Rush Hour Movies: Release Order
The Rush Hour trilogy is a straightforward buddy cop action-comedy series that pairs LAPD Detective James Carter with Hong Kong Police Inspector Lee for high-stakes international adventures. The films blend Jackie Chan's signature martial arts choreography with Chris Tucker's rapid-fire comedy, creating a successful formula that helped bridge Eastern and Western action cinema.
Since the trilogy follows a linear storyline with character development that carries forward through each installment, the release order matches the chronological story progression, taking Carter and Lee to different locations around the world.
Linear Timeline: Release Order = Story Order
Rush Hour
When a Hong Kong inspector is called to Los Angeles to investigate a kidnapping, he's paired with a loud-mouthed LAPD detective who was supposed to keep him out of the way. The mismatched duo form an unlikely partnership to solve the case themselves.
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Rush Hour 2
Detective Carter and Inspector Lee team up again when their Hong Kong vacation turns dangerous after they stumble upon a deadly counterfeiting operation involving a Triad gang. The mismatched partners must navigate fist fights and life-threatening situations while uncovering the truth behind a bombing at the American Embassy.
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Rush Hour 3
The mismatched duo of Lee and Carter head to Paris to retrieve a crucial list of names while being pursued by a dangerous crime syndicate. This time, Lee's past catches up with him as they fight through gangsters in their most personal case yet.
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Other Film Series
Armor of God
Jackie Chan's globe-trotting adventure trilogy following treasure hunter Asian Hawk on international quests for ancient artifacts.
In the Line of Duty
A landmark Hong Kong action franchise featuring female police officers in intense martial arts and stunt-heavy adventures.
Johnny English
A comedy spy trilogy starring Rowan Atkinson as the bumbling MI7 agent Johnny English, parodying the James Bond franchise with slapstick humor and satirical espionage adventures.
No Retreat, No Surrender
A trilogy of standalone martial arts action films connected only by title and shared themes of underdog fighters facing overwhelming odds.
Taxi
French action-comedy franchise about a taxi driver and a clumsy cop fighting crime in Marseille, plus an unconnected American remake set in New York.
The Roundup
A South Korean crime action franchise following Detective Ma Seok-do as he takes on increasingly dangerous criminal organizations.