Jackie Chan‘s extensive career spans more than 200 projects, yet his ventures into the sci-fi fantasy genre remain limited. This article ranks the most notable Jackie Chan sci-fi fantasy films, highlighting his rare outings beyond action to explore fantastical and science fiction themes intertwined with his signature style.
The Blend of Action and Absurdity in Fantasy Mission Force (1983)
Set during World War II, Fantasy Mission Force features mercenary Don Wen, played by Jackie Chan, who leads a quirky team on a mission to rescue four kidnapped Allied soldiers. Their journey pits them against bizarre enemies such as cannibalistic amazons, Japanese Nazis driving muscle cars, and hopping vampires. The twist arises when the party discovers one among them is orchestrating the chaos for personal gain.
This film attempts a bold mix of genres, promising a wild ride for cult film enthusiasts. However, the tangled narrative and lack of compelling martial arts scenes weaken its impact. Despite Jackie Chan’s top billing, his screen presence is sparse. Though it contains quirky and amusing moments, Fantasy Mission Force falls short compared to other classic Chan movies.
Jackie Chan Tackles Demons in The Knight of Shadows: Between Yin and Yang (2019)
In this Chinese fantasy-comedy, Jackie Chan portrays Pu Songling, a famed demon hunter investigating mysterious disappearances in a small village. Accompanied by his apprentice Yan Fei and an odd group of friendly monsters, Pu Songling uncovers a dark demon manipulating both monsters and humans.
The film benefits from Chan’s likable performance that lends charm to this family-friendly story. The fantasy elements feature engaging action against demonic foes, though Chan’s limited screen time and inconsistent CGI detract from the experience. The plot suffers from uneven pacing, introducing and dropping subplots abruptly.
Cyborg Enhancements and Complex Plots in Bleeding Steel (2017)
Jackie Chan stars as Lin Dong, a Hong Kong special agent tasked with protecting Dr. James, a scientist whose work unlocks technological breakthroughs. After Dr. James’s assassination, Lin leaves the force grieving his daughter’s death. Thirteen years later, Lin discovers his daughter is alive with enhanced blood and memory loss, due to Dr. James’s scientific advances. Meanwhile, the villain Andre, now a half-cyborg, seeks to kidnap her to exploit her abilities.
Bleeding Steel suffers from a convoluted storyline attempting to merge disparate plot threads but failing to maintain coherence. Despite this, the film offers compelling stunt work and action scenes embedded in a cyberpunk aesthetic. It also includes humorous nods to previous Jackie Chan projects, providing some enjoyment for long-term fans amid its uneven qualities.
High-Tech Heroics and Comedy in The Tuxedo (2002)
Jackie Chan plays Jimmy Tong, a taxi driver turned unexpected hero when hired by spy Clark Devlin. After Devlin sustains an injury, Jimmy discovers his tuxedo is a high-tech suit that grants extraordinary skills, including martial arts prowess and charm. Thrust into espionage, Jimmy partners with rookie agent Del Blaine to thwart villain Detrich Banning‘s plan to poison the planet’s water supply.
This film scales back the intense stunt action typical of Chan’s Hong Kong movies, instead showcasing his comedic timing and charisma. The premise of a suit that enhances its wearer’s abilities suits Chan’s talent for physical comedy. However, some jokes miss their mark, and the suit’s frequent use sometimes overshadows Chan’s innate abilities. While entertaining and suitable for families, it is not among Chan’s strongest action-comedy efforts.
Supernatural Powers and Action in The Medallion (2003)
The Medallion centers on Eddie Yang, a detective played by Jackie Chan, who is investigating a crime lord named Snakehead’s quest for a mystical medallion. After Eddie is killed in the line of duty, he is resurrected by the medallion’s power, gaining superhuman abilities and defying death. Teaming with Interpol agents Arthur Watson and Nicole James, Eddie aims to prevent Snakehead from wielding the same powers for evil.
The film offers an intriguing take on a superpowered Jackie Chan, though heavy reliance on CGI and wire-work sometimes undermines his martial arts skillset. Action scenes fluctuate in quality, but the movie remains a family-friendly fantasy adventure. Fans often link it nostalgically to the animated series Jackie Chan Adventures, despite the movie releasing later, emphasizing its appeal to long-time followers.
Historical Fantasy and Dual-Lives Explored in The Myth (2005)
Jackie Chan’s archaeologist Jack experiences vivid dreams revealing his past as General Meng Yi during China’s Qin Dynasty. Charged with protecting Princess Ok-Soo, Meng Yi’s story unfolds alongside Jack’s modern-day quest. Journeying to India with fellow scholar William, Jack seeks artifacts linked to his visions, which prove to be more than mere dreams.
While the film struggles with pacing and unfinished narrative strands, it offers a sweeping fantasy adventure blending past and present. Chan’s natural martial arts talents take a backseat to broad battle scenes suited to the epic scale. Though some viewers find the interweaving timelines challenging, the film’s grandeur and Chan’s charisma create a memorable experience.
The Ultimate Collaboration in The Forbidden Kingdom (2008)
Teenager Jason Tripitikas from Boston, played by Michael Angarano, becomes entranced by an ancient staff purchased at a pawnshop. Transported to ancient China, Jason discovers the staff belongs to the legendary Monkey King, imprisoned and portrayed by Jet Li. Seen as a destined hero, Jason joins forces with kung fu master Lu Yan (Jackie Chan), a silent monk (also Jet Li), and the vengeful Golden Sparrow (Liu Yifei) to rescue the Monkey King.
This film marks a milestone by uniting Jackie Chan and Jet Li on screen for the first time, fulfilling fan expectations. Though Chan is not the lead, his role alongside Li delivers a powerful dynamic, combining classic wuxia fantasy elements with modern cinematic polish. The decision to focus on an American teenager is a slight disappointment for viewers eager for more Chan and Li screen time, but overall, the movie offers a legendary display of martial arts and mythical adventure.
