Top 13 Jackie Chan Movies He Directed and Starred In Ranked

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Jackie Chan is recognized for his unique blend of humorous and skillful kung fu that seamlessly incorporates intricate martial arts sequences with side-splitting physical humor. His Hollywood debut in the 1990s action film Rush Hour, known for its impressive choreography, solidified his status as a household name in America as one of the most remarkable martial arts actors ever. Interestingly, he has earned widespread fame largely due to his on-screen work, boasting nearly 200 acting roles, but it’s worth noting that he had been active since the ’60s, even before Rush Hour. Moreover, aside from acting, he has also performed as a stuntman in some films.

Jackie Chan is not just an actor in front of the camera, but also a skilled filmmaker behind it. His directorial career began in 1979 with “The Fearless Hyena,” a film where he also played the lead role. Despite the fact that none of his most notable films from the past 15 years were directed by him, Jackie Chan’s last directorial project was the 2020 romantic drama “The Diary“. Although this movie was generally overlooked and received negative reviews, it’s important to note that many of Jackie Chan’s best martial arts comedy movies involved his involvement in or sharing the director’s chair. The diverse collection of films he has both directed and starred in showcases his deep knowledge and expertise in cinema.

13. 1911 (2011)

Directed by Zhang Li and Jackie Chan

The 1911 Revolution, also known as the Wuchang Uprising, marked the end of China’s last imperial dynasty and gave rise to the Chinese Republic. The film “1911” narrates this revolutionary tale, with Winston Chao portraying Sun Yat-sen, the first temporary President of China, and Jackie Chan as the main character, Huang Xing, a military commander.

The initial scene in the movie presents a thrilling action sequence where Chan single-handedly defeats a multitude of Imperial soldiers. Contrary to being an action movie, 1911 primarily revolves around the turmoil and emotional intensity brought about by the revolution. Despite its stunning visuals and strong performances, the film falls short due to its overly concentrated emphasis on this specific theme.

12. Chinese Zodiac (2012)

Directed by Jackie Chan

Have you ever pondered about what it might look like for Indiana Jones to practice martial arts? Well, you’re not alone in that thought! In fact, Jackie Chan had the same idea and wanted to explore the concept of portraying a character on a quest to recover ancient Chinese artifacts. This is the genesis of his character, Asian Hawk, who made his debut in the movie “Armour of God” (1986).

As a fan who’s always eager for more jaw-dropping stunts from Jackie Chan, I must admit that “Chinese Zodiac,” the third installment in the Asian Hawk series, left me feeling a bit bewildered. Despite its box office success and being the highest-grossing movie of the trilogy, it’s hard to ignore its 25% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, suggesting that its storyline could have been more cohesive and narratively sound.

11. Dragon Lord (1982)

Directed by Jackie Chan

In the film Dragon Lord, written and directed by Chan, we see the unlikely duo of Dragon (Chan) and Mars as Cowboy, two best friends known for their goofy antics, embark on a more serious mission one day. As they stumble upon a plot they find reprehensible, they decide to take action using the talents honed through their sports to thwart the malicious plan.

In the film “Dragon Lord,” Jackie Chan demonstrates his remarkable martial arts abilities and performs jaw-dropping parkour moves, but these are essentially the only highlights of the movie. The scenes where the characters engage in friendly banter are enjoyable, but unfortunately, the narrative, though it starts off intriguingly, doesn’t fully deliver on its promise as an emotional journey. Nevertheless, Chan’s exceptional stuntwork makes it a worthwhile viewing experience.

10. Armour of God (1986)

Directed by Jackie Chan and Eric Tsang Chi-Wai

In terms of martial arts adventure films, the movie “Armour of God” appears to rank among the genre’s finest on paper. However, a weak plot, an overabundance of characters, and a forgettable villain detract from the potential greatness suggested by the storyline. Chan plays the protagonist, Asian Hawk, a character reminiscent of Indiana Jones, but while his captivating personality and martial arts prowess make him intriguing, there’s an unnecessary subplot about him that seems to lead nowhere.

Despite some shortcomings in narrative, the film Armour of God manages to make amends with an impressive action sequence in the climax. Chan shines brilliantly, dishing out witty dialogues and powerful blows as he has consistently done throughout his career. If only the plot was richer and characters more developed, Armour of God could have been an outstanding movie.

9. Who Am I? (1998)

Directed by Jackie Chan and Benny Chan Muk-Sing

In “Who Am I?”, Jackie Chan stars as an amnesiac character known as Whoami, named after his most frequently asked question. He embarks on a journey to discover the secret behind the accident that resulted in his memory loss and uncover a conspiracy. The blend of humorous dialogue and intricately designed action scenes make “Who Am I?” a true Jackie Chan action-thriller. One of Jackie Chan’s most daring stunts, where he spins down a rooftop while an unraveling rope is attached to him, is showcased in the film. Unfortunately, “Who Am I?” occasionally veers into nonsensical territory, and a more serious approach to the storyline might have provided a more engaging experience for viewers.

8. The Fearless Hyena (1979)

Directed by Jackie Chan

Jackie Chan’s directorial debut highlights more than just his martial artist skills; it showcases his talent as an actor too. Initially, he maintains his signature slapstick humor throughout the film, but a poignant event sets his character on a course for vengeance, significantly altering the movie’s mood. In The Fearless Hyena, Chan demonstrates his ability to express emotions while delivering powerful blows and kicks simultaneously.

In the third act, emotions seem out of place because there were few emotional moments earlier in the film. Yet, despite its emotional inconsistency, “The Fearless Hyena” stands out as an exceptional martial arts movie. The film’s blend of traditional martial arts themes with Chan expressing both tears and laughter during fights is a brilliant showcase of Chan’s skills as a director and actor.

7. Miracles: The Canton Godfather (1989)

Directed by Jackie Chan

Much like Jackie, the actor, Jackie Chan, the director, was never afraid to dabble in various genres. Consequently, he not only acted in the period film “Miracles: The Canton Godfather,” but also directed parts when he wasn’t on camera. This film presents a mature and grounded narrative that highlights Chan’s talent for being melodramatic, yet it still includes thrilling action sequences.

If you’re a fan of Jackie Chan and want to see his work before he ventured into Hollywood, consider watching ‘Miracles’, an early film of his. It boasts action sequences where he displays his breathtaking stuntwork, all of which he executes personally. However, these sequences are few, numbering just three in the nearly two-hour-long movie, so you’ll have to be patient. But the wait is worth it, as Chan’s dramatic acting is captivating and the elaborate set pieces make the anticipation rewarding.

6. Project A: Part II (1987)

Directed by Jackie Chan

Jackie Chan’s charisma carries the second installment of one of his top-notch directorial projects, titled “Project A: Part II“. This film showcases Jackie as a soldier battling extraordinary adversities, but it leans towards a more subdued tone compared to the original, which some viewers might find less engaging. Regrettably, the plot of this sequel isn’t as captivating as the first “Project A“, and I can’t help but feel that there should have been more focus on the pirates, who deliver the most entertaining dialogue in the entire movie.

Even with its flaws, Project A: Part II remains true to Jackie Chan’s style, offering breathtaking action in the sequences, particularly during the climax. The sheer number of people he battles in the final scene is hard to keep track of, but he handles them effortlessly with a smile just as charming as his punches. The overly complex setup is the main issue with Project A: Part II, as it takes too long to reach the heart of the story, which is on par with any of Jackie Chan’s top martial arts comedies.

5. Operation Condor (1991)

Directed by Jackie Chan

In simple terms, Chan’s solo follow-up to “Armour of God” amplifies the thrill level for another captivating Asian Hawk escapade. This time, Chan’s legendary character embarks on a quest for Nazi gold in the vast Sahara desert. Compared to the original movie, it is more expansive and intricate, and the storyline takes a more exaggerated turn to enhance the character’s adventures.

Among Jackie Chan’s notable ’90s action films, “Operation Condor” stands out, not only for its compelling action sequences but also for its villain. The plot appears to be a deliberate tribute to Indiana Jones, the character who initially inspired Chan to conceptualize this role. Regrettably, the portrayal of native characters and female roles in the movie seems outdated by today’s standards. If there’s one aspect that could use improvement in the film, it would be more Jackie Chan fight scenes.

4. The Young Master (1980)

Directed by Jackie Chan

In one of his earliest directorial ventures, The Young Master, Jackie Chan made his debut acting in a movie produced by Golden Harvest, a studio instrumental in spreading Hong Kong cinema worldwide and significantly contributing to Chan’s widespread fame. The film showcases Chan’s exceptional physical skills and mastery of martial arts, with numerous jaw-dropping scenes, particularly the extended 20-minute fight sequence at the end that never lets up until the very finish. Gradually, we see Chan gaining the upper hand against his adversaries.

In contrast to the turbulent action flicks that have been synonymous with Jackie Chan’s career, the polished nature of “The Young Master” comes across as somewhat striking. However, this refined approach showcases Chan’s prowess as a filmmaker. Essentially, “The Young Master” is both a gripping mystery-thriller and an action-packed movie rolled into one, and it skillfully maintains its focus on the climax while harmoniously blending the traditional storytelling and emotional nuances of both genres.

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2025-05-18 01:31