Jackie Chan is no stranger to the world. He is adored by millions for his death-defying stunts, impeccable comic timing in otherwise intense fighting sequences, and exhilarating display of free-running skills. Chan is arguably Hong Kong’s greatest export to Hollywood. He has starred in more than 150 films as part of an illustrious career spanning over five decades.
Already a box office giant in Hong Kong, Chan gained mainstream recognition in the mid-’90s following the overseas success of “Rumble in the Bronx”. He is credited for popularizing kung fu comedies in the West. That said, here is a list of the top five Jackie Movie fight scenes:
Number 5. Ladder Fight Scene from First Strike
Chan’s uncanny ability to use his environment to his advantage is on full display here. Though the odds are always stacked against him, the actor still manages to find a way through them. The ladder fight scene from First Strike involves Chan using everything, from cardboards and chairs to tables, to fend off his aggressors.
But the best part of the scene comes when the actor brings a freaking ladder to the mix. The fight takes a turning point with Chan swinging the ladder to hit his opponents. Toward the climax of the scene, the actor uses his cat-like agility to jump through one of the steps, landing perfectly in-between the side rails. The film won the 1997 Hong Kong Film Awards for best action choreography. Check out this amazing fight sequence in the clip down below.
Number 4. Pirate Lair Fight Scene from Project A
This fight scene features Chan, Sammo Hung, and Yuen Biao as they take on a group of pirates. Both Hung and Biao are long-time associates of Chan. The trio was part of the Seven Little Fortunes at the China Drama Academy. The fight scene at the pirate’s lair features tons of action, including sword fights and explosives, as the protagonists try to bring down the pirate chief San-Po (played by Dick Wei).
The boss fight is top-notch because it actually showcases the physical prowess of the antagonist. After all, the eighties were a time when the villains weren’t just punching bags or rag dolls. The brawl gets extremely physical with the involvement of Hung (who served as the fight choreographer in the film). See the whole action unfold in this clip from the film.
Number 3. Mall Fight Scene from Police Story
Police Story is widely considered to be Chan’s best work. It features brilliant fight scenes and insane stunts, all performed by Chan and his Jackie Chan Stunt Team. The film’s climactic sequence takes place at a shopping mall. Chan, who plays the role of titular character Chan Ka-Kui, delivers a total beatdown on several thugs as he makes his way to stop the film’s primary antagonist (played by Chor Yuen) from retrieving a briefcase. I won’t talk about the rest of the scene because words cannot do justice to the spectacular performance of Chan and his stunt team.
Number 2. Rooftop Fight Scene from Who Am I?
The final fight scene from Who Am I? is memorable for many reasons. Number one, it takes place atop the iconic Willemswerf building in Rotterdam. Number two, it’s a two on one showdown. And number three, it offers the perfect combination of Chan’s signature martial arts style and comedy. While Chan adopts defensive moves for the most duration of the fight, he ultimately gets the upper hand on the two hitmen… well, because he is Jackie Chan.
Honorable Mention – Factory Showdown from Dragons Forever
This fight sequence between Chan and martial arts master Benny “The Jet” Urquidez is widely considered one of the best fighting scenes in Hong Kong cinema history. It is set within a chemical factory (later revealed to be a narcotics compound) so you can expect tons of glass breaking. What begins as an intense confrontation quickly turns into a massive brawl between our heroes (Chan, Hung, and Biao) and the bad guys.
The scene reaches its pinnacle when Chan faces the toughest henchman in Benny. The two engage in an impressively choreographed, back and forth martial arts action. A powerful roundhouse by Benny sends Chan (already bleeding from his nose) flying into several cardboard boxes. Watch out the whole scene in the clip down below.
Number 1. Castle Fight Scene from Wheels on Meals
Chan is at his absolute best in this particular scene as he takes on Benny. This fight sequence marked Chan’s first collaboration with Benny. The two later shared the screen in Dragons Forever (listed above). Chan with his athletic and acrobatic prowess tries to take down Benny, an absolute monster of a fighter himself. The scene reaches its pinnacle when Benny while attempting to hit Chan, puts out a candle with his kick. Check out the whole amazing sequence down below.
