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 actor, filmmaker, martial artist, and stuntman, celebrated for his acrobatic fighting style, comedic timing, and daring stunts. Beginning his career as one of the Seven Little Fortunes from the Peking Opera School's China Drama Academy, where he trained in acrobatics, martial arts, and acting, Chan has starred in over 150 films across six decades. He is considered an icon in martial arts cinema for his innovative and often self-performed stunts, solidifying his place as one of cinema's most recognized and respected martial artists.

Sections (6)

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

1984: Release of Spartan X (Kung-Fu Master)

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).

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.

1995: Lifetime Achievement Award at MTV Movie Awards

In 1995, American filmmaker 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, Jackie Chan's fight sequences and action choreography served as an inspiration for The Raid: Redemption from Indonesian cinema.

November 2013: Unveiling of Jackie Chan 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, Jackie Chan's fight sequences and action choreography served as an inspiration for Kingsman: The Secret Service.

2014: Opening of JC Film Gallery

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

2017: Inspiration for Atomic Blonde

In 2017, Jackie Chan's fight sequences and action choreography served as an inspiration for Atomic Blonde.

2018: Inspiration for Black Panther

In 2018, Jackie Chan's fight sequences and action choreography served as an inspiration for Marvel Cinematic Universe film Black Panther.

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2020: Inspiration for Birds of Prey and Extraction

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

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2020: Wax Figure Revealed at Madame Tussauds New York

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

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

In 2021, Jackie Chan's fight sequences and action choreography served as an inspiration for Marvel Cinematic Universe film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.

2022: Influence on Action Scenes in 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.