Jackie Chan is not just a global icon for his daredevil stunts and martial arts prowess—over his legendary five-decade career, he has also directed and starred in numerous action movies that showcase his multifaceted talent. This definitive ranking of Jackie Chan movies he directed and starred in shines a spotlight on not only his on-screen charisma but also his creative vision behind the camera, revealing how he helped shape the world of action cinema.
Reinventing Action Cinema: Jackie Chan’s Early Directorial Journey
Beginning as a stuntman with minor appearances in Bruce Lee’s films, Jackie Chan broke through to international fame in the late 1970s, particularly with the martial arts comedies Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow and Drunken Master. These milestones marked his rise from talented actor to trendsetting star, admired for outrageous physical feats and an unrivaled blend of comedy, martial arts, and stunt work that inspired generations of action lovers and filmmakers alike.
This list meticulously ranks every film that Jackie Chan both directed and headlined, offering insight into his evolving style, the risks he has taken, and the unique blend of genres he introduced to martial arts cinema.
13. Chinese Zodiac (2012): The Return of Asian Hawk
With Chinese Zodiac (also known as CZ12), Jackie Chan revitalizes the role of Asian Hawk, a treasure-hunting adventurer on a high-stakes mission to recover the fabled bronze zodiac animal heads, artifacts looted from Beijing’s Old Summer Palace during the 1800s. Teaming up with a Chinese student and a Parisian ally and armed with inventive gadgets, Hawk faces off against rival collectors and dangerous mercenaries across several continents.
True to Chan’s tradition, Chinese Zodiac blends inventive martial arts, death-defying stunts, and comic relief throughout. The action sequences are fast-paced, layered with Chan’s signature humor. This film is a testament to his growing expertise behind the camera, with dynamic scenes and a performance brimming with commitment, vulnerability, and levity. Chan’s efforts here were honored with the Best Stunt Action Choreography prize at the Hong Kong Film Awards, further cementing his legacy as a trailblazer in martial arts cinema.
12. 1911 (2011): Chronicle of Revolution
Set during one of China’s most pivotal eras, 1911 captures the sweeping political shift and revolution led by Sun Yat-sen and the movement that brought down the Qing Dynasty. Jackie Chan plays Huang Xing, a prominent leader facing the constant tension of rebellion and sacrifice, with the film delving into both large-scale battles and the emotional journeys of those at the rebellion’s heart.
This directorial effort marked Chan’s return to the director’s chair after a decade away and represents his most ambitious foray into historical drama. Unlike his usual comedic action blockbusters, 1911 allows Chan to exhibit a restrained, emotionally resonant performance. As Huang Xing, he balances gravity with a quiet passion, while his direction draws meaning from both grand war scenes and introspective interludes, providing audiences with a respectful tribute to a transformative era in Chinese history.
11. Dragon Lord (1982): A New Evolution in Chan’s Film Style
Dragon Lord, both written and directed by Jackie Chan, centers on Dragon, a mischievous martial arts enthusiast drawn into a dangerous clash after stumbling upon a gang of thieves. Alongside his friend Cowboy, Dragon’s accidental discovery of a criminal plot leads them into a fierce confrontation with hardened criminals determined to protect their secrets.
The film stands out for its extended, intricate fight sequences, including one of the longest and most challenging battles of Chan’s career, showcasing his dedication to physical storytelling. Dragon Lord marks a turning point in his directorial approach, highlighting more fluid camerawork and ambitious choreography. Though its story is less memorable than the visuals, it was instrumental in developing the distinct filming style Chan would perfect in his later works.
10. Armour of God (1986): Launching an Iconic Adventure Series
In Armour of God, Jackie Chan embodies Asian Hawk, a globetrotting treasure hunter who is roped into a dangerous mission after his friend Alan’s girlfriend is abducted by members of a shadowy cult. To rescue her, Hawk must track down artifacts that collectively form the sacred Armour of God, facing formidable villains and death-defying obstacles along the way.
This action-packed film marked the birth of a franchise and culminates in a dramatic confrontation at the cult’s remote fortress. Armour of God holds a special place in Jackie Chan’s filmography not only for its commercial success and status as a Hong Kong classic, but also for a near-fatal accident during one of the film’s stunts, which left Chan with a fractured skull—a testament to his fearlessness and commitment.
9. Who Am I? (1998): Espionage and Identity
Who Am I? places Jackie Chan in the role of a skilled covert operative who loses his memory following a failed mission in Africa. With no knowledge of his former life, he becomes known only as ‘Who Am I?’ by local villagers. As he tries to reclaim his identity, he is hunted by tenacious agents and forced to navigate a landscape filled with treachery, engaging in a frenetic hunt for answers while dodging danger at every turn.
Chan’s direction here maintains a tight balance between kinetic action, suspenseful chases, and comedic moments that serve to break the escalating tension. His commitment to practical, innovative stunts is exemplified in the memorable rooftop descent in Rotterdam—roped to the building, he delivers a sequence that is both exhilarating and technically dazzling, reinforcing his reputation as a pioneer in the genre.
8. Miracles (1989): Gangs, Honor, and Redemption in Old Hong Kong
In Miracles, Jackie Chan portrays Kuo Cheng-Wah, an ingenuous young man who stumbles into the criminal underworld following an encounter with a dying gangster in 1930s Hong Kong. Navigating intrigue and fierce rivalries, Kuo is frequently torn between upholding his personal values and the ruthless demands of organized crime.
Miracles stands out for its blend of light-hearted comedy, poignant drama, and a story imbued with optimism even amid underworld violence. Chan’s direction explores the power of loyalty and positive influence, as Kuo seeks to reform the gang’s conduct with an ethical code, bringing a sense of Chaplin-esque humor and warmth rarely seen in gangster tales.
7. The Fearless Hyena (1979): Chan’s Bold Directorial Debut
The Fearless Hyena marks both Jackie Chan’s entrance as a director and a defining early performance. As Ching Hing-lung, a talented but undisciplined fighter, Chan brings youthful charisma and comedic energy to the role. The plot is propelled by the pursuit of vengeance, after Hing-lung’s grandfather, a venerable kung fu master, is murdered by a rival clan leader.
This film’s inventive slapstick-laden fight choreography and energetic pacing won instant approval from audiences, setting the tone for Chan’s future work. Though somewhat unpolished, The Fearless Hyena signaled Chan’s ambition and creative flare, laying a foundation for the signature blend of comedy and combat art he would continue to develop.
6. The Young Master (1980): Loyalty and Laughter
In The Young Master, Jackie Chan’s character, Dragon, is expelled from his martial arts academy after helping his crafty brother cheat in a Lion Dance competition—an act that sets off a domino effect of misadventures. As he seeks to prove his honor, Dragon trains tirelessly and inadvertently becomes mistaken for a notorious fugitive, putting him at odds with both the police and criminals.
This early directorial effort demonstrates Chan’s emerging mastery of narrative pacing and choreography, with each action scene carefully interwoven with themes of brotherhood, redemption, and family. The film’s ten-minute finale battle is a testament to the director’s commitment to inventive, exhausting set pieces—tight, dynamic, and thoroughly engaging.
5. Project A: Part II (1987): Fighting Crime in Colonial Hong Kong
Project A: Part II continues the adventures of Sgt. Dragon Ma Yue-Lung, played by Jackie Chan, as he returns to Hong Kong’s corrupt streets to dismantle a sprawling criminal empire. Surrounded by rival gangs, spies, and dishonest officials—with Shi King Ho as a rare honest ally—Dragon dives into a maelstrom of betrayal, corruption, and thrilling showdowns.
This sequel heightens both the drama and spectacle, blending suspenseful set pieces with Jackie Chan’s trademark humor and jaw-dropping stunts. The continued success of the Project A series underscored Chan’s strengths as a director—each scene tightly orchestrated, with a vivid sense of energy, rhythm, and sincerity that resonated with audiences.
4. Armour of God II: Operation Condor (1991): Adventure at Full-Throttle
Picking up the mantle of Asian Hawk once more, Jackie Chan’s character is hired by a Spanish duke to retrieve Nazi gold rumored to be hidden in a secret base deep in the Sahara Desert. The quest propels Hawk into a whirlwind of peril and adventure, facing hostile adversaries, wild accidents, and a string of chaotic encounters through unforgiving desert landscapes.
Operation Condor is a lively blend of Indiana Jones-style adventure, spectacular stunts, and Chan’s signature mix of physical comedy and tightly choreographed action set pieces. The energetic direction and large scale production value elevate this film to one of Chan’s most ambitious projects, securing its reputation as a beloved entry in his action repertoire.
How These Films Transformed Jackie Chan’s Legacy
The journey from an up-and-coming martial arts enthusiast and stuntman in the shadows of Bruce Lee to a pioneering director, actor, and international superstar is reflected in every entry on this ranking of Jackie Chan movies he directed and starred in ranked. These films not only established Jackie Chan’s status as one of Hong Kong and Hollywood’s most influential action stars, but also immortalized him as a creative force—one whose unique vision and unwavering commitment to his craft continue to inspire martial arts fans, filmmakers, and thrill-seekers around the world.
As the industry looks to the future, Chan’s films remain reference points for inventiveness in action choreography, comedic timing, and visual storytelling. His risk-taking, whether on a precarious rooftop in Rotterdam or orchestrating slapstick brawls in old Hong Kong alleyways, continues to set the standard for what’s possible in the world of action cinema.
