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 unique blend of slapstick comedy, acrobatic fighting sequences, and exceptional stunt work (often performed by himself), Chan has become a global icon in cinema. His career extends over six decades, and his films have collectively grossed over $5.8 billion worldwide, solidifying his status as one of the most recognizable and impactful martial artists in film history.

Sections (6)

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

1984: Inspiration for Spartan X arcade game

In 1984, Jackie Chan's film "Wheels on Meals" (called Spartan X in Japan) inspired the hit arcade game "Spartan X" (Kung-Fu Master in Western markets).

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1985: Inspiration for Super Mario Bros.

In 1985, "Spartan X", inspired by Jackie Chan's "Wheels on Meals", laid the foundations for the beat 'em up genre and inspired games including "Super Mario Bros.".

1987: Inspiration for Street Fighter

In 1987, "Spartan X", inspired by Jackie Chan's "Wheels on Meals", laid the foundations for the beat 'em up genre and inspired games including "Street Fighter".

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1995: MTV Movie Awards Lifetime Achievement Award

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 greatest physical comedians.

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

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

2004: Described 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."

March 2008: Guest of honour at the launch of the Jackie Chan Science Centre

On 10 March 2008, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd launched the Jackie Chan Science Centre at the John Curtin School of Medical Research of the Australian National University, with Chan as the guest of honour.

2011: Inspiration for The Raid: Redemption

In 2011, Jackie Chan's fight sequences and action choreography inspired the Indonesian film "The Raid: Redemption".

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November 2013: Unveiling of Jackie Chan Statue

In November 2013, a statue of Jackie Chan was unveiled in front of what would become the JC Film Gallery.

2014: Inspiration for Kingsman: The Secret Service

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

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2014: Opening of the JC Film Gallery

In the spring of 2014, the JC Film Gallery opened, located in front of where a statue of Jackie Chan had been unveiled in November 2013.

2015: Forbes Estimated Net Worth

In 2015, Forbes estimated Jackie Chan's net worth to be $350 million.

2016: Honorary Academy Award

In 2016, Jackie Chan received an honorary Academy Award.

2017: Inspiration for Atomic Blonde

In 2017, Jackie Chan's fight sequences and action choreography inspired the film "Atomic Blonde".

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2018: Inspiration for Marvel's Black Panther

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

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2020: Inspiration for Birds of Prey and Extraction

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

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