14. Chaos (2005)
“Chaos,” directed by Tony Giglio, pairs Statham with Wesley Snipes and Ryan Phillippe in a tense crime story involving a bank heist. Statham’s role as Det. Quentin Conners anchors the film, which opens with a flurry of action before transitioning into a primarily investigative narrative. Despite trailers promising nonstop thrills, much of the plot is dedicated to unraveling the mystery behind the heist, which did not meet all expectations for an action-packed movie.
Critics and audiences found the film’s execution uneven, noting its dependence on familiar plot devices. However, Statham’s performance and the strong supporting cast, including Henry Czerny, provided enough intrigue to warrant a watch. Viewers open to the mix of action and procedural drama might discover it to be more enjoyable than critical opinion suggests.
13. London (2005)
“London,” directed by Hunter Richards, marked a notable departure for Statham, seen here alongside Chris Evans and Jessica Biel in a romantic drama rather than an action thriller. This film explored complicated relationships and emotional struggles, following a group of friends through a night of reflection, regret, and confrontation at a New York party.
While criticized by many for its uneven pacing and storytelling, “London” demonstrated Statham’s willingness to break type and explore more vulnerable, dramatic roles. The movie divided audiences, with some appreciating its risk-taking approach, while others felt it struggled to deliver a cohesive narrative.
12. Transporter 3 (2009)
As the final entry in the original trilogy, “Transporter 3” directed by Olivier Megaton sees Statham return as Frank Martin. This chapter continues the fast-driving, high-stakes formula of its predecessors, but some fans felt that the energy and inventiveness of earlier installments was not fully maintained.
Despite mixed reviews regarding its plot and execution, “Transporter 3” achieved remarkable financial success, grossing over $112 million globally on a $40 million budget, making it the highest earner among the trilogy. The film features familiar faces like Francois Berleand and delivers the precise car chases and stunts that became hallmarks of the series, solidifying Statham’s reputation for action-packed entertainment in the late 2000s.
11. Crank: High Voltage (2009)
Directed by Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor, “Crank: High Voltage” delivers an outrageous adrenaline rush, following up on the audacious formula of the original “Crank” movie. Statham reprises his role as Chev Chelios, a man fighting for survival in increasingly wild circumstances. Backed by Amy Smart, David Carradine, and Dwight Yoakam, the sequel pushes boundaries with over-the-top action and chaotic storytelling.
This polarizing entry split viewers—some relished its manic energy and relentless pace, while others found its frenetic style overwhelming. “Crank: High Voltage” stands as a testament to Statham’s commitment to full-throttle performances and the kind of wild cinematic experiences that defined his 2000s career.
The Lasting Impact of Jason Statham’s 2000s Filmography
The 2000s laid the foundation for Jason Statham’s enduring popularity in action cinema. While not every film in this era achieved critical acclaim or box office glory, each project contributed to the evolution of his on-screen persona—one built around resilience, determination, and a willingness to take on new challenges. Whether starring in fantastical battles, gritty crime dramas, or breakneck thrillers, Statham consistently brought an intensity that resonated with audiences. For fans of the genre, revisiting these movies provides a glimpse of a star at the height of his transformation into one of motion picture’s iconic action heroes.
