If you had a time machine and you could go back and visit the year 2000, you would find a youngJason Stathammaking a name for himself as one of the most captivating and promising new action stars in the industry. Back then, he was simply a young man transitioning into the world of cinema, armed with a steady gaze, some dry wit, and a penchant for kicking serious butt.
Little did we know the2000swould become Statham’s decade to shine, as he starred in a huge roster of movies that established him as an action hero. From the high-octane mayhem of theTransporterseries to the bonkers plot of theCrank movies, Statham anchored each movie with his commanding presence and ability to pull offthe most death-defying stunts with the greatest of ease.
Sure, not all of these movies were critical darlings. But even his lesser-known titles or movies with a low Rotten Tomatoes score, likeWarorMean Machine, showcased his versatility and entertained fans to no end. In this list, we take a deep dive into every Jason Statham movie of the 2000s, ranked according to their Rotten Tomatoes score.
20’In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale' (2007)
In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale
In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Taleis an epic fantasy adventure movie and the first in a series. Jason Statham steps into the role of Farmer, a humble man whose life is upended when monstrous creatures called Krugs attack his village and kidnap his wife. Determined to rescue her, Farmer embarks on a grand adventure, faces corrupt nobles, and an ancient prophecy that urges him to fulfill his true destiny.
A Misfire of Medieval Proportions
Despite Statham’s undeniable presence in a movie that falls into his trademark genre of gritty, high-octane narrative, his grounded approach feels misplaced in a movie that lacks depth. The film has poor direction, it struggles to balance fantasy and action, and the story feels disconnected. Ron Perlman, Burt Reynolds, and Ray Liotta bring interesting faces to the project,but it’s ultimately a commercial flop, which justifies its 4% RT score.
19’Turn It Up' (2000)
Turn It Up
Written and directed by Robert Adetuyi,Turn It Upis one of the earliest movies of the 2000s, and it marks a turn in Jason Statham’s career. Set in the music industry, it follows Diamond, an aspiring rapper dreaming of making it big while navigating the dangers of street life. His best friend, Gage, is his biggest supporter and an antagonist who tangles Diamond in various crimes. Statham appears in a brief role as Mr. B, a ruthless gangster.
Forgettable Crime Drama
Instead of playing an action star, Statham is a supporting character in a movie that focuses on deadly conflicts between Pras Michel and Ja Rule’s characters. Though the movie tries its best to blend hip-hop culture with intense street action and survival, it lacks the substance it needs to make an impact. The uneven storytelling and predictable arcs prevent it from being a memorable addition to the crime genre.
18’The One' (2001)
The Oneis a high-concept sci-fi thriller presenting a story that pits Jason Statham against Jet Li in a wild battle for the ages. It envisions a multiverse where various versions of the same person exist, and Gabriel Yulaw, a rogue agent, is traveling to parallel universes to eliminate all versions of himself so he’s the ultimate and powerful self left. His final target is Gabe Law, an ordinary man living in our universe. Statham’s character is Agent Evan Funsch, who is tasked with tracking Yulaw down.
Visually Striking but Narratively Uneven
WhileThe Onemay not rank among the most critically acclaimed films out there, or in Jason Statham’s filmography to be specific, the movie’s underlying concept and the clash between two action superstars, Statham and Li, make it a must-watch for fans of the genre. Directed by James Wong, the movie boastsimpressive and exhilarating fight sequencesthat showcase both their martial arts skills and distract you from the thin plot and underdeveloped narrative.
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17’Revolver' (2005)
Not all og Guy Ritchie’s movies have been commercially and critically successful.Revolver, which only holds a 13% Rotten Tomatoes score, tells the story of Jake Green, a gambler recently released from prison after serving time for a crime he did not commit. He sets his sights on getting revenge against the dangerous crime boss Dorothy Macha, but at the same time, struggles with an existential battle within himself.
Ambitious but Confusing
Revolveris less about action and more about mind games, and thus, it demands a lot of patience from the audiences. Some have got it, some don’t. For those who stick around, the movie boasts cryptic messages,non-linear storytelling, and introspective character arcs. Statham is committed to his role and is worth praising, but the intellectual plot alienated viewers and critics slammed the movie for being pretentious.
16’War' (2007)
Some movies don’t have to be too clever to be entertaining.Waris one of those movies. In it, Statham plays FBI agent Jack Crawford, who becomes obsessed with tracking down Rogue (Jet Li), an elusive assassin responsible for killing Crawford’s partner. The closer he gets to the play, the more the battle between Crawford and Rogue escalates, resulting in an unexpected twist that alters the whole narrative.
Promising Duel that Falls Flat
On paper (and with the fans apparently),Warshould have been an action classic, but its potential is crushed by a weak script and generic direction. Still, the movie’s true strength lives in the on-screen dynamic shared by Statham and Li. The former delivers his performance with a signature intensity and Li brings a cold and calculative Rogue into the mix to add intrigue. Their fights, choreographed with precision, make it an easy watch for audiences, despite its shortcomings.
15’London' (2005)
A departure from Jason Statham’s usual action-centric roles,Londonis an intimate drama that focuses on the emotional disarray of Chris Evans’ character, Syd, a young man troubled by a recent breakup. He learns that his ex is throwing a farewell party before moving out of the city, and he crashes it. Syd spends most of the night locked in a bathroom with Bateman (Statham), a stranger who offers genuinely moving thoughts on love, addiction, and the meaning of life.
Statham Gets All Philosophical in a Bathroom
With its 14% Rotten Tomatoes score,Londonobviously did not achieve the same level of critical acclaim as some of Statham’s other action films, which is why it is an underrated movie of his career. It’s a surprising shift, but to see the actorshowcase his dramatic abilitiesand serve as one of the most nuanced and compelling aspects of the narrative is interesting. It proves he can hold your attention without throwing punches.
14’John Carpenter’s Ghosts of Mars' (2001)
Ghosts of Mars
In the distant future, Mars has been colonized by humans, but they’re not aware of the evil that lurks within the surface of the red planet. When a squad of police officers is sent to transport a notorious criminal, they discover that the colony is in chaos and the residents are possessed by vengeful, bloodthirsty Martian spirits determined to throw the human invaders out.
A Cameo Role in a Sci-Fi Horror
John Carpenter’s Ghosts of Marsis the cult director’s most offbeat sci-fi horror flick. It allows a fascinating glimpse into the early stages of Statham’s career, where the actor shares the stage with Natasha Henstridge, Ice Cube, and more. He plays Sergeant Jericho Butler, a tough and cocky secondary character who brings action and force to the team. Carpenter himselfinfuses the movie with his signature eerie elements, but overall, critics weren’t great fans of the visual effects and uninspired scares.
13’Mean Machine' (2001)
Mean Machine
A British reimagining of Robert Aldrich’sThe Longest Yard,Mean Machinefollows Danny Meehan, a former soccer star whose career is cut short by a match-fixing scandal, and he is sent to prison after getting into a fight with a police officer. Behind bars, he is forced to train inmates for a soccer match against the prison’s brutal guards.
Has an Unmistakable British Edge
Mean Machine mixes sports drama with comedy and offers a rough-and-tumble story that is less about soccer and more about redemption, leadership, and camaraderie. It stands out as a solidly entertaining drama lauded for each of the actors’ intense, gritty, and charismatic turns. But the particular mention of Vinnie Jones and Jason Statham feels necessary. The former plays Danny and the latter is Monk, the prison’s wild and unpredictable inmate who becomes the goalkeeper.
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12’Transporter 3' (2008)
Transporter 3
The Transporterfranchise continues with this third installment, which sees Jason Statham reprise his role as Frank Martin, the professional driver with a strict set of rules, and get pulled into another dangerous assignment. This time, he must transport Valentina, the kidnapped daughter of a powerful Ukrainian official, across Europe. At the same time, he has to deal with mercenaries, henchmen, and an explosive device strapped to his wrist.
Statham Showcase with High-Octane Action
By the timeTransformers 3arrived, Statham had fully embraced his action-hero identity. He delivered a performance that was equal parts intense and charismatic. His physicality remains top-tier, carrying the entire fast-paced movie through its elaborate stunts andhand-to-hand combat scenes. Its 40% RT score does little to stain its reputation because fans of the franchise seemed to have enjoyed it and the movie became the highest-grossing installment of the four.
11’Death Race' (2008)
Death Race
Death Raceis set in a dystopian future where private prisons rely on violence for entertainment. Jason Statham’s ex-race car driver Jensen Ames finds himself wrongfully convicted of murder and forced to participate in a brutal match known as the Death Race. Under the supervision of Warden Hennessey, the prisoners get inside armored cars and race to either victory (which translates to freedom) or death.
Gritty Reimagining of a Cult Classic
Directed by Paul W. S. Anderson, this one may not have recapturedthe cult appeal of the 1975 original, but its non-stop action sequences and Statham’s commanding presence on screen make it a watchworthy addition to the actor’s filmography. The film thrives on destructive spectacle, the use of weapons, a little bit of revenge, and a cool and controlled intensity.
