Even the biggest action stars have a few hidden gems in their filmography—movies that didn't set the box office on fire but still pack plenty of punch. For Jason Statham, that film is Safe, a 95-minute crime thriller that's now streaming for free on Pluto TV this June 2026. If you missed it the first time around, now's your chance to catch one of Statham's most underrated performances.
Directed by Boaz Yakin, Safe follows Luke Wright (Statham), a former cage fighter whose life unravels after he crosses the Russian mob. When he encounters a young girl named Mei (Catherine Chan) who's being hunted by multiple criminal factions for her mathematical genius, Wright becomes her unlikely protector. What follows is a gritty, fast-paced ride through New York's underworld, complete with bone-crunching fights and Statham's signature deadpan one-liners.
The supporting cast is stacked with familiar faces: Robert John Burke (RoboCop 3) as Captain Wolf, James Hong (Everything Everywhere All at Once) as Han Jiao, Anson Mount (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds) as Alex Rosen, Chris Sarandon (The Princess Bride) as Mayor Tremello, and Reggie Lee (Grimm) as Quan Chang. It's a ensemble that elevates the material beyond typical straight-to-streaming fare.
Why 'Safe' Didn't Make a Big Splash
Despite Statham's star power, Safe struggled to find its audience. Released in 2012, it grossed about $40.6 million worldwide against a $30 million budget—a modest return that barely covered production costs when marketing and distribution were factored in. Adjusted for inflation, that's roughly $55 million worldwide on a $40 million budget, making it a theatrical disappointment.
Critics were similarly mixed. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film sits at 59% with the consensus noting that while it's hard-hitting and creatively violent, the plot is too formulaic to stand out from the action crowd. But for fans of Statham's no-nonsense style, that formula is exactly what makes it enjoyable.
A Turning Point in Statham's Career
Interestingly, Safe didn't derail Statham's momentum—it may have even helped. Shortly after its release, he joined the Fast & Furious franchise, a move that catapulted him to even greater heights. The film serves as a fascinating snapshot of an actor on the cusp of superstardom, still willing to take risks on smaller projects.
For those who love uncovering forgotten action gems, Safe is a perfect pick. It's also a great companion piece to other underrated thrillers like Tom Welling's 'Professionals', which offers a similar blend of grit and heart. And if you're in the mood for more Statham, don't miss 'Collateral' hitting Pluto TV this month as well.
So grab some popcorn, settle in, and rediscover why Jason Statham remains one of the most reliable action stars working today. Safe may not be his most famous film, but it's a solid reminder of his ability to elevate even the most straightforward material.
