The 15 Best Jackie Chan Movies, Ranked

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Jackie Chan is one of the most renowned martial arts film actors, with a career that spans some of the greatest kung fu movies ever made. What sets Chan apart from other martial arts actors is his unique ability to combine humor and action in his films, making them stand out on lists of the best action-comedy movies ever produced. Originating from Hong Kong, Jackie Chan drew inspiration from silent film era stars like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, choosing not to follow the advice of industry figures who suggested he mimic the style of Bruce Lee.

In this compilation, we’ve assembled what we believe to be a comprehensive ranking of Jackie Chan’s films, considering not only his mastery of physical comedy and action sequences but also his impressive dramatic performances. This list aims to encompass both his heavier, more thought-provoking works and the entertaining, crowd-pleasing movies that showcase his comedic timing. In essence, it offers a balanced perspective on Jackie Chan’s diverse talents.

15. Crime Story

It might seem plausible that “Crime Story” is part of Jackie Chan’s extended “Police Story” series, but in reality, it has no connection whatsoever. However, it can accurately be categorized as a “Police Story” film minus the humor. Despite his acting skills improving significantly later on, he demonstrated more than enough dramatic talent in this movie to sustain the narrative’s weight.

In “Crime Story,” Chan takes on the role of an inspector tasked with rescuing a kidnapped businessman. Unlike his character in “Police Story,” Eddie Chen, this inspector stays focused without getting sidetracked by romantic entanglements or comedic mishaps. However, don’t be fooled into thinking that means less action – quite the contrary! This film delivers an abundance of thrilling action sequences. The main appeal lies in its gripping drama rather than the other way around.

Cast: Jackie Chan, Kent Cheng, Law Kar-ying

Directors: Kirk Wong, Jackie Chan, Bruce Law

Year: 1993

Rating: R

Runtime: 107 minutes

Where to watch: Pluto, Tubi

14. Wheels on Meals

The unique title “Wheels on Meals” was supposedly derived from a superstition among Golden Harvest producers about movies starting with the letter M, following the disappointing critical and commercial reception of 1982’s “Megaforce.” Originally titled “Meals on Wheels,” this film centers around two cousins (portrayed by Jackie Chan and Yuen Biao) who jointly operate a food truck. However, their simple life is disrupted when they cross paths with a pickpocket named Sylvia (Lola Forner), who turns out to be the illegitimate daughter of a Count, leading them into a tangled family feud.

The movie additionally stars Sammo Hung, who is also the director. This is one of Chan’s most successful partnerships with Hung and Biao, a connection that stems from their shared schooling past, which is clearly reflected in their seamless compatibility. It prides itself on what many consider to be one of Chan’s finest fights: He faces off against martial arts movie legend Benny Urquidez in an extraordinary confrontation free of tricks, showcasing two legends at the pinnacle of their craft.

Cast: Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, Yuen Biao

Director: Sammo Hung

Year: 1984

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 104 minutes

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Plex

13. The Foreigner

Jackie Chan halted his involvement in American films after a specific stage, primarily because he felt his Hollywood roles were repetitive. When he appears as the main character in an English language release nowadays, it’s usually something he believes will demonstrate his acting abilities. Indeed, “The Foreigner” – a collaboration between British, American, and Chinese film industries – certainly achieves that goal.

Chan portrays Ngoc Minh Quan, a Chinese-Vietnamese restaurant owner residing in London who is attempting to leave his turbulent past behind as a widower father to his only surviving child. However, when his child is tragically lost in an IRA bombing, Quan embarks on a relentless quest for vengeance that leads him to target political figure Liam Hennessy (Pierce Brosnan). The film features thrilling fight sequences demonstrating Chan’s continued prowess, and both actors deliver outstanding performances in roles that contrast with their typical screen personas.

Cast: Jackie Chan, Pierce Brosnan, Orla Brady

Director: Martin Campbell

Year: 2017

Rating: R

Runtime: 114 minutes

Where to watch: Rent or purchase through Amazon and Apple TV+

12. Who Am I?

Jackie Chan’s Hollywood movies weren’t his first films made in English. In fact, “Mr. Nice Guy” and “Who Am I?” were filmed and written in English even though they were produced in China. This strategy was likely to help him further expand into the North American market. However, due to the non-native speakers involved in the production, the storyline, pace, and dialogue may feel a bit clumsy at times. Nevertheless, the plot and action remain strong in “Who Am I?

In the movie, titled “Who Am I?”, we follow Chan as a unique special agent grappling with amnesia, on a quest to unearth his identity and understand why he’s exceptionally skilled in combat. However, it’s the thrilling action sequences that truly shine in this underrated gem. The film boasts some of the finest car chases from Chan’s career and an awe-inspiring rooftop battle scene culminating in one of his most jaw-dropping stunts: He glides down the sloped windows of a skyscraper onto a safety mat, barely larger than a mattress.

Cast: Jackie Chan, Michelle Ferre, Mirai Yamamoto

Directors: Jackie Chan, Benny Chan

Year: 1998

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 103 minutes

Where to watch: Available on DVD and Blu-ray through Amazon and other retailers

11. The Young Master

Jackie Chan didn’t reach the pinnacle of martial arts superstardom until the mid-1980s, but he had some notable performances in his earlier works. One such film that showcased his talent and marked him as someone to watch was “The Young Master.” In this movie, Jackie played a character named Sheng Lung. Additionally, it was his debut with the iconic Hong Kong studio Golden Harvest, a collaboration that would turn out to be highly profitable for both parties over an extended period.

The Young Master” showcases an intense rivalry between two schools, distinct from Chan’s usual work as it starts not with a battle or action sequence, but a captivating paper lion dance performance, allowing Chan to highlight his less-explored talent in this art form. Instead of the customary opening fight, the story unfolds through this graceful and artistic display. The schools engage in a lion dance competition, where Sheng Lung’s school desperately seeks the prize money to keep operating. Furthermore, Chan delivers an impressive fan work during a fight scene, which required over 120 takes to perfect.

Cast: Jackie Chan, Shih Kien, Yuen Biao

Director: Jackie Chan

Year: 1980

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 106 minutes

Where to watch: Rent or purchase through Amazon and Apple TV+

10. Rush Hour

It’s unlikely that Jackie Chan, known for his dislike of “Rush Hour,” would approve of this selection. He has publicly expressed that he finds the movie unfunny and doesn’t understand its appeal to others. However, it’s undeniable that the buddy action comedy has a massive following, contributing significantly to Jackie Chan’s popularity in America. In this film, Jackie Chan portrays a detective from Hong Kong who is teamed up unwillingly with Chris Tucker’s character, a comedic LAPD officer. Together, they strive to rescue the kidnapped daughter of a Chinese consul.

The cultural contrast between Chan and Tucker was massive, and their distinct personalities only added to their amusingly incongruous partnership. Despite Hollywood’s restrictions on what Chan could do stunt-wise, he delivered some remarkable feats while maintaining a fantastic onscreen rapport with Tucker. They would later team up again in “Rush Hour 2” (2001) and “Rush Hour 3” (2007), both of which were box office hits.

Cast: Jackie Chan, Chris Tucker, Tom Wilkinson

Director: Brett Ratner

Year: 1998

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 98 minutes

Where to watch: Rent or purchase through Amazon and Apple TV+

9. Police Story 2

As a dedicated fan of Jackie Chan, I’d say that while some might argue that the first sequel in his iconic “Police Story” series isn’t as strong as its predecessors before the reboot, it undeniably deserves a spot among Jackie Chan’s top ten films. The compelling narrative and mind-blowing fight sequences make it a must-watch. Plus, unlike some later installments, it continues the story from where the original ended, giving it a sense of continuity that makes it feel more like an extension rather than a standalone adventure.

In the initial movie, the character portrayed by Chan, a police detective, brought down a criminal mastermind by breaking some regulations. This move didn’t sit well with his superiors, leading to his reassignment to a highway patrol role before the start of the second film. The story picks up when the crimelord Chan locked away is granted early release due to serious illness, and he swears revenge on Chan. There are several thrilling action sequences throughout, one of which involves a fireworks factory where chaos ensues with an actual explosion.

Cast: Jackie Chan, Maggie Cheung, Bill Tung

Director: Jackie Chan

Year: 1988

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 105 minutes

Where to watch: HBO Max

8. Drunken Master

Given that “Drunken Master” played a significant role in inspiring Akira Toriyama to create “Dragon Ball,” one of the most renowned and influential manga and anime series ever, it’s clear that this movie left a substantial mark on popular culture. In other words, all the inspirations that followed from “Dragon Ball” can be traced back to “Drunken Master” indirectly.

In this game, I find myself embodying the Drunken Master – a unique take on the legendary Chinese figure Wong Fei-hung, portrayed by none other than the iconic Jackie Chan. Instead of learning traditional martial arts, I’m mastering an unconventional fighting style that involves… you guessed it, imbibing alcohol! It’s perfect for a troublemaker like me, and the fun doesn’t stop there.

Jackie Chan brings his charm and charisma to this role, making the learning process entertaining. As I progress, I start to perfect those quirky moves and goofy antics that would later become his signature style. It’s a wild ride, and I can’t wait to see what other tricks I’ll pick up along the way!

Cast: Jackie Chan, Yuen Siu-Tin, Hwang Jang-lee

Director: Yuen Woo-ping

Year: 1978

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 110 minutes

Where to watch: The Roku Channel

7. First Strike

Police Story 4: First Strike” was successful enough as a standalone film that it was simply titled “Jackie Chan’s First Strike” in the U.S., leaving American audiences unaware of its original title. Despite the story being somewhat complex, featuring Jackie Chan as a CIA agent caught up in a geopolitical struggle between Ukraine and the Russian mafia, the stunning action sequences overshadow any difficulties in following the plot.

In that movie, titled “First Strike,” it’s Chan who steals the show by employing a large ladder as a weapon against a group of adversaries, a scene that significantly contributed to the film’s promotional materials. However, there are also two thrilling sequences reminiscent of James Bond adventures. One includes a snowmobile chase across a snow-covered mountain, while the other features an underwater combat scenario among real sharks. Mick LaSalle, in his review for the San Francisco Chronicle, aptly put it: “Experiencing Jackie Chan at this point in history is one of life’s great joys.

Cast: Jackie Chan, Jackson Lou, Annie Wu

Director: Stanley Tong

Year: 1996

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 110 minutes

Where to watch: The Roku Channel, Plex

6. Rumble in the Bronx

As a gamer, I’ve always dreamed about breaking into the big leagues, gaining recognition not just in my homeland but worldwide. For me, that breakthrough moment was when “Rumble in the Bronx” hit the screens. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly why this movie became my ticket to fame, but it certainly helped that it’s one of my best performances and it’s perfect for action-packed promos on TV. Add to that, it’s set in the bustling cityscape of New York (even though it wasn’t filmed there), which undoubtedly added to its global appeal.

The film provided an engaging introduction to Chan’s repertoire, featuring him as a character who typically starts off as an underdog, receiving harsh treatment before a brief training phase transforms him into a force capable of challenging an entire criminal network with minimal resources beyond his fists, feet, and the occasional billiard cue. Additionally, it served as an introduction to Anita Mui, a frequent partner of Chan’s in film projects who radiated charisma whenever she appeared on screen. Sadly, she passed away prematurely in 2003 at the age of 40.

Cast: Jackie Chan, Anita Mui, Françoise Yip

Director: Stanley Tong

Year: 1995

Rating: R

Runtime: 89 minutes

Where to watch: Kanopy

5. Supercop

The title “Supercop” could give the impression of a campy sci-fi action flick featuring a robot cop from tomorrow, but it’s actually the third part of the “Police Story” series. Instead of playing secondary roles as romantic interests or comic relief, Jackie Chan and Michelle Yeoh share the spotlight in this installment. As an accomplished policewoman, Yeoh partners with Chan to bring down a dangerous Chinese drug syndicate.

In essence, since Yeoh’s performance in the spin-off “Supercop 2” established her as the lead, it could be convincingly argued that she was the true super cop, rather than Chan. Her roles in “Tomorrow Never Dies” and “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” were significant milestones in her U.S. career, but those in the know recognized her as a bona fide star even before these films, thanks to her exceptional performance in “Supercop.” This movie is outstanding, with a climax that’s nothing short of breathtaking, featuring various modes of transport and a plethora of explosions.

Cast: Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh, Maggie Cheung

Director: Stanley Tong

Year: 1992

Rating: R

Runtime: 91 minutes

Where to watch: Rent or purchase through Fandango At Home

4. Project A

In the vast majority of their film careers, actors rarely find themselves in situations where they could die on set. However, Jackie Chan’s career is filled with moments that came perilously close to ending it all, such as the scene from “Project A.” This particular scene is a homage to the legendary Harold Lloyd, who famously hung off clocks. In this instance, Chan himself dangles from a 60-foot high clock and plummets downwards, crashing through two awnings on his descent. Remarkably, he almost collided with the ground headfirst during one take but still performed the stunt an additional two times to get it just right.

In late 19th century Hong Kong, Chan teams up with Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao in a coast guard unit. They encounter pirates instead of their usual duties. This action-comedy hybrid film features swashbuckling adventure, showcasing Chan’s versatility in blending genres. Known for his unique style, this movie marks one of his forays into historical action. The stunt work takes center stage in this period piece, and “Project A” certainly delivers on that front.

Cast: Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, Yuen Biao

Director: Jackie Chan

Year: 1983

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 105 minutes

Where to watch: Rent or purchase through Apple TV+

3. Armour of God

Discussing the “Armor of God” film inevitably brings up the incident that could have ended Jackie Chan’s stunt career: During a fall, he hit his head on a rock and a piece of his skull bone entered his brain, necessitating emergency surgery. This event isn’t just a trivial detail in an otherwise insignificant Jackie Chan movie; rather, “Armor of God” is a top-notch film that serves as his response to Indiana Jones.

In this movie, Chan portrays a globetrotting adventurer who searches for hidden treasures in ancient locations. The title armor is a set of five distinct items that are coveted by a harmful cult. They coerce Chan’s character into recovering the armor after abducting the girlfriend of an old ally. The film offers thrilling chases, captivating action sequences, and intense fight scenes, resulting in a movie where Chan showcases his peak abilities.

Cast: Jackie Chan, Alan Tam, Lola Forner

Directors: Jackie Chan, Eric Tsang

Year: 1986

Rating: R

Runtime: 98 minutes

Where to watch: Darkroom

2. Drunken Master II

Jackie Chan, unlike many other action stars, didn’t shy away from attempting to surpass a film as exceptional and innovative as “Drunken Master.” However, it wasn’t until 16 years later that he found the motivation to take on “Drunken Master II,” which was titled “Legend of Drunken Master” in the U.S. During those 16 years, he released the initial four “Police Story” films and was gearing up for a significant overhaul of the franchise.

Drunken Master II” can be described as an enhanced version of “Drunken Master,” featuring larger scale, improved quality, increased humor, and a more refined finish. Notably, it’s the only martial arts movie to appear on Time Magazine’s list of the 100 greatest films ever made and the British Film Institute’s (BFI) top 10 action movies. The plot revolves around a valuable Imperial Seal that a British consul is attempting to secretly export from China.

Cast: Jackie Chan, Anita Mui, Ti Lung

Director: Lau Kar-Leung

Year: 1994

Rating: R

Runtime: 102 minutes

Where to watch: Rent or purchase through Apple TV+

1. Police Story

Among Jackie Chan’s numerous films, “Police Story” stands out as his most significant achievement, a movie that firmly established him as a leading action star. This film served as a testament that he was ready to take on major roles, not just for his martial arts expertise, but also as a full-fledged action hero. It encapsulated the essence of Chan’s future productions, balancing humor and drama almost equally, and likewise combining intimate fight sequences with grand stunt work.

This event also initiated a pattern where Chan included an impressive stunt in each film after this. Specifically, in “Police Story,” he performed a daring slide down a light-filled pole at a shopping mall, resulting in some severe burns. While there have been larger fights, riskier stunts, better written scripts, and more refined acting, nothing has combined these elements as effectively as it did in this movie.

Cast: Jackie Chan, Brigitte Lin, Maggie Cheung

Director: Jackie Chan

Year: 1985

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 100 minutes

Where to watch: HBO Max

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2025-07-03 13:32