Jackie Chan became famous in China for injecting humor into his sophisticated action sequences, with incredible stunts he does himself. Chan is also famous for his use of props; he uses strange items like fish tanks and everyday objects like chairs to spice up his fight scenes. Unafraid to challenge himself and break from tradition, almost all of Chan's films push his acting, fighting, or storytelling to a new level. Maybe it's exactly this humor and diligence that makes Chan so easily likable. His willingness to look silly on camera brings out his humility and relatability.
It was only a matter of time before the talented actor, director, and stuntman found his way to Hollywood. After immigrating to the United States during the 80s, Jackie Chan starred in several blockbuster films. Even after moving to the United States, Chan continued to draw inspiration from his eastern origins. His unique style and identity quickly made him popular among Americans. Today he has been in over 100 films, giving him one of the longest resumes in the industry. While many of his projects are in Cantonese, he began starring in films that were written and filmed in the English language, some of which can arguably compete with his Hong Kong masterpieces. Here are some of Jackie Chan's best projects originally filmed in English.
8 Around the World in 80 Days (2004)
Disney took a lot of liberties with their adaption of Jules Verne's Around the World in 80 Days, and the film took a lot of heat for the creative changes. Nevertheless, some audiences enjoyed Chan and his delightful co-star Steve Coogan in this family comedy. An inventor seeks to prove his invention and himself by flying around the world in 80 days. Jackie Chan plays the inventor's loyal valet, Jean Passepartout. Passepartout goes above and beyond his responsibilities by helping fend off attackers and fix technical problems.
7 Mr. Nice Guy
After accidently saving a journalist, a kind and beloved TV chef becomes swept up in action-packed madness. Mr. Nice Guy contains most of the elements and tropes found in all of Chan's films — elaborate action sequences, an awkward but lovable protagonist, and creative props. It is also surprisingly one of Chan's least highly ranked films, though it holds up today for its clever, dizzying action sequences and sweetly funny Chan performance. While the film may not be life changing, the ridiculous tale still makes for a delightful movie night.
6 Kung Fu Panda
Jack Black voices Poe, the plump panda who always dreamed of becoming a Kung Fu fighter. After an accident causes him to become the legendary dragon warrior, Poe must master martial arts in time to fight his villages' greatest villain. Jackie Chan voices Monkey, one of the other Kung Fu masters, but doesn't have a lot of lines in the film.
Even though his character plays a small role, however, Chan's experienced voice adds to the contrast between the old masters and Poe, the newcomer. Chan may not be a big part of Kung Fu Panda, but his name alone adds to the image and appeal of the film, and his fun voice acting is on point. Plus, the movie seems to get better with age, seemingly leaving a monumental footprint in movie culture
5 The Forbidden Kingdom
The Forbidden Kingdom is one of the most fantastical stories on this list with its magic time travel, legendary heroes, and fairy tale like plot. This action adventure story follows Jason Tripitikas after a golden staff in a DVD store magically transports him to the past. Jason must help the era's best kung fu masters (played by Jackie Chan and Jet Li) save the kingdom, and hopefully find a way back to the present along the way.
Forbidden Kingdom is loved for its fast-paced action sequences, creative premise, and lovable characters. Although the writing sometimes leaves the audience wanting more, the film stands as a fun action-adventure film with an expansive imagination, and a loving ode to cinema itself.
4 Rush Hour
In the classic buddy cop comedy Rush Hour, Jackie Chan stars alongside Chris Tucker. After an accident casts a shadow on Detective Carter's reputation, the Chinese government sends one of their best officers, Lee, to help with the case. The dramatic cultural differences between the two men lead to hilarious misunderstandings and tragic mishaps; however, eventually the team's differences become their greatest strengths. Rush Hour is loved for the rapid-fire comic interplay between the two lead actors and, of course, Chan's masterful fighting sequences.
3 The Foreigner
The Foreigner is a surprisingly dark film where Chan plays a broken and desperate father, a far cry from his usual cheery and good-humored character. After his daughter dies in a terrorist bombing, a father stops at nothing to find the man responsible. The dark and brooding tone of the film creates an eerie and suspenseful quality unlike any of Chan's other pictures. Although the film still relies on Chan's stunt work and fighting choreography, The Foreigner shows that Chan has grown beyond being an endearing stuntman and into an emotionally compelling actor. The 2017 film is simply Jackie Chan like you've never seen him.
2 Shanghai Noon
Few stars can match Chan's energy and comedic timing like Owen Wilson. Even though Wilson is not traditionally an action star, he perfectly plays off of Chan's physicality in a surprisingly competent way. When an eastern princess is captured and taken to the western United States, an incompetent outlaw and a green Chinese warrior form an unlikely alliance. Shanghai Noon is still loved for its comedy and the chemistry between Chan and Wilson, and while often unfavorably compared to Rush Hour, actually holds up a bit better and is much more original. The film stands at the top of this list as a must-watch for any Jackie Chan fan.
1 Who Am I?
As one of the films shot in Chan's prime, Who Am I? features some of the best action sequences on this list. The film showcases Chan's prop master quality as he fights in roller skates, tight jackets, and other unusual clothing. Chan plays a government agent sent on a high-profile mission to steal back a missile gun. When an accident causes him to lose all of his memories, the agent must remember his world-class skills and world-saving assignment before the enemy kills him. The film focuses on both the humor and frustrations that come with such an unfortunate mental state, and is like a light-hearted Jason Bourne film, but with even better fight sequences.