Daniel Day-Lewis is often celebrated as one of the greatest actors in cinematic history, boasting three Academy Awards to his name. Yet, he can't claim the unique feats accomplished by fellow English actor Jason Statham, who in a single film managed to choke a man with casino chips, knock someone out with a coin, kill with a spoon, and punch a man in the fist with his own head. When it comes to sheer action prowess, Statham stands unrivaled.

As one of the 21st century's most reliable action stars, Jason Statham continues to thrill audiences with his new release, A Working Man. To celebrate this latest addition to his impressive filmography, let's delve into our favorite moments from his hard-hitting and hilariously memorable career. After all, until the Oscars start recognizing achievements like walking through fire, water-skiing blindfolded, or mastering the piano later in life, it's only fitting we give Statham the spotlight he deserves.

The Best Jason Statham Movie Moments

13 Images12. Homefront

Ever wondered if Jason Statham's action heroes could take down adversaries with their hands tied behind their back? In Homefront, Statham not only proves this possible but does so with flair, annihilating three opponents without using his hands. It's a thrilling way to kick off our list.

11. The Beekeeper

The Beekeeper might have shown a softer side of Statham, sparing some scam call centre employees after their apologies. But true to form, he doesn't let the manager off the hook, strapping him to a truck and sending it off a bridge, dragging the villain behind. It's a vivid reminder that even if bumblebees aren't the best flyers, they've got nothing on a plummeting 1967 Ford F-100.

10. Wild Card

Returning to the film mentioned at the start, Wild Card might not have been a box office hit, but it's a gem in Statham's career. Directed by the man behind Con Air and featuring Stanley Tucci with hair, the film showcases some of Statham's most impressive fight scenes. In the climactic battle, armed only with a spoon and a butter knife, Statham takes down five armed goons unscathed. Truly, the king of knifey spoony.

9. Death Race

Paul W.S. Anderson might not be known for prestigious video game adaptations, but his 2008 film Death Race deserves recognition for its commitment to practical effects and thrilling car chases, predating Mad Max: Fury Road. Statham's strategic victory over the Juggernaut, in collusion with his rival, remains a standout moment, showcasing the power of real-life stunts over CGI.

8. The Meg

No list of Jason Statham's most memorable movie moments would be complete without his epic battle against a megalodon in The Meg. Statham not only slices the giant shark open from end to end but also surfs it as it leaps into the air, delivering a fatal blow to its eye with a spear. The scene culminates with the beast being devoured by smaller sharks, proving that if it bleeds, Statham can kill it.

7. The Transporter

At number seven, we have one of Statham's most iconic roles: Frank Martin in The Transporter. The 2002 original is a showcase of Hong Kong-style fight choreography by Corey Yuen. While there are countless memorable fights, the oil fight stands out, where Frank uses grease to evade his foes before delivering devastating spinning heel kicks with bicycle pedals.

6. The Fate of the Furious

Deckard Shaw's transition from villain to hero in the Fast and Furious saga was initially controversial, but his redemption arc, especially confirmed in Fast 9, allows us to appreciate his action-packed moments. The airborne rescue of Dom and Elena's baby in The Fate of the Furious is particularly memorable, blending high-octane action with humor.

5. The Expendables

As part of Sylvester Stallone's Expendables franchise, Jason Statham's Lee Christmas shines brightly. From kicking Scott Adkins into a helicopter to firing flares from a flying boat, his action is top-notch. However, the basketball court beatdown he delivers to his girlfriend's abusive ex and his cronies in mere seconds is a standout, proving that Christmas comes with a vengeance.

4. Spy

In the uproariously funny Spy, Jason Statham's portrayal of Rick Ford, the unkillable secret agent, showcases his comedic talents. His tales of impossible feats, like driving a car off a freeway onto a train while on fire, are delivered with perfect deadpan humor, making his performance scene-stealing.

3. Transporter 2

The iconic barrel roll in Transporter 2 is impossible to overlook. Frank Martin's calm execution of flipping his Audi to dislodge a bomb is a testament to his cool under pressure, showcasing physics-defying stunts that leave audiences in awe.

2. Crank: High Voltage

After surviving a helicopter fall, Chev Chelios' heart is stolen in Crank 2. The film's surrealism peaks with Chev hallucinating a giant, kaiju-sized version of himself fighting at a power station, wearing a mask of his own head. It's a testament to the film's wild creativity and Statham's ability to embrace absurdity.

1. Snatch

Topping our list is Snatch, where Jason Statham, in only his second film role, holds his own against Hollywood heavyweights like Brad Pitt and Benicio Del Toro. His character Turkish delivers some of the film's most quotable lines, with the exchange about guns and protection from "Zee Germans" being a highlight. In a film full of memorable moments, Statham's performance is nothing short of legendary.