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The Transporter

The Transporter

Rules are made to be broken.

200292 minPG-13Midcredits score: 72nd percentile of all films
Director
Corey Yuen
Starring
Jason Statham, Shu Qi, François Berléand, Matt Schulze

Former Special Forces officer Frank Martin will deliver anything to anyone for the right price, and his no-questions-asked policy puts him in high demand. But when he realizes his latest cargo is alive, it sets in motion a dangerous chain of events. The bound and gagged Lai is being smuggled to France by a shady American businessman, and Frank works to save her as his own illegal activities are uncovered by a French detective.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Transporter?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Transporter streaming on Disney+ and to rent or buy on Apple TV.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Transporter?

The Transporter earns 6 badges, led by Crowd Pleaser and Heavy for a PG-13-rated film.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content

Reception

Is The Transporter worth watching?

The Transporter's Midcredits score is the 72nd percentile of all films, from 523K ratings across 6 sources. 66% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

72nd percentile

Better received than 72% of films

84th percentile among Action70th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)67th
Approval (how many liked it)74th

66 /100

67th percentile of all films

81st percentile among Action66th percentile among 2000s

Critics 51 · Audience 67

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.9 — solid but not unanimous.

Approval

How many liked it

66% liked it

74th percentile of all films

83rd percentile among Action72nd percentile among 2000s
66% rated it 7–1034% rated it 1–6

Critics 53% · Audience 73%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

98th percentile

523K ratings across platforms

97th percentile among Action97th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 39% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$21M
Opening weekend$9.1M
Domestic gross$25M
Worldwide gross$44M

Returned 2.1× its budget — 77th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A slick, fast-paced action movie that prioritizes style and spectacle over plot depth and realism.

Fans praised

  • Stylish high-octane action with inventive fight choreography
  • Jason Statham's charismatic, physically commanding lead performance
  • Fun, self-aware popcorn entertainment that doesn't pretend to be deep

Detractors panned

  • Paper-thin, clichéd plot that becomes incoherent in the second half
  • Unrealistic action logic with absurd stunts and villains who forget they have guns
  • Weak villain characterization and grating female lead performance

What stands out

Cinematography72

Glossy French Riviera visuals and clean action framing

Effects and spectacleDivisive70

Practical stunts and creative set pieces marred by weak CGI

PacingDivisive65

Breathless first half, sluggish romantic second half

ActingDivisive63

Statham's cool charisma vs wooden supporting cast

TensionDivisive55

Low stakes due to invincible hero and inept enemies

CharactersDivisive35

Cardboard villains and underdeveloped love interest

OriginalityDivisive30

Derivative mix of Bond, Die Hard, and HK action tropes

Plot and storyDivisive28

Generic smuggling setup that falls apart mid-film

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 12 points higher than women.

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 12 points higher than users.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Under-30s vs over-30s 2 points apart
  • US vs non-US 8 points apart

Watch experience

What is The Transporter like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Fun ride: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want a fun ride.

It is intense, never lets up and leaves you entertained. Skip it when you want something with weight.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Fun ride.

The answer rests on this: Moods
ThrillingTenseRomantic
Heaviest: middle
Register
Adventurous · 11% of filmsExuberant · 2% of films: Bursting with energy and joy in its own filmmaking.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its over-the-top action with a knowing, stylish flair, never taking itself too seriously.
The rideThe film sustains a high-octane, tense feel throughout, with the middle stretch (the package reveal and chase) carrying the most emotional and physical weight.
StructureConventional linear narrative, no non-linear or experimental devices.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Entertained.

The answer rests on this: FunFeel-good
Why it leaves you this wayA high-octane action film that leaves you thrilled and satisfied, perfect for a fun movie night.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).MonsterTyrant
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% (this title) · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Tyrant: A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).

21% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeA rule-bound driver breaks his own code, leading him into conflict with a human-trafficking ring; his journey is about confronting and defeating the tyrant villain.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfSelf-worth
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% (this title) · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Self-worth · 7% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Single lead
How it treats its themeFrank's adherence to his rules of detachment is challenged by his conscience, forcing him to confront his own value system and ultimately risk himself to save others.
StanceThe film celebrates Frank's reawakened conscience and his willingness to break his own rules to do the right thing, framed as a cool, heroic triumph.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanIn transitStylized realism
ElectronicRockForeground music · hybrid · Stanley Clarke
SettingCôte d'Azur, France — a chauffeur's world of luxury cars and seedy deals
MusicThe score combines driving electronic beats and rock elements to amplify the chase sequences and cool atmosphere.

Content guide

Is The Transporter okay for kids?

PG-13

The Transporter is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for violent sequences and some sensuality” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (67/100), sexual content at moderate (35/100), language at intense (62/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (37/100) and frightening material at intense (65/100). Overall it is heavier than 91% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 18 other countries
  • UK15
  • Canada14A
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany16
  • France12
  • Ireland15
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil12
  • Belgium16
  • Czechia12+
  • FinlandK-16
  • Hungary16
  • Netherlands12
  • Poland16
  • RO18
  • Russia16+
  • Spain18
  • Sweden15
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 59% of all filmsHeavier than 91% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Intense
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 86%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 64%
Profanity
Intense
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 92%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 72%
Frightening / Intense
Intense
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 84%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is violence, frightening material, and language. Everything else sits at or below what PG-13-rated films usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does The Transporter have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Transporter?

Cast

4 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen.

Jason Statham
as Frank Martin
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Shu Qi
as Lai
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
François Berléand
as Inspector Tarconi
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Matt Schulze
as Wall Street
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Ric Young
as Mr. Kwai
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Doug Rand
as Leader
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Didier Saint Melin
as Boss
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Tonio Descanvelle
as Thug 1
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Laurent Desponds
as Thug 2
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Matthieu Albertini
as Thug 3
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Transporter?

Movies like The Transporter include Taxi (2004), Transporter 3 (2008) and DOA: Dead or Alive (2006). Of the 12 closest matches, two are films by Corey Yuen, and several are police chase stories.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

8 of these 12 share its story type: martial arts. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with The Transporter?

1.4K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: martial arts. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.