In an industry crowded with versatile actors, few are completely synonymous with the action genre. Jason Statham is one of them. With his perfect physique and undeniably charming screen presence, he's carved out a place for himself as one of Hollywood's ideal tough guys. From the adrenaline-fueled Transporter series to the over-the-top but exhilarating Expendables films, Statham has showcased his action hero persona for decades on the big screen now.
But beneath the personality lies an actor with surprising depth and nuance. Statham, without a doubt, is best when he's kicking ass and taking names, but he's also occasionally stepped out of his comfort zone to explore new material. And the results are fascinating. This list takes a deep dive into six of Jason Statham's most compelling non-action movies or performances. Some feature him as an utterly violent sidekick, while others feature his intense voice. And while they may not offer the same level of bone-crunching thrills as his action roles, these movies prove that Statham is so much more than just beating up bad guys and driving fast cars.
6 'London' (2005) Close
Written and directed by Hunter Richards, London is a romantic drama that stars Chris Evans as Syd, a young man who is devastated after his girlfriend London (Jessica Biel) breaks up with him after a two-year relationship. He discovers that she's moving to California and that her friends are throwing a going-away party for her and decides to gatecrash. But first, Syd meets Bateman (Jason Statham), a banker who delivers cocaine to him, and insists he accompany Syd to the party. The film captures the wild night of drug use, introspection, and chaotic attempts to get back with London.
Predictable Yet Utterly Surprising
London could have been a raw and unflinching character study with the tools it had - a stellar cast, a gritty premise, and a claustrophobic setting. And yet, as a while, it failed to deliver on the realism and the emotional depth. Still, the movie showcases Statham's dramatic chops in a way his action-based filmography has rarely allowed before. As Bateman, he acts as a catalyst. He's a complex character dealing with his own issues; at one point, under the influence, he opens up about his personal pains to Syd.
But for the most part, Statham's character is there to give meaningful advice to Syd. Statham and Evans also share an interesting chemistry as they play off each other's talents and switch seamlessly between melancholy and rare flashes of hope. Overall, London does not have the same appeal as Statham's other movies, but it's still unique.
5 'Truth in 24 II' (2012)
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Truth in 24 II Documentary
Release Date May 22, 2012 Runtime 82 Minutes Cast Jason Statham
Truth In 24 II: Every Second Counts is the follow-up to the original Truth in 24. Also a documentary, it offers a behind-the-scenes look at the harsh and demanding 24 Hours of Le Mans race, which is widely considered the most challenging motorsport event in the world. Statham does not appear in the movie, obviously. Instead, he lends his distinctive voice to the project, narrating the film's exploration of the physical and mental toll on the drivers as well as providing insight into the intense world of endurance racing.
An Authentic Glimpse Into the World of Endurance Racing
Directed by Rob Gehring, the documentary is all about showcasing the high-level race and what it takes for those involved to push themselves to the limit in pursuit of victory. It's not technically a non-action movie starring Statham, but his involvement is an unexpected departure from his typical roles. His engaging voice, often infused with a sense of awe and admiration, is a direct reflection of the actor's own deep-seated passion for cars and sports. Statham not only elevates the environment and the high-stakes world of Le Mans with his narration, but also makes the technical aspects of the race more accessible and entertaining.
4 'The Pink Panther' (2006) Close
A bemusing and easily forgettable entry in Jason Statham's career, The Pink Panther is a lighthearted comedy-mystery and the tenth installment in the classic franchise. It follows the bumbling French Inspector Jacques Clouseau (played brilliantly by Steve Martin) as he attempts to solve the murder of the famous soccer coach and the theft of the priceless Pink Panther diamond. As the inept but well-meaning Clouseau stumbles through the investigation, he uncovers a genuinely chaotic web of deceit, which leads to delightful scenarios.
Comedy Infused Within a Classic Whodunit
Directed by Shawn Levy, The Pink Panther is a hilarious blend of slapstick humor and mystery, with Martin's portrayal of the clueless Clouseau providing countless laughs. Jason Statham plays Yves Gluant, the ill-fated soccer coach whose murder sets the plot in motion. It's a forgotten role, and fans may even find themselves caught off guard by his appearance in the movie, but Statham is crucial to the charm and intrigue of the mystery comedy.
His screen time is limited; he appears near the beginning of the movie and has a few more scenes spread throughout, during which he effortlessly navigates the film's silliness and showcases a keen understanding of comedic timing. The Pink Panther was not a critical darling, but it was a commercial success, earning $164 million worldwide against a production budget of $80 million.
Related 8 Things You'll Find in Just About Every Jason Statham Movie
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Posts 3 'Truth in 24' (2008) Close
Written and directed by Keith Cossrow and Bennett Viseltear, Truth In 24 is a documentary that rifles through the world of endurance racing, focusing mainly on Audi's journey in the 2008 24 Hours of Le Mans as it attempts to grab its fifth consecutive win in the championship. From the preparation, strategy, and determination required to compete in the arduous race to the complex and heated dynamic shared by drivers, mechanics, technical support, and everyone else involved, the film captures the Audi Sport Racing team at its worst and best.
A Compelling Racing Documentary
Truth In 24 isn't as appealing if you're not a fan of motorsport racing, and yet, the way Cossrow and Visser direct the film makes it intense and dramatic enough to draw viewers into the meticulous world of Le Mans racing. Like its successor, the documentary is narrated by Jason Statham, who makes the experience more exciting with his voiceover. It's not the perfect example of Statham's range, but Truth In 24 stands out in the actor's filmography for his willingness to explore different genres and for his genuine interest in the fast-paced world of racing.
2 'Gnomeo & Juliet' (2011)
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Gnomeo and Juliet pg-13 Romance
Release Date February 11, 2011 Runtime 84minutes Cast James McAvoy , Emily Blunt , Michael Caine , Jason Statham
William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet has been adapted for the stage and screen several times, but this Kelly Asbury-directed film stands out among the rest because it's an animated reimagining of the classic tale. The story follows Gnomeo (voiced by James McAvoy) and Juliet (voiced by Emily Blunt), two garden gnomes from feuding gardens who fall in love despite their families' centuries-old rivalry. As the differences between the lawn ornaments grows, the star-crossed lovers are forced to navigate all sorts of turbulence and find lasting happiness.
A Colorful Spin on a Classic Tale
Gnomeo & Juliet takes viewers on a whimsical journey filled with humor, adventure and heartwarming moments. The movie's charming story, witty script, and the impressive lineup of talented voice actors made it a hit with audiences. Speaking of which, Jason Statham voices Tybalt, the aggressive and proud gnome from the Red Garden who constantly clashes with Gnomeo. It's a minor role but it perfectly demonstrates Statham's ability to appeal to a broader audience. He shares the screen with Michael Caine, Maggie Smith, and Patrick Stewart.
Critics were divided on Gnomeo & Juliet; some weren't too happy with the self-referential humor, while others praised the film's bizarre charm and breezy confidence. Regardless, it managed to gross $193 million at the global box office. Additionally, the animated romantic comedy also earned several award nominations, most prominent being the song "Hello Hello" by Elton John and Lady Gaga, which was nominated for the Satellite Award and the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song.
1 'Mean Machine' (2001) Close
A British sports comedy adapted from 1974's The Longest Yard, Mean Machine revolves around a disgraced former soccer star named Danny "Mean Machine" Meehan, who finds himself in prison after assaulting two police officers. As part of his three-year sentence, Danny gets the opportunity to redeem himself by assembling and coaching a ragtag team of inmates to compete against the prison guards. Danny not only navigates the complicated politics of prison and his own troubled past, but also inspires the misfit and mean players to overcome their differences and work together to win.
A Violent and Redemptive Sports Drama
While Mean Machine may not be as big a hit as its American counterpart, the movie's still poignant, refreshing, authentic, and humorous enough to watch. Led by Vinnie Jones as Danny, it features Jason Statham as a violent maximum-security inmate named "The Monk," who joins Danny's team as a goalkeeper. His cynicism, resentment, and psychotic nature on the field is a jarring departure from his usual performances, but Statham makes sure to leave an impression.
The movie by itself received mixed reviews from critics. While the plot was clumsy, the overall pace, violence and soccer sequences were entertaining. For Statham, in a career largely defined by action movies and larger-than-life roles, Mean Machine is a movie that focuses on sports and redemption, which allows him to showcase his dramatic range.