The Beekeeper is the latest movie in Jason Statham’s filmography, which spends more time portraying high-paced action than it does on logic or intelligent screenwriting. That isn’t to say that The Beekeeper isn’t a lot of fun, though. Sometimes, a silly action flick like this is exactly what audiences need, and it’s hard to deny that the film is visually well-made and contains an array of carefully crafted choreography.

There are quite a few films out there that could be compared to The Beekeeper, whether it’s due to their silly premises, fantastic choreography, big action names inhabiting the roles, or similar concepts at the heart of the releases. These movies are all great for different reasons, and many have gone on to form a part of larger franchises, which continue to delight in the action genre.

The Expendables Relies on Notable Action Stars For a Silly Premise

• Fun Fact: The Expendables was initially developed under the title ‘Barrow.’

The very premise of The Expendables, to bring together a roster of action legends from a bygone era and thrust them together into a new high-velocity scenario, was a stroke of genius. While there are those films from the 80s, 90s, and beyond that probably require a reboot, this was a way to relive the glory days, albeit with a more generic pre-tense.

Jason Statham is one of the stars of the franchise, but huge names like Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jet Li, Megan Fox, and even Chuck Norris lend their talents to this bonkers blockbuster saga. Much like The Beekeeper, this plays to all the tropes of the genre, but this is the kind of throwback fans were hoping for.

The Kingsman Focuses on a Secret Society

• Fun Fact: The Kingsman comic series has previously been published by Marvel, Image & Dark Horse comics.

One of the most interesting elements of The Beekeeper is the titular Beekeepers themselves, a secretive organization that star Jason Statham is linked to. Secret groups that operate in the shadows have appeared again and again across the action genre, but perhaps no one did it better than the Kingsman.

The spy franchise based on the comic book series reinvigorated the espionage genre with intense action sequences and fantastic comedy moments. With an ensemble cast whose chemistry was immediately obvious and unforgettable set pieces such as the Church scene, it’s a shame that the sequel and prequel didn’t quite live up to the original. Kingsman: The Secret Service is nonetheless still a huge leap forward for spy films.

G.I. Joe: Retaliation Was a Franchise Refresher With Notable Names

• Fun Fact: A sequel titled G.I. Joe: Ever Vigilant was supposed to be released in 2020.

The initial G.I. Joe outing didn’t live up to expectations, with fans of the franchise suggesting that it had become a poor imitation of the material they were used to. The sequel aimed to adhere closer to the comics, animation, and toys and ended up providing a genuinely good time at the cinema.

Just like The Beekeeper, G.I. Joe: Retaliation focuses on a quest for vengeance that doesn’t really require much thinking for the audience. This is one of those movies that viewers have to strap in for, as it’s a superhero-style outing with a difference. It wasn’t enough to warrant a sequel, but a Snake Eyes spinoff and Transformers crossover suggests that the Joes aren’t quite done yet. Irrespective of its performance, this is a real rollercoaster ride that fans are more likely to revisit.

Red Adapts Action Material in a Whimsical Way

• Fun Fact: Red is the first film from DC that wasn’t produced by Warner Bros.

There is a litany of action and adventure films out there that follow similar premises, cast familiar faces and ultimately touch on many of the same beats. It takes a bold storyteller to try and break that cycle, or at the very least have fun with those premises. The Beekeeper chose to do that latter, and Red doesn’t shy away from its sillier elements either.

With action icon Bruce Willis in the lead and veterans such as Helen Mirren, John Malkovich, Karl Urban, and Morgan Freeman rounding out the cast, it’s obvious that the material was always going to be elevated. With Willis evading the attempts on his life as a former black-ops agent, he gets the band back together to put an end to all of it. The beats might be predictable, but the thrill is in the journey.

John Wick Built a Wider World to Explore

• Fun Fact: Keanu Reeves got involved in the writing process to change John’s dialogue to match his style.

When it comes to the quality of the storytelling and crispness of the action, The Beekeeper and John Wick simply cannot be placed in the same category. The Keanu Reeves saga started strong with the initial low-budget experimental piece that took inspiration from non-American action films but grew to become a juggernaut.

No one hits harder than Wick, and the series has defined itself, somehow unusually, on the inventiveness of the fight sequences themselves. What Wick and Beekeeper do have in common, though, is the commitment to lore and world-building, with both narratives relying upon a wider universe that might not make sense but is incredibly compelling.

Nobody Tried to Tap Into a Niche Section Of the Genre

• Fun Fact: A John Wick & Nobody crossover has been seriously discussed by producers.

Just like John Wick before it, Nobody took a punt at the action genre and tried to bring something new to the table. The everyman trope had been perfected in Die Hard, but Nobody tried to revive that particular sentiment, throwing in some Home Alone style trap making for good measure.

Nobody and The Beekeeper both have fun with their premises and tap into slightly different areas of the genre, hoping to leave a lasting impact. The idea of someone being brought back into the fold after being out of action for some time also makes for compelling drama, and the stakes were high for Bob Odenkirk’s punchy protagonist.

The Transporter Is a Must-Watch in Statham’s Arsenal

• Fun Fact: The Transporter was originally inspired by a short film series called The Hire.

Jason Statham is front and center in The Beekeeper, and in many ways, the film sums up where he is in his career. Statham is a household name and can beautifully balance comedy and action while still being believable in everything that he does. The Transporter is arguably one of the most integral films in his archives for creating that image.

The Transporter, which inspired a TV show with some fantastic action sequences, is a must-watch for fans of Statham, who inhabits the titular role and transports items of special interest and value. As an ex-special forces agent, The Transporter taps into everything Statham does best and is a standout compared to similar affairs such as The Mechanic and Crank.

Olympus Has Fallen Is Action Franchising at Its Finest

• Fun Fact: The first sequence of the film was produced almost entirely with CGI.

Olympus Has Fallen found itself in hot water after competing against a very similar movie in White House Down. Olympus Has Fallen proved itself to have more longevity, though, with the franchise continuing on. Despite copycats existing, it stood its ground, much like The Beekeeper will have to do as it faces other similar flicks in the future.

This is franchising at its finest, though, because it plays with big stakes in a gritty and relatable world while also exploring the shadowy underbelly of United States security. Many of those themes are touched upon in The Beekeeper, and while there’s a seriousness to this release, that is backed up by the intensity of the action scenes.

6 Underground Had Big Ambitions

Fun Fact: Composer Lorne Balfe had previously worked with Michael Bay on 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi.

6 Underground had massive ambitions, with the movie crafting a deeper world that was always supposed to be explored further in other sequels. The Beekeeper has done the same, crafting an infrastructure and universe that audiences are both engaged and entertained by.

6 Underground isn’t perfect, but it takes some massive swings, with the main team composed of an array of talented mercenaries, each of whom brings something different to the table. It might sound familiar, but it goes big with global stakes and expensive set pieces adding to the spectacle of the piece. It doesn’t have the finesse of classic comedy kung fu films or gritty John Wick-style movies, but its lofty vision cannot be understated.

The Gray Man Took Itself Seriously With a Talented Ensemble

• Fun Fact: Both a sequel & spinoff film are still in development.

The Beekeeper packs a talented ensemble, and while it leans into its silliness, it does, at times, take its premise genuinely very seriously. The Gray Man never backs down from its concept and is utterly attached to presenting the very idea of a Gray Man as a force to be reckoned with.

It’s interesting to see how the two movies have taken diverging paths despite some of the beats remaining the same. The Gray Man also utilizes an incredible cast, with the likes of Ana de Armas, Chris Evans, and Ryan Gosling at the top of their game. Although, at times, the editing fails to capture the beautiful choreography, there’s a thriller edge to this espionage tale that gives it a much-needed selling point.