Jackie Chan has built a legacy that spans decades, known for his remarkable stunts and action-packed roles, which earned him the title of an icon in martial arts and film. Despite the passage of time, Chan remains active in the industry, continually evolving his career with a variety of roles that go beyond action films. His more recent works show a shift from the high-octane stunts of his youth to more mature, mentor-like roles, reflecting his growth as both an actor and an individual. Below are some of the more notable films from his recent years that deserve more recognition.
10. Ride On (2023) Directed by Larry Yang
Directed by Larry Yang
In Ride On, Chan plays a washed-up stuntman who gains social media fame after a confrontation with debt collectors goes viral. This film combines action, comedy, and drama while exploring themes of redemption and celebrity in the digital age. It offers a glimpse into the emotional side of Chan’s career, using real footage from his previous movies to showcase his past stunts, and features a touching father-daughter dynamic with actress Liu Haocun.
9. The Karate Kid (2010)
Directed by Harald Zwart
While The Karate Kid remake may not be as beloved as the original, it remains one of Jackie Chan’s standout performances in recent years. Playing Mr. Han, an unorthodox martial arts mentor, Chan brings emotional depth to his role, making this film memorable despite its flaws. His portrayal adds a layer of sincerity that makes this film one of his more poignant works, even if it strays from the original’s karate-centric theme.
8. The LEGO Ninjago Movie (2017)
Directed by Charlie Bean, Paul Fisher, and Bob Logan
In this animated action-adventure, Chan voices two characters: a live-action father figure and the leader of the ninjas in the Ninjago universe. His dual roles highlight his versatility, offering a blend of humor and warmth, though the film does not quite capture the same magic as other LEGO movies. Nevertheless, Chan’s voice acting shines, and his inclusion in the film is one of its highlights.
7. Namiya (2017)
Directed by Han Jie
Namiya is a heartfelt fantasy based on Keigo Higashino’s Miracles of the Namiya General Store, where Chan plays an old man who saves people across different timelines. Known for his physicality in action films, Chan’s performance in Namiya shows his emotional depth, making it one of his more underrated roles. While the movie itself may not fully do justice to the source material, Chan’s portrayal of a compassionate and wise character stands out.
6. The Foreigner (2017)
Directed by Martin Campbell
In The Foreigner, Jackie Chan plays a businessman seeking justice after his daughter is killed in a bombing. His character combines gritty action sequences with deep emotional stakes, offering a more serious and complex role. The film is an underrated gem in Chan’s career, overshadowed by its less memorable peers but showcasing his ability to seamlessly blend intense action with meaningful drama.
5. Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016)
Directed by Jennifer Yuh Nelson and Alessandro Carloni
While Kung Fu Panda 3 may be considered the weakest in the franchise, it still features a strong performance from Jackie Chan as Monkey, one of the Furious Five. The film delves into the emotional dynamics between Po and his biological father, and Chan’s character adds his signature comedic flair. Despite the film’s mixed reception, Chan’s contribution remains a key element of its charm.
4. Little Big Soldier (2010)
Directed by Ding Sheng
Little Big Soldier marks Jackie Chan’s 99th film, and it stands out for its focus on storytelling and character development over flashy stunt work. Chan plays a disillusioned soldier who, through his journey, explores the futility of war. His performance is a testament to his versatility, as he delivers a nuanced and dramatic role that highlights his acting chops beyond his usual action-packed personas.
These films demonstrate Jackie Chan’s ability to transition into more mature and emotionally complex roles, offering a refreshing look at the actor’s range and reminding audiences why he remains an enduring figure in cinema.
3. Kung Fu Yoga (2017)
Directed by Stanley Tong
In Kung Fu Yoga, Jackie Chan stars as a Chinese archeologist and professor who teams up with an Indian professor to recover lost treasure. This action-adventure film mixes martial arts with archaeology, taking the characters on a wild ride through India and the Middle East. The movie incorporates Jackie Chan’s signature style of action-comedy, and features elaborate fight sequences, daring stunts, and humor. While the plot may feel formulaic at times, the film is full of entertaining action and demonstrates Chan’s ability to adapt his style to different cultural settings. Kung Fu Yoga was a box office success in China and India and showcased Jackie Chan’s enduring appeal as a global action star.
These films further expand Jackie Chan’s diverse portfolio, demonstrating his ability to balance action, comedy, and drama while continuing to bring his unique brand of martial arts to the screen.
2. The Foreigner (2017)
Directed by Martin Campbell
In The Foreigner, Jackie Chan takes on a more serious and intense role, which is a departure from his usual comedic action persona. He portrays Quan Ngoc Minh, a businessman who seeks revenge for the death of his daughter in a terrorist attack. Chan’s character is a former special forces operative, and the film explores themes of loss, grief, and vengeance. While the action scenes are gritty and realistic, the film also delves deep into the emotional journey of the protagonist, showcasing Chan’s versatility as an actor. This film received praise for its intense performances, especially from Chan, who shows a more dramatic side.
1. The Spy Next Door (2010)
Directed by Brian Levant
In The Spy Next Door, Jackie Chan plays a retired CIA agent who is called back into action to protect his neighbor’s children after their parents are kidnapped. The movie blends family comedy with action as Chan’s character, Bob Ho, must balance his secret life as a spy with the challenges of being a father figure to the kids. The film is more light-hearted compared to Chan’s traditional action roles, but still features his signature martial arts moves and humor. Despite being aimed at a younger audience, the film’s comedic moments and Chan’s charm make it an enjoyable watch.
Related topic:
Mamoru Hosoda’s ‘Scarlet of Endless Hope’ Set for 2025 Release
Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’: Greek Myth on IMAX in 2026
The Mandalorian & Grogu Finishes Production, Set for 2026 Release