Mr. Canton and Lady Rose (1989)

"Mr. Canton and Lady Rose" isn't exactly known for its action, but don't let that put you off. The film is known by several names, including "Miracles," "Black Dragon," and "The Canton Godfather," but any version you find is a surefire hit. Chan plays a young guy whose fortunes improve after buying a rose from an elderly woman in this loose version of Frank Capra's 1961 film "Pocketful of Miracles." That relationship leads to his becoming a huge boss with a team of thugs under him, but his attempts to straighten out their antics result in friction and hijinks.

While the film's main themes are comedy, romance, and kindness, it also has some fantastic action. Chan's quick and never less than astounding acrobatic talents are showcased in smaller fights and sequences, but a third-act fight in a rope factory is an all-timer, comprising stunning beatdowns and brawls. Chan's direction is spot-on during the huge finale, but it's probably even more so throughout the film, as he perfectly evokes 1930s Hong Kong with vivid period visuals, fluid camerawork, and pitch-perfect production design. It deserves to be one of the best Jackie Chan movies.