Jason Statham's action thriller movie Statham's action movies are what the lead actor is best known for, being the face of everything from The Expendables movies to The Meg duology. However, one of the action movies that helped expand his role in the gene was The Mechanic, a 2011 remake of the Charles Bronson-led 1972 movie of the same name. Statham's version got mixed reviews from critics, but is still well-ed for its action sequences.

Now, Netflix has revealed The Mechanic made it onto the streaming service's Top 10 movies list in the US for the week of September 30 through October 6, 2024. The movie came in at Number 5 for the week, just under the Sylvester Stallone-led action film Escape Plan, and just above The Platform 2, a sequel to the streamer's popular 2019 Spanish sci-fi movie. Sitting right in the middle of the list, Statham's movie clearly has plenty of viewers who want to see action sequences with him front and center.

Should You Watch Jason Statham's The Mechanic?

The Movie Has Plenty Of Engaging Action Sequences

It's not surprising to see the Statham action movie end up on Netflix's Top 10 list in the last week, especially considering the film was added to the platform at the start of the month.

The action movie follows assassin Arthur Bishop (Statham), who sets out on a quest for revenge after his mentor, Harry McKenna (Donald Sutherland), is killed. Alongside Harry's son, Steve McKenna (Ben Foster), the assassin sets out on his vengeful path, which includes killing those involved by making their deaths look like accidents or suicides. Although reviews for The Mechanic were mixed when the movie came out, the movie is filled with engaging action sequences that are easy to sit back and watch play out.

But, despite fun action sprinkled throughout the movie, The Mechanic isn't as engaging in the story department as the Bronson-led 1972 original. This includes the original introducing a staple of its story, featuring a 16-minute opening without any dialogue as Bishop dispatches of one of his targets. However, despite the original having a more engaging dynamic between him and Steve, alongside other, nuanced creative choices, the remake is still a fun watch thanks to its constant spectacle and recognizable lead.

Our Take On The Mechanic Getting Onto Netflix's Top 10

It's Unsurprising Given Its Recent Release On The Platform

It's not surprising to see the Statham action movie end up on Netflix's Top 10 list in the last week, especially considering the film was added to the platform at the start of the month. While the original is a classic Bronson film with plenty of engaging story elements, some may find The Mechanic's remake better simply due to the updated action and more recognizable faces for modern times. Because of these factors, it makes sense the movie has become popular on Netflix, signaling a strong case for other Statham action films to come to the platform.

Despite mixed reviews and barely breaking even at the box office, a sequel, Mechanic: Resurrection, was released in 2016, becoming a financial success despite similar reviews.

The Mechanic isn't even considered one of the actor's best movies, with his most highly-praised movie being the 2015 action comedy Spy, sporting a 95% on Rotten Tomatoes. However, the fact it's managed to engage a large audience on Netflix, even though it's one movie that's less considered by critics, shows the draw the star has thanks to his seasoned action career. With Statham leading many franchises where he plays someone thrust into an action-packed premise, this staple of his career makes any high-octane film with him in it worth watching for the initiated.

The success of The Mechanic on Netflix may also build hype for some of the lead actor's two action roles next year. This includes the movie Levon's Trade, written by Sylvester Stallone and directed by David Ayer, which stars Statham as an ex-black ops agent thrust back into a life of espionage. The other movie is Mutiny, following the actor as Cole Reed, a Special Forces member turned private security guard framed for his billionaire friend's murder. With both movies coming in 2025, it's clear the seasoned actor has plenty of action-packed sequences left in his career's future.

Read More About The Mechanic

The Film Is A Staple Of Statham's Movie Career

While the original forthcoming Fast & Furious 11 - they do show how well he can adapt to new premises across the action genre. This is once where The Mechanic stood, meaning similar success could be found in his standalone movies.

Since memorable scenes from Statham and a story that is still engaging, despite unfavorable comparisons to the original, The Mechanic is a strong entry within the actor's action-packed career.

While The Mechanic is streaming on Netflix, its sequel, Mechanic: Resurrection, is streaming on Freevee via Prime Video.

Source: Netflix