How Jackie Chan Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

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

Jackie Chan, born Fang Shilong, is a highly influential Hong Kong martial artist, actor, and filmmaker. Renowned for his acrobatic fighting style, comedic timing, and self-performed innovative stunts, Chan has had a film career spanning over six decades. He is considered a cinema icon, with his films grossing over $6 billion globally.

Sections (6)

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

1984: Spartan X Game Release

In 1984, Jackie Chan's film Wheels on Meals 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, 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, Spartan X laid the foundations for the beat 'em up genre, and inspired other games including Street Fighter.

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1990: Release of Jackie Chan's Action Kung Fu

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

1995: Feature in Jackie Chan The Kung-Fu Master

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

1995: 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 the world has ever known."

2001: Induction into the Martial Arts History Museum Hall of Fame

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

2011: Inspiration for The Raid: Redemption

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

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November 2013: Statue Unveiled in front of JC Film Gallery

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 the JC Film Gallery

In the spring of 2014, the JC Film Gallery opened.

2015: "Duang" Viral Meme

In 2015, a made-up word inspired by Jackie Chan's description of his hair during an interview for a commercial, duang, became an internet viral meme, particularly in China.

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: Tom Holland on Chan as influence

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

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2025: Honorary Black Belt by the World Karate Federation

In 2025, Jackie Chan was awarded an honorary black belt by the World Karate Federation, along with his Karate Kid: Legends co-star Ralph Macchio during the film's New York premiere.