One of the funniest movies starring Jackie Chan is definitely “Drunken Master” (1978). This classic martial arts comedy showcases Chan’s unique blend of physical comedy and impressive fight choreography. The plot revolves around a young troublemaker named Wong Fei-hung, played by Chan, who is sent to learn martial arts from a strict and eccentric master called Beggar So.
The humor in “Drunken Master” stems from Chan’s impeccable timing and his ability to seamlessly integrate comedy into his action sequences. The film is filled with hilarious moments, such as Wong Fei-hung’s unorthodox training methods, which involve him getting drunk to unlock his hidden potential. The drunk fighting style that Chan popularized is both entertaining and comical to watch, as he stumbles and fumbles his way through fights, yet still manages to defeat his opponents with unexpected skill.
Another film that shouldn’t be overlooked in terms of comedy is “Rumble in the Bronx” (1995). While not a traditional martial arts film, it showcases Chan’s comedic talents in a modern setting. The movie follows Chan’s character, Keung, as he visits his uncle’s grocery store in New York City and gets caught up in a gang war. The fish-out-of-water scenario leads to numerous hilarious scenes, such as Keung’s encounters with inept criminals and his inventive use of everyday objects as weapons.
In “Dragons Forever” (1988), Chan teams up with fellow action stars Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao to deliver a fantastic blend of action and comedy. The film revolves around three lawyers who are hired to clean up a chemical company’s environmental mess. The chemistry between the three leads is electric, and their comedic timing is impeccable. The highlight of the movie is a hilarious sequence where Chan’s character accidentally ingests an aphrodisiac, leading to a series of embarrassing and laugh-out-loud moments.
“Shanghai Noon” (2000) is another standout comedy in Chan’s filmography. In this Western-themed adventure, Chan plays a Chinese imperial guard who teams up with a bumbling cowboy, played by Owen Wilson, to rescue a kidnapped princess. The film’s humor arises from the clash of cultures and the comedic chemistry between Chan and Wilson. Their banter and physical comedy create a lighthearted and entertaining experience throughout the movie.
These are just a few examples of Jackie Chan’s funniest movies, but it’s worth noting that his early works, such as “Project A” (1983) and “Police Story” (1985), also contain plenty of comedic moments. Whether it’s his physical antics, witty dialogue, or the way he incorporates humor into his fight scenes, Chan’s comedic timing and charm have made him a beloved and iconic figure in the world of action-comedy cinema.