How Jackie Chan Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

How the contributions of Jackie Chan continue to shape the world today.

Jackie Chan, born Chan Kong-sang, is a highly influential Hong Kong martial artist, actor, and filmmaker. Renowned for his acrobatic fighting style, slapstick humor, comic timing, and daring stunts he performs himself, Chan has built a career spanning over six decades. He is considered one of cinema's most iconic and influential martial artists. His films have collectively grossed over $6 billion globally, solidifying his status as a major entertainment figure.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1984: Spartan X Arcade Game Release

In 1984, Jackie Chan's film Wheels on Meals (called Spartan X in Japan) spawned the hit beat 'em up arcade game Spartan X (released as Kung-Fu Master in Western markets).

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1985: Inspiration for Super Mario Bros.

In 1985, the arcade game Spartan X laid the foundations for the beat 'em up genre, and inspired other games including Super Mario Bros.

1987: Inspiration for Street Fighter

In 1987, the arcade game Spartan X laid the foundations for the beat 'em up genre, and inspired other games including Street Fighter.

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1990: Jackie Chan's Action Kung Fu Release

In 1990, Jackie Chan's Action Kung Fu was released for the PC-Engine and Nintendo Entertainment System.

January 1995: Most popular action movie star in Asia and Europe

By the mid-1990s, Jackie Chan was the most popular action movie star in Asia and Europe. Up until January 1995, his films had grossed over HK$500 million in Hong Kong and ¥39 billion in Japan.

1995: Jackie Chan The Kung-Fu Master Arcade Game

In 1995, Jackie Chan was featured in the arcade game Jackie Chan The Kung-Fu Master.

1995: Presented with Lifetime Achievement Award at MTV Movie Awards

In 1995, Quentin Tarantino presented Jackie Chan with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the MTV Movie Awards, describing him as one of the best filmmakers and physical comedians.

2001: Inducted into Martial Arts History Museum Hall of Fame

In 2001, Jackie Chan was inducted into the Martial Arts History Museum Hall of Fame.

2004: Film scholar Andrew Willis describes Chan as the most recognized star in the world

In 2004, film scholar Andrew Willis described Jackie Chan as perhaps "the most recognized star in the world."

2011: Named one of the top 10 most charitable celebrities by Forbes

In 2011, Jackie Chan was named one of the top 10 most charitable celebrities by Forbes.

2011: Inspiration for The Raid: Redemption

In 2011, the Indonesian cinema film The Raid: Redemption took inspiration from Jackie Chan's fight sequences and action choreography.

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November 2013: Unveiling of Statue

In November 2013, a statue of Jackie Chan was unveiled in front of what is now known as the JC Film Gallery.

2014: Inspiration for Kingsman: The Secret Service

In 2014, the film Kingsman: The Secret Service took inspiration from Jackie Chan's fight sequences and action choreography.

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2014: Opening of JC Film Gallery

In the spring of 2014, the JC Film Gallery opened in front of which a statue of Jackie Chan had been unveiled.

2015: "Duang" Viral Meme

In 2015, a made-up word, duang, inspired by Jackie Chan's description of his hair during an interview for a commercial, became an internet viral meme, particularly in China. The Chinese character for the word is a composite of two characters of Chan's name.

2016: Honorary Academy Award and ranking by Forbes

In 2016, Jackie Chan received an honorary Academy Award. In 2016, Forbes ranked him the second-highest-paid actor in the world.

2017: Inspiration for Atomic Blonde

In 2017, the film Atomic Blonde took inspiration from Jackie Chan's fight sequences and action choreography.

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2018: Inspiration for Black Panther

In 2018, Marvel Cinematic Universe films such as Black Panther took inspiration from Jackie Chan's fight sequences and action choreography.

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2020: Wax Figure at Madame Tussauds New York

In 2020, a wax figure of Jackie Chan was revealed at Madame Tussauds New York.

2020: Inspiration for Birds of Prey and Extraction

In 2020, the DC Extended Universe film Birds of Prey and the Netflix film Extraction took inspiration from Jackie Chan's fight sequences and action choreography.

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2021: Inspiration for Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

In 2021, Marvel Cinematic Universe films such as Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings took inspiration from Jackie Chan's fight sequences and action choreography.

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2022: Cited as Influence on Uncharted

In 2022, Tom Holland cited Jackie Chan as an influence on several action scenes in Uncharted, noting Chan's use of his surroundings to fight people in unique ways.

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