8. Police Story
One of Jackie Chans first lead roles in American cinemas was in The Protector. Now being a director of many films himself already, Jackie Chan was said to have such a terrible time in this American cop film that he decided to go back to Hong Kong to make what a real police drama should be. The result is one of the best action cop film on par with Lethal Weapon and Die Hard. Police Story was able to have both emotional depth and comedic levity that only Jackie Chan can bring. Here in all his glory are the best of his stunts including running down a huge hill and a sizzling mall scene as well as some of his best comedic moments including a slapstick chopstick, phone routine. No one ever gives credit for how much of an auteur Jackie Chan really is. Not only does he direct his own films, but he stars, writes and does the stunt choreography in them as well. His natural charisma is no wonder that he became the biggest Chinese, crossover star since Bruce Lee. The influence of Police Story not only in Chinese cinemas but in Western cinema is quite apparent. Brett Ratner looked upon Police Story many times in making Jackie Chans biggest American hit Rush Hour and Bad Boys 2 took the shanty town chase scene directly from Police Story.