Jackie Chan’s reign as a global action star owes much to his success in American cinema, where his distinct blend of martial arts and comedy helped him become an international icon. From his beginnings as a child actor in Hong Kong during the early 1960s, Chan evolved into one of the most skilled martial arts performers, captivating audiences worldwide with his inventive stunts and humor.
While his initial attempts at breaking into Hollywood met with limited success, Jackie Chan’s persistence paid off as he headlined several memorable American films that fused thrilling action sequences with comedic timing. This article ranks his best American movies, highlighting his unique contributions and surprising feelings about the film he is most famous for.
A Sequel That Tried to Recapture the Magic: Shanghai Knights (2003)
Shanghai Knights reunited Chan with Owen Wilson shortly after their hit Shanghai Noon, shifting the setting to London to inject fresh life into the budding franchise. Although it didn’t quite reach the same heights as its predecessor, the sequel still offers well-choreographed fight scenes and a strong comedic rapport between the leads. The inclusion of martial arts star Donnie Yen added extra credibility to the action sequences.
Despite its moderate success, Shanghai Knights has not developed into a trilogy, leaving fans wondering if a third installment will ever arrive.
Voice Acting Success in Animation: Wish Dragon (2021)
2021 saw Jackie Chan extend his talents into voice acting with Wish Dragon, an American–Chinese co-produced animated film that initially flew under the radar on Netflix. Although its Mandarin-language release in China went unnoticed internationally, the movie’s heartfelt narrative and culturally rich setting slowly won it a devoted audience.
In the Mandarin version, Chan voices Long, blending seamlessly into the all-Asian cast that roots the story in contemporary Chinese culture. The film’s elegant animation and universal themes have since elevated it to sleeper hit status on Netflix, topping streaming charts as families discover it worldwide.
Reinventing a Classic with a New Twist: The Karate Kid (2010)
Taking a daring approach, the 2010 reboot of The Karate Kid relocated the story to China and replaced karate with kung fu, offering a fresh perspective on the beloved original. Jackie Chan’s portrayal of Han, an understated and wise mentor, stood out as a highlight amidst mixed reactions to some of the film’s narrative choices.
This film softened some of the original’s themes while providing something familiar yet new. Chan’s absence of his typical comedic flair underscored his versatility in playing a straight, grounded character. He reprised his role in the 2025 sequel Karate Kid: Legends, which did not enjoy the same acclaim.
Jackie Chan’s Early Efforts in the U.S.: The Big Brawl (1980)
Before his breakthrough in America, Chan’s first international film, The Big Brawl, set in 1930s Midwestern United States, spotlighted his martial arts prowess but lacked a gripping story. The movie primarily served as a showcase for Chan’s breathtaking stunts and fight scenes, which elevated an otherwise thin plot.
This historical action piece hinted at Chan’s potential to captivate U.S. audiences, and the experience helped him refine his craft ahead of future Hollywood success.
Returning to Animation: Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016)
As Master Monkey, a role he has voiced since the Kung Fu Panda franchise’s inception, Jackie Chan brought charm and martial arts expertise to the animated series. The third installment delivered more action and heart than its predecessor, earning $521 million at the box office, though slightly less than earlier entries.
The film advanced the storyline as Po moves toward his destiny as the new master, adding depth to the franchise’s future. Chan’s voice lent authenticity and star power, even as his screen time remained limited.
The Western-Inspired Action Comedy That Gained Cult Status: Shanghai Noon (2000)
Building on the momentum from Rush Hour, Shanghai Noon cast Jackie Chan alongside Owen Wilson in a martial arts Western comedy blending action and humor. This film is often overshadowed by Chan’s other hits but gained praise for effectively mixing genres and showcasing his skill in both physical comedy and fights.
The film’s success led to the sequel Shanghai Knights, and both remain fondly remembered as solid entries in Jackie Chan’s Hollywood career.
Reimagining a Beloved Franchise: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023)
In Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, Jackie Chan voices Master Splinter, injecting emotional depth and warmth into his role as mentor and surrogate father to the turtles. The film’s comic book-inspired animation and portrayal of the turtles as genuine teenagers earned critical acclaim.
Though Chan’s role is supporting, his portrayal of a complex and caring Splinter has resonated with audiences, suggesting this character could become a significant recurring role in potential sequels.
The Origin of a Franchise Favorite: Kung Fu Panda (2008)
The first Kung Fu Panda film combined whimsical animation with expert storytelling, quickly establishing itself as a successful franchise. Jackie Chan’s voice work as Master Monkey brought a mix of wisdom and humor, enhancing the film’s appeal to a broad audience.
His participation added star quality to a strong ensemble cast, and Chan’s consistent voice acting throughout the series helped solidify its ongoing popularity.
Backing Disney’s Epic Tale: Mulan (1998)
Though Jackie Chan does not appear in the English version of Disney’s Mulan, he lent his voice to the Chinese dub as Li Shang, helping the film connect with audiences in China. Mulan’s large-scale animation and memorable score by Jerry Goldsmith marked it as a significant late entry in Disney’s Renaissance era.
While the film’s reputation has been mixed in recent years, Mulan remains an important highlight in Chan’s involvement with American cinema through voice work.
The Film Chan Dislikes Yet Is Most Known For: Rush Hour (1998)
Jackie Chan’s breakthrough in Hollywood came with the buddy cop hit Rush Hour, where he starred opposite Chris Tucker as Chief Inspector Lee. The film’s success stemmed from the clash of the characters’ distinct personalities and plenty of Chan’s signature action-comedy style.
Despite its acclaim and enduring popularity, Jackie Chan himself reportedly dislikes the Rush Hour movies, a surprising sentiment considering how widely they are regarded as some of his best American work.
—Jackie Chan on Rush Hour, via Complex
Chan’s American filmography demonstrates his ability to cross cultural boundaries and deliver thrilling, humorous, and heartfelt performances across various genres. While some films like Rush Hour remain iconic despite his personal reservations, others have quietly built his legacy as a versatile actor and martial arts master.
As Chan continues to explore new roles, including in animation and sequels like Karate Kid: Legends and potential further TMNT installments, fans eagerly anticipate what he will bring to screen next. His blend of martial arts expertise, comedic timing, and emotional depth ensure his place as a beloved figure in American and global cinema.
