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If you believed that Jackie Chan was simply one of the top action stars who master gravity, you should reconsider. This Hong Kong icon has shouldered numerous roles throughout his impressive 50-year career. He’s not only an acrobat and martial artist, but also a stuntman, actor, producer, and director. Although his breathtaking stunts have earned him global fame, Chan is equally recognized for his directorial work.
Initially, he kicked off his career as a stand-in for stunts in Bruce Lee’s movies. Later, in the late ’70s, he made a big break with films like “Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow” and “Drunken Master”, although it was the first one that truly propelled him to fame. Afterward, his successes multiplied rapidly. By the end of the ’80s, he had become an international sensation, admired for executing some of the most terrifying stunts ever seen by humans, while simultaneously incorporating comedic elements and establishing a distinctive action-comedy style that inspired countless movie directors throughout the years.
This list ranks every movie Jackie Chan has directed and starred in.
13
‘Chinese Zodiac’ (2012)
In this new adventure, Jackie Chan reprises his role as Asian Hawk, a treasure hunter, who is tasked with retrieving lost artifacts – the mythical bronze animal heads of the Chinese Zodiac. These priceless items were stolen from the Old Summer Palace in Beijing during the 19th century. Armed with advanced technology and joined by a Chinese scholar and a French woman, Hawk navigates through rival collectors and mercenaries in his quest to return these valuable artifacts to their rightful place.
A Visual Spectacle
As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but be captivated by the unique blend of traditional martial arts, death-defying stunts, and witty humor that this movie offers. The director’s (Chan) storytelling skills are evident in the seamless integration of action sequences with comedic moments that keep the momentum going strong. His committed, heroic, yet slightly vulnerable portrayal draws viewers into his journey. This masterpiece also earned Chan the Best Stunt Action Choreography award at the Hong Kong Film Awards, showcasing his exceptional talent in this field.
12
‘1911’ (2011)
1911 portrays the significant upheaval in China during the early 20th century, which was marked by the revolutionary movement led by Sun Yat-sen and the demise of the Qing Dynasty. In this film, Jackie Chan takes on the role of Huang Xing, a key figure immersed in the turbulent world of rebellion and selflessness. The movie offers an authentic depiction of crucial battles, political maneuvers, and heartfelt tales of those engaged in the struggle, bringing history to life.
Pays Tribute to Chinese History
1911, directed by Mark Chan after a decade away from filmmaking, presents a grand historical narrative that offers a chance for the actor to display his dramatic skills. Unlike Chan’s usual high-octane martial arts films, it stands as one of his most sincere performances. In the role of Xing, he delivers a subtle yet impactful portrayal. The film deftly transitions between intense battle scenes and introspective character moments.
11
‘Dragon Lord’ (1982)
Under the guidance of Jackie Chan as both writer and director, the movie titled “Dragon Lord” narrates the story of Dragon, a playful martial arts fanatic with a knack for landing in sticky situations. An unintended encounter with a notorious gang of thieves’ headquarters sets Dragon and his companion Cowboy on an unexpected adventure. Upon discovering an illegal operation, they try to put a stop to it, but their good intentions lead them into a dangerous conflict.
Marks an Evolution in Chan’s Style
The film is filled with lengthy martial arts battles, one of Chan’s toughest fights among them, providing an intense narrative experience. This movie marked a significant milestone in Chan’s directing journey, as it emphasized his growing emphasis on intricate camera work and challenging fight coordination. However, the storyline of Dragon Lord didn’t quite outshine other aspects.
10
‘Armour of God’ (1986)
In the movie titled “Armor of God“, Jackie Chan plays the character Asian Hawk, who enjoys seeking out hidden treasures. After running into his old buddy Alan, Asian Hawk learns that Alan’s girlfriend has been abducted by a cult. To save her, he is unwillingly drawn into a perilous rescue operation, which requires him to collect artifacts in order to complete the holy “Armour of God.
A Dazzling Action Caper
The film marked the beginning of a series, and as it reached its dramatic climax within the secretive stronghold of a cult, we saw Hawk employing his intelligence and abilities to outwit the antagonists. It was evident that this movie would lead to follow-ups, given its commercial success and enduring status as a Hong Kong icon. Interestingly, it was in this very film, “Armour of God,” that Chan sustained one of his most severe injuries – an almost fatal stunt that resulted in a fractured skull.
9
‘Who Am I?’ (1998)
Jackie Chan assumes the role of an experienced undercover agent whose operation in Africa gets compromised, leaving him without an identity among locals who now call him “Who Am I.” This anonymous figure is relentlessly pursued by merciless agents, forcing him to embark on a thrilling quest to reveal his past and navigate between being the hunter and the hunted.
Slick Choreography Meets Mystery
What
8
‘Miracles’ (1989)
In the film Miracles, Chan portrays a greenhorn named Kuo Cheng-Wah. During an unexpected meeting with a dying mobster, he unwillingly steps into the treacherous underworld of 1930s Hong Kong crime syndicates. As he grapples with the complex power structures and deceitful allies, he’s constantly faced with the challenge of maintaining loyalty to his criminal associates while upholding his personal morals.
Chan’s Most Stylish Work
By directing movies, Jackie Chan has been able to delve into diverse genres in an unprecedented manner. The storyline, filled with humor and poignant instances, offers a unique optimism amidst intense conflicts and gang violence. This is achieved by having his character introduce a code of honor that alters the criminal activities within the gang. Essentially, it merges the genre of gangster drama with comedy reminiscent of Charlie Chaplin.
7
‘The Fearless Hyena’ (1979)
The Fearless Hyena marks Jackie Chan’s first directorial effort and stands as one of his most impressive films. Born without a family or formal training yet brimming with inherent skill, the protagonist, Ching Hing-lung, is a streetwise scrapper who frequently engages in minor brawls. However, when his elderly grandmaster grandfather is brutally slain by the merciless leader of a martial arts syndicate, Hing-lung embarks on a quest for retribution.
Energetic and Playful
This film, titled “The Fearless Hyena“, significantly impacted Jackie Chan’s budding career due to his innovative approach to blending action with slapstick humor that resonated deeply with audiences. His portrayal was vibrant and captivating, full of youthful charm, and the fight sequences were graceful and awe-inspiring. Although not as refined as his future masterpieces, this movie set the stage for Jackie Chan’s distinctive style in acting and directing.
6
‘The Young Master’ (1980)
In Jackie Chan’s movie, Dragon finds himself ensnared in a trap of deceit when he assists his treacherous sibling to victory in a Lion Dance competition against a rival school by unfair means. This action leads to his expulsion from his martial arts institute. Desiring to make amends, he dedicates himself to intense training. Meanwhile, an unfortunate coincidence causes people to believe that he is a wanted criminal, forcing both the police and criminals to chase him relentlessly.
Action, Comedy, and Brotherly Love
The Young Master was one of his initial directorial endeavors that significantly established him as a creative powerhouse in martial arts filmmaking. He directs with surgical precision, keeping the fight scenes closely tied to the main narrative – a poignant story of friendship, family, and sibling camaraderie. The climactic battle, spanning more than ten minutes, is masterfully orchestrated.
5
‘Project A: Part II’ (1987)
The thrilling second installment of the 1983 film, titled “Project A: Part II“, unfolds as Dragon Ma makes his way back to Hong Kong’s treacherous streets. His mission is to take down a powerful criminal organization. However, he encounters numerous obstacles in the form of rival gangs and sly spies who are determined to thwart him. In this tumultuous journey, Dragon uncovers a web of deceit, only to find that his very team consists of corrupt officials accepting bribes. The exception is Shi King Ho, who remains steadfast and loyal throughout the ordeal.
A Gravity-Defying Sequel
In “Project A: Part II,” suspense, action, and Jackie Chan’s signature charm are skillfully intertwined, creating memorable action scenes that underscore his dedication to martial arts. The directing style is both dramatic and comical, with well-crafted set pieces and intriguing plot twists that have received praise. A hit at the box office, this movie showcases Jackie Chan’s talent for organizing grand productions while maintaining the essence of a compelling storyline.
4
‘Armour of God II: Operation Condor’ (1991)
In the sequel titled “Armour of God II: Operation Condor,” our protagonist, the renowned character Asian Hawk, is tasked by a wealthy Spanish Duke for an assignment. His objective is to discover and retrieve 240 tons of gold concealed in a clandestine base within the Sahara Desert, a hoard left behind by the Nazis prior to World War II’s conclusion. This operation propels him into harrowing confrontations and lethal predicaments.
Jackie Chan at His Most Adventurous
As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I can’t help but express my excitement for the thrilling sequel, Operation Condor. This action-packed journey seamlessly combines the daring exploits of Indiana Jones with Jackie Chan’s unique blend of high-octane stunts and side-splitting humor. The film is a wild ride where mayhem and grandeur go hand in hand. It pulses with an infectious energy, and the director skillfully amplifies the scale by juxtaposing breathtaking desert vistas against intricately designed chase sequences and tumbles, making it more daring than ever before.
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2025-05-31 00:05