Jackie Chan's 'Rush Hour' Finds Streaming Success as Fourth Film Talks Continue

One of Jackie Chan's most iconic films has recently become a streaming hit. The Hong Kong action star has enjoyed a long film career, beginning in 1959 and appearing in numerous movies and notable franchises. With one of those franchises rumored to return, audiences have begun revisiting the movie that started it all.

The franchise is Rush Hour, a buddy-cop comedy trilogy that debuted in 1998 and the first film grossed over $245.3 million worldwide. The film launched a trilogy starring Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan as two detectives who tackle criminal cases while navigating their cultural differences. Plans for a fourth Rush Hour movie have circulated for years, and Chan has expressed interest in returning if the script is good. However, in 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly pushed to revive the franchise, with controversial filmmaker Brett Ratner attached to direct the project. So far, few updates have emerged about the fourth installment.

Recently, the first Rush Hour movie found success on streaming, landing at No. 9 on Netflix's Top 10 Movies chart, between Sniper: The Last Stand and The Birthday Gift. The film stars Tucker as LAPD Detective James Carter, who teams up with Chief Inspector Lee (Chan) to investigate a kidnapping case that threatens to become an international incident. Since its release, the film has received praise from audiences and critics, earning a 64% critics' score and a 79% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

How Successful Was the 'Rush Hour' Franchise?

The first Rush Hour movie was a box-office success, grossing $245.3 million worldwide against its reported $35 million budget and earning positive reviews from audiences and critics. Its success led to the release of Rush Hour 2 in 2001, and it earned more at the box office than its predecessor. The sequel follows the duo as they investigate a bombing at a U.S. Consulate in Hong Kong that kills two agents. The film grossed $347.4 million worldwide and was well received by audiences, although critics were less enthusiastic.

In 2007, the franchise returned with Rush Hour 3, which grossed over $258 million worldwide and received negative reviews from critics, earning an 18% critics' score, but was praised by audiences with a 63% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The third installment follows the two detectives as they investigate a criminal conspiracy in Paris. Altogether, the Rush Hour trilogy has grossed over $850 million worldwide. Out of the three films, Rush Hour 2 also received recognition during awards season, winning several awards, including "Favorite Movie," "Favorite Movie Actor" for Chris Tucker, and "Favorite Male Butt Kicker" for Chan at the 2002 Kids' Choice Awards, as well as "Best Fight" at the 2002 MTV Movie Awards.