Jackie Chan has made a name for himself as a global superstar who can seamlessly blend action and comedy and whose films have left viewers clamoring for more as he’s starred in many sequels. With a unique style combining intense stuntwork with slapstick humor, Chan is one of the few performers equally recognizable in the East as in the West. A true cinematic icon, many of his sequels stand up against Chan’s very best work and include some of his finest performances.
Through a tireless career that has included nearly 150 films, Chan has earned his spot among the best martial stars of all time. As perhaps the greatest Kung Fu performer there’s ever been, Chan has followed up hit movies like Drunken Master and Police Story with equally impressive sequels. While not all of Chan’s movie sequels were created equally, his very best follow-up films stand as essential releases in a long and illustrious career that continues to this very day.
16 The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature (2017)
Jackie Chan as Mr. Feng
Despite boasting an incredibly talented all-star cast, The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature was a lackluster kids’ animated sequel with very little to offer for adult viewers. Chan portrayed the leader of a gang of street mice named Mr. Feng, who hated being called cute despite his tiny stature and adorable blue eyes. With a story about a group of squirrels trying to stop a mayor from destroying their park, young kids may enjoy this tale of friendship and collaboration, but for everyone else, it’s best skipped, even if it was an improvement over the first Nut Job.
15 Fearless Hyena Part II (1983)
Jackie Chan as Cheng Lung
- Director
- Chan Chuen
- Release Date
- March 4, 1983
- Writers
- Lo Wei
- Cast
- Austin Wai Tin-Chi , Dean Shek , Jackie Chan , Yen Shi-Kwan , Best Kwon Yeong-Moon , James Tien Chuen , Chen Hui-Lou , Hon Kwok-Choi , Ma Cheung , Peng Gang , Im Eun-Joo , Chiu Lo-Kong , Wong Chi-Wai , Chu Kong , Chui Fat , Chin Wan-Che , Clement Yeh Chao-Hsu , Pei De-Yun , Hu Han-Chang , Ho Chi-Wai , Cheng Ka-Sang , Mai Kei , Wang Yao , Xie Jian-Wen , Wang Chi-Sheng
- Character(s)
- Ah Tung, Lazy Young Man , Shek Earth , Ching Lung (Stone) , Heaven Devil , Earth Devil , Ching Tsun-nam , Ching Tsun-pei , Frog , Beggar Siu , Master Chu Cheung-fun , Ha Ling , Siu Kong (Little Kwong) (uncredited) , Heaven / Earth’s Man in Gold , Heaven / Earth’s Man in Gold (uncredited) , Master of Fist King School (uncredited) , Beggar Clan Member , Big Guy , Waiter , Man Who Has a Bird in Restaurant (uncredited) , Mad Bull , Pink Panther , Ching Ysun-tung (uncredited)
- Runtime
- 92 minutes
While Jackie Chan has had his fair share of forgettable sequels, Fearless Hyena Part II was perhaps the most disposable. In fact, Chan himself left the movie during its production and did not even finish filming his part (via Roger Ebert) after film producer Willie Chan left the Lo Wei Motion Picture Company to join Golden Harvest. What’s left was a poorly put together, unfinished movie that told the story of two Kung Fu prodigies endeavoring to fight two foes known as the Earth Devil and the Heaven Devil.
14 Cannonball Run II (1984)
Jackie Chan as Himself
Jackie Chan once again appeared as himself in the action comedy sequel Cannonball Run II, starring Burt Reynolds. While the first film was a fun, wacky races-style showcase of car racing carnage, the joke had already run dry by the time the credits had rolled. Despite this, a sequel was produced, as well as a third movie in the franchise, yet each subsequent installment felt wholly unnecessary, and although the inclusion of Chan was a nice touch, it was not enough to save this franchise from mediocrity.
13 Viy 2: Journey to China (2019)
Jackie Chan as Master Et Al
Viy 2: Journey to China was a Russian-Chinese fantasy adventure that, like its predecessor Viy, was loosely based on the Nikolai Gogol story of the same name. While this sequel included martial arts legend Jackie Chan and action movie icon Arnold Schwarzenegger among its cast, this was not enough to save this woefully misguided fantasy adventure. While Viy 2 was presented as a serious film, the only way to truly enjoy this painfully underwhelming story was as an unintentional comedy.
Viy 2: Journey to China
was also released under the titles
Iron Mask
,
The Iron Mask
,
The Mystery of the Dragon Seal
, and
The Dragon Seal
.
12 The Twins Effect II (2004)
Jackie Chan as General Wai Shing / Lord of Armour
The Twins Effect II is a Hong Kong martial arts film directed by Patrick Leung and Corey Yuen. The plot centers around a group of rebels, led by Charcoal Head (Jaycee Chan) and Blockhead (Bo-lin Chen), who seek to overthrow an oppressive queen. Along their journey, they encounter Princess Blue (Charlene Choi) and Red (Gillian Chung), who join them in their fight for freedom.
- Director
- Patrick Leung , Corey Yuen
- Release Date
- August 12, 2004
- Writers
- Kin Chung Chan , Suet Lam , Roy Szeto
- Cast
- Charlene Choi , Gillian Chung , Ying Qu , Jaycee Chan , Chen Bo-lin , Tony Ka Fai Leung , Donnie Yen , Jackie Chan
- Runtime
- 106 Minutes
The Hong Kong action fantasy adventure The Twins Effect II was marketed as a sequel to The Twins Effect but featured an entirely different story. Telling the tale of a humble boy in a mythical land undertaking an epic journey to claim his throne, this Donnie Yen movie featured plenty of supernatural occurrences and a grand quest of spiritual discovery. Jackie Chan’s role was minimal and amounted to little more than cameo appearances where he played two characters. Despite some strong points, The Twins Effect II was held back by lackluster special effects.
11 Supercop 2 (1993)
Jackie Chan as Inspector “Kevin” Chan Ka-Kui
The Police Story franchise featured many of Jackie Chan’s greatest onscreen moments; however, the spin-off story Supercop 2 was the series at its weakest. Despite Michelle Yeoh’s performance in Supercop being good enough to warrant this new entry, it just couldn’t hold a candle to the franchise’s glory days. While it was nice to see Jackie Chan reprise his role as Inspector Chan Ka-kui in a small cameo appearance, Supercop 2 just did not add anything new or interesting to the series.
10 Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016)
Jackie Chan as Master Monkey
DreamWorks’ 2016 computer-animated movie Kung Fu Panda 3 brings back Jack Black’s Po, Dustin Huffman’s Master Shifu, and the Furious Five in a battle against the supernatural warrior Kai (J.K Simmons). Bryan Cranston appears as Po’s father Li Shan and Randall Duk Kim returns as Grand Master Oogway.
- Director
- Jennifer Yuh , Alessandro Carloni
- Release Date
- January 29, 2016
- Writers
- Jonathan Aibel , Glenn Berger
- Cast
- Seth Rogen , Jack Black , Lucy Liu , Jackie Chan , Dustin Hoffman , J. K. Simmons , David Cross , Angelina Jolie , Kate Hudson , Bryan Cranston , James Hong
- Runtime
- 95 Minutes
- Studio(s)
- 20th Century
- Distributor(s)
- 20th Century
- Budget
- $145 million
Jackie Chan’s role as Master Monkey was an essential part of the Kung Fu Panda franchise and was an important addition to the Furious Five fighting team. The third installment was yet another fun-filled addition to the Dreamworks franchise, whose light touch and knowing sense of humor made it stand out as Po (Jack Black) faced two major threats, one supernatural and one personal. While Kung Fu Panda 3 didn’t reach the same heights as the previous two installments, it was still a fun and worthy addition to the series.
9 Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011)
Jackie Chan as Master Monkey
In this heartwarming sequel, Po now faces his most daunting challenge yet. The emergence of a formidable villain, Lord Shen, who has a weapon so powerful it threatens the very existence of kung fu, propels Po on a journey across China. Alongside the Furious Five, he must confront his past and unlock the strength he needs to defeat his enemies. This animated adventure deepens the lore of Po’s world, blending humor, action, and emotional depth.
- Director
- Jennifer Yuh Nelson
- Release Date
- May 26, 2011
- Writers
- Jonathan Aibel , Glenn Berger , Charlie Kaufman (consulting)
- Runtime
- 91 minutes
- Studio(s)
- DreamWorks Animation
- Distributor(s)
- Paramount Pictures
Kung Fu Panda 2 proved this animated martial arts comedy series’ potential as a major franchise. Once again, Jackie Chan was featured as Master Monkey, helping Po travel to Gongmen City to stop the evil peacock Lord Shen from conquering China. This epic quest was oddly touching as Kung Fu Panda 2 perfectly blended action, comedy, martial arts, and visual splendor. With Guillermo del Toro onboard as executive producer, Kung Fu Panda 2 was not afraid to embrace darker themes and delve deeper than the average animated kids’ film.
8 Rush Hour 3 (2007)
Jackie Chan as Chief Inspector Lee
Rush Hour 3
- Director
- Brett Ratner
- Release Date
- August 8, 2007
- Cast
- Chris Tucker , Jackie Chan , Max Von Sydow , Hiroyuki Sanada , Yvan Attal , Youki Kudoh
- Runtime
- 91 minutes
While it’s always a pleasure to see Jackie Chan team up with Chris Tucker for another installment in the Rush Hour series, by the third film, the concept felt like it had mostly run out of steam. This time, the action was moved to Paris, where Chief Inspector Lee and Detective James Carter unraveled a mystery involving an assassin and Chinese triads. While big spectacle set pieces kept things entertaining, Rush Hour 3 failed to add meaningfully to the franchise and was a disappointing ending that will hopefully be undone whenever the long-speculated Rush Hour 4 finally comes to fruition.
7 Rush Hour 2 (2001)
Jackie Chan as Chief Inspector Lee
Rush Hour 2 is a 2001 action-comedy film directed by Brett Ratner, featuring Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker reprising their roles as Detective Lee and Detective Carter. Set in both Hong Kong and Los Angeles, the film follows the duo as they investigate a counterfeiting ring tied to a Las Vegas casino. The sequel blends humor with high-octane action sequences, continuing the dynamic partnership and cross-cultural clash established in the original film.
- Director
- Brett Ratner
- Release Date
- August 3, 2001
- Cast
- Jackie Chan , Chris Tucker , John Lone , Alan King , Roselyn Sanchez , Harris Yulin , Zhang Ziyi
- Runtime
- 90 Minutes
Rush Hour 2 managed to bring this franchise into new and interesting territory as the action was moved to Jackie Chan’s home turf as Chief Inspector Lee (Chan) and LAPD Detective James Carter (Chris Tucker) vacationed in Hong Kong. However, this simple premise was soon turned on its head as the crime-busting duo found themselves embroiled in a murder investigation. With more of Tucker’s signature sense of humor and Chan’s martial arts skills elevating the film’s action sequences, Rush Hour 2 offered audiences everything they could possibly want in a sequel to this well-loved, mismatched buddy cop story.
6 Police Story 4: First Strike (1996)
Jackie Chan as Inspector “Kevin” Chan Ka-kui
Police Story 4: First Strike was the final installment in the Police Story franchise before it was rebooted and featured plenty more of the over-the-top action the series was known for. From snowmobile chases to fighting sharks underwater, Jackie Chan truly gave his all to this highly entertaining action comedy that, in many ways, felt like an homage to the James Bond franchise. While there were better installments earlier in the Police Story series, this entry was a lot of fun and more than lived up to the title.
5 Armour of God II: Operation Condor (1991)
Jackie Chan as Jackie, a.k.a. “Asian Hawk” Condor”
Armour of God 2: Operation Condor
Armour Of God 2: Operation Condor is an action-adventure film starring Jackie Chan as Asian Hawk, a treasure hunter on a mission to retrieve Nazi gold from a North African desert. Directed by Jackie Chan and released in 1991, the film features a blend of martial arts, comedy, and thrilling stunts, as Hawk faces various obstacles and adversaries along the way.
- Release Date
- July 18, 1997
- Cast
- Jackie Chan , Carol Cheng , Eva Cobo , Shôko Ikeda , Aldo Sambrell , Ken Goodman , Steve Tartalia , Vincent Lyn
- Runtime
- 80 Minutes
- Character(s)
- Asian Hawk , Ada , Elsa , Momoko , Adolf , Adolf’s Guard #1 , Adolf’s Guard #2 , Mark
Armour of God II: Operation Condor continued in the same vein as its predecessor to deliver more Indiana Jones-inspired martial arts excitement. Featuring Jackie Chan battling against former Nazis to retrieve gold from an abandoned base in the Sahara Desert, Operation Condor was a major box office hit in Hong Kong and a fantastic showcase of why Chan would blow up in Hollywood as a global star in the subsequent years.
4 Police Story 3: Supercop (1992)
Jackie Chan as Inspector “Kevin” Chan Ka-Kui
Supercop is a 1992 action film directed by Stanley Tong and starring Jackie Chan as Inspector Chan Ka-Kui. The film follows Inspector Chan as he is recruited by the Royal Hong Kong Police Force for a top-secret mission to infiltrate and dismantle a notorious drug syndicate. Michelle Yeoh co-stars as Inspector Yang, aiding Chan in his efforts. The film is known for its dynamic action sequences and stunts.
- Director
- Stanley Tong
- Writers
- Edward Tang , Fibe Ma , Lee Wai Yee
- Cast
- Jackie Chan , Michelle Yeoh , Maggie Cheung , Kenneth Tsang , Wah Yuen , Bill Tung , Josephine Koo , Kelvin Wong , Philip Chan , Wai-Kwong Lo , Lieh Lo , Wai Shum , Yi-Sheng Han , Sze Tsuen Wai
- Character(s)
- Insp. Chan Ka Kui , Insp. Jessica Yang – Director of INTERPOL , May , Chaibat , Panther , ‘Uncle’ Bill Wong , Cheng Wen Shi – Chaibat’s Wife , Peter , Insp. Y.K. Chen , Chaibat’s Man , The General , Drug Lord #1 at Meeting , Drug Lore #2 at Meeting , Villager
The third Police Story movie saw Jackie Chan team up with a young Michelle Yeoh for an astounding adventure that moved the action from Hong Kong to Kuala Lumpur. Chan’s character was given a tougher edge than what was seen from him in the rest of the series, and his comedic skills were never better than what’s seen here in Supercop. From death-defying Kung Fu battles to hanging for his life from a helicopter rope ladder while on a collision course with an oncoming train, Supercop proved Chan among the greatest martial arts stars and stuntmen of all time.
3 Project A Part II (1987)
Jackie Chan as Sergeant Dragon Ma / Ma Yu-Lung
Project A: Part II
- Release Date
- August 19, 1987
- Writers
- Edward Tang
- Cast
- Jackie Chan , Maggie Cheung , Rosamund Kwan , Carina Lau , Bill Tung , Lam Wai , Kwan Hoi-San , Regina Kent , Isabella Wong , Chris Lee Kin-Sang , Tai Bo , Tai Bo , Mars , Ben Lam , Ken Lo , Lau Siu-Ming , Chu Tit-Wo , John Cheung Ng-Long , Lee Hoi-Sang , Michael Chan , Johnny Wang Lung-Wei , Mai Kei , Hon Yee-Sang , Chan Dik-Hak , Fan Mei-Sheng
- Character(s)
- Sgt. Dragon Ma Yue-Lung , Maggie , Ms. Pak , Carina , Chief Inspector Tung , Superintendent Chun , Navy Captain Chi , Regina , Chi Ying-Ying , Mr. D , Mr. B , Mars , Brawns , Brains , Imperial Ching’s Prince , Imperial Ching’s Guard , Choy , Tiger Au , Bravo Wong , Cobra , Mountain Tiger , Python , Black Bear
- Runtime
- 106 minutes
Jackie Chan returned for a sequel to his martial arts classic Project A; however, his close friends and co-stars Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao were both absent for Project A Part II. This sequel saw Chan become head of police for the Sai Wan district and encounter a gangster kingpin, anti-Manchu revolutionaries, runaway pirates, Manchu Loyalists, and a corrupt police superintendent. A worthy follow-up to the original, Project A Part II kept the crazy stunts, epic Kung Fu battles, and slapstick humor coming.
2 Drunken Master II (1994)
Jackie Chan as Wong Fei-hung
Drunken Master II is a martial arts film directed by Lau Kar-leung and starring Jackie Chan as Wong Fei-hung. Set in early 20th century China, the story follows Wong Fei-hung as he employs his unique style of drunken boxing to combat corrupt officials and foreign agents smuggling valuable artifacts. The film is renowned for its intricate choreography and traditional kung fu elements.
- Release Date
- February 3, 1994
- Writers
- Edward Tang , Man-Ming Tong , Kai-Chi Yuen , Rod Dean
- Cast
- Jackie Chan , Lung Ti , Anita Mui , Felix Wong , Chia-Liang Liu , Ken Lo , Kar Lok Chin , Ho-Sung Pak
- Runtime
- 102 Minutes
- Character(s)
- Wong Fei-hung , Wong Kei-ying , Ling , Tsang , Master Fu Wen-Chi , John , Fo Sang , Henry
Drunken Master II was also released under the title The Legend of Drunken Master and was a sequel to Chan’s breakout movie, the role that made him a star in Asia. While Drunken Master was a tough act to follow, this sequel more than lived up to its reputation and proved Chan as a master in blending martial arts and comedy in a way that’s accessible and enjoyable for viewers worldwide. Featuring some of the best fight sequences in Chan’s entire career, Drunken Master II was a jaw-dropping action movie that remains impressive three decades later.
1 Police Story 2 (1988)
Jackie Chan as Sergeant “Kevin” Chan Ka-kui
Jackie Chan outdid the original with the outstanding sequel, Police Story 2, an action comedy that upped the ante with bigger action sequences, wilder stunts, and a more emotionally engaging story. While Police Story 2 was just as funny as the first, it fleshed out its characters more and gave viewers a reason to connect with its story about a Hong Kong supercop stopping a group of blackmailing bombers. By pushing everything the original did to the next level, Police Story 2 stood as the crowning achievement in Jackie Chan’s unmatched career.
Source: Roger Ebert
