Jackie Chan 's filmography is often indexed by his transition from traditional martial arts to his signature "stunt-comedy" style and his eventual breakthrough in Hollywood. Top-Rated & Essential Films Drunken Master
: The third Police Story installment, notable for the addition of Michelle Yeoh and death-defying stunts involving a moving helicopter. Project A (1983)
Better Index Tip: For Drunken Master II, completely ignore the Dimension Films U.S. release (which adds a terrible new score and cuts 15 minutes). The original Hong Kong cut is the only "better" version.
Supercop (1992): The third installment of the Police Story series, which teamed him with Michelle Yeoh, is often cited by critics as one of the best action-comedy blends in his career. Hidden Gems and Dramatic Turns
1960s–1970s: Early roles & stunt work
- 1962 — Big and Little Wong Tin Bar (extra, uncredited)
- 1963 — Suet Nei (The Spring Festival) (child actor)
- 1968 — The Love Eterne (extra)
- 1971 — Little Tiger of Canton (young roles)
- 1976 — New Fist of Fury (supporting role)
- 1978 — Snake in the Eagle's Shadow (lead; breakthrough comedy-martial arts)
- 1978 — Drunken Master (major breakthrough; kung fu comedy classic)
Police Story (1985): Widely considered his magnum opus, this film features the famous "mall climax" and the pole slide that nearly paralyzed him. It holds a 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Part 6: The Definitive "Better" Index — Quick List
If you only have time for 10 films from this entire article, here is the “Better” Index from good to greatest:
