The Police Story Saga — Action, Insanity, & Legendary Stunts

When it comes to pure adrenaline, real danger, and jaw-dropping stunts, no action series on Earth competes with Jackie Chan’s Police Story franchise. Beginning in 1985, the Police Story films redefined what action cinema could be. They weren’t just movies—they were athletic masterpieces, held together by bruises, broken bones, and Jackie Chan’s indomitable spirit.

Today, we’re diving deep into this legendary series—the highlights, the most insane stunts, the unforgettable fight scenes, detailed reviews of each film, and the scars left behind. Buckle up.

Police Story (1985)

The one that started it all.

Jackie plays Chan Ka-Kui, a Hong Kong cop framed for murder while trying to bring down a drug lord.

Key Highlights:

The Shantytown Destruction

Shopping Mall Mayhem

Injuries: Second-degree burns, back injuries, dislocated pelvis.

Quick Review: Police Story is a thunderous explosion of creativity and pain. It’s not just one of Jackie Chan’s best films—it’s one of the greatest action movies ever made.

Rating: 10/10

Police Story 2 (1988)

Bigger. Riskier. Even more bruises.

Key Highlights:

Restaurant Brawl

Firework Factory Explosion

Injuries: Near face burn.

Quick Review: More intricate fights and a deeper character arc. Jackie shows growth as both actor and director.

Rating: 8.5/10

Police Story 3: Supercop (1992)

International escalation.

Key Highlights:

Helicopter Hanging

Michelle Yeoh’s Motorcycle Jump

Injuries: Neck and shoulder injuries.

Quick Review: Incredible team-up with Michelle Yeoh and globally recognized stunts make this a franchise peak.

Rating: 9.5/10

Supercop 2 (1993)

More Michelle Yeoh, less Jackie.

Key Highlights:

Vault Escape

Quick Review: A solid spin-off carried by Yeoh’s charisma and daring.

Rating: 7.5/10

Police Story 4: First Strike (1996)

Chan Ka-Kui goes global.

Key Highlights:

Ladder Fight

Snowboard Chase

Shark Tank Fight

Quick Review: More comedic and globe-trotting but packed with unforgettable action scenes.

Rating: 8/10

New Police Story (2004)

Dark reboot. Emotional bruises.

Key Highlights:

Bank Rope Escape

Bus Hang

Quick Review: Mature, darker Jackie in a deeply emotional and stylish action story.

Rating: 9/10

Police Story 2013 (2013)

The grittiest take yet.

Key Highlights:

Cage Fight

Theme Park Showdown

Quick Review: Grounded and emotionally resonant, offering a serious take on police action.

Rating: 7.5/10

The Most Insane Stunts Across the Franchise

Mall Pole Slide (1985)

Helicopter Ladder (1992)

Rooftop-to-Bus Jump (1985)

Motorcycle Train Jump (1992, Yeoh)

Ladder Fight (1996)

Jackie Chan’s Injury Hall of Fame (Police Story Series Only)

Cracked pelvis

Burned hands and face

Dislocated vertebrae

Neck injuries

Rib fractures

Finger dislocations

Facial scars

Concussions

Best Fights and Stunts: Ranked

Shopping Mall Finale (Police Story)
Helicopter Ladder Escape (Supercop)
Fireworks Factory Fight (Police Story 2)
Ladder Fight (First Strike)
Michelle Yeoh’s Motorcycle Stunt (Supercop)
Bus Hang and Street Chase (New Police Story)
Rooftop-to-Bus Jump (Police Story)
Cage Fight (Police Story 2013)
Restaurant Brawl (Police Story 2)
Theme Park Showdown (Police Story 2013)

Essential Viewing Order for New Fans

Police Story (1985) — Start with the masterpiece.
Police Story 2 (1988) — Continue the journey.
Police Story 3: Supercop (1992) — Jackie and Michelle Yeoh shine.
Supercop 2 (1993) — Optional spin-off if you love Michelle Yeoh.
Police Story 4: First Strike (1996) — Bond-style adventures with Jackie.
New Police Story (2004) — Reboot with emotional depth.
Police Story 2013 (2013) — Gritty standalone capstone.

The Police Story series isn’t just the best action franchise Jackie Chan ever made—it’s one of the greatest action sagas ever filmed. It defined what action stunts should aspire to be: real, dangerous, breathtaking, and unforgettable.

In a world now saturated with CGI and green screens, watching Jackie Chan crash through glass, tumble from skyscrapers, and smile through broken bones feels almost like watching magic. Except it’s not magic. It’s pure human will, heart, and crazy, beautiful courage.

Long live Police Story. Long live Jackie Chan.