From The Meg to Furious 7, Jason Statham has starred in some of the best action movies of his career in the past decade. While conventional movie stars are no longer the main draw, Statham is one of the few exceptions, able to attract audiences with his name alone.
Over the past 10 years, Statham has been a part of some memorable films. He has joined the Fast & Furious franchise, parodied his own career with a self-deprecating role, and fought a 75-foot prehistoric shark with his bare hands. He has also reunited with director Guy Ritchie for a jaw-dropping heist thriller and teamed up with David Ayer for an adrenaline-fueled revenge thriller. The last decade has delivered some of the greatest action movies of Statham’s storied career.
One of the standouts is The Meg, in which Statham saves the day as Jonas Taylor, a deep-sea diver. The film is as ridiculous as it sounds, but Statham plays it straight, bringing a sense of earnestness to his character’s attempts to slay the ancient sea monster.
Statham also starred in The Beekeeper, a throwback to old-school action movies with simple motivations and execution. In the film, he plays a retired assassin seeking revenge against a phishing scam that targets a sweet-natured charity, making his character easy to root for.
Another notable performance is in Wrath of Man, a vigilante thriller that is an action-packed and kinetic ride. Statham’s character is a mysterious figure with a complex past, and the film’s non-linear narrative unfolds in unexpected ways.
Statham also parodied his own on-screen persona in the action comedy Spy, playing a former action hero who is clumsy and luckless. In the film, he steals the show alongside Melissa McCarthy’s lead performance.
Finally, Statham joined the Fast & Furious franchise as Deckard Shaw, the brother of the villain in Fast & Furious 6, and became a formidable villain in Furious 7. Despite the challenges during production, including the death of Paul Walker, the film emerged as one of the strongest entries in the franchise, serving as a heartfelt send-off for a beloved character.
Overall, Jason Statham is one of the few remaining stars who can draw audiences to theaters with his name alone. His versatility and range have allowed him to star in a variety of films, from action-packed blockbusters to action-comedies and thrilling heist movies.
