With the release of David Ayer‘s (The Beekeeper, End of Watch) A Working Man this Friday, it’s the perfect time to revisit action heroes who don’t necessarily rely on special training or extraordinary powers. Instead, these protagonists use the very skills they’ve honed in their everyday jobs to rise to the occasion when danger strikes. A Working Man follows Levon Cade (Jason Statham), a man who left behind a decorated military career in black ops to live a simpler life working construction. But when his boss’s daughter, who is like family to him, is taken by human traffickers, Levon’s search to bring her home uncovers a world of corruption far greater than he ever could have imagined. From a humble limo driver to a small-town diner owner, here are eight action-packed films where characters use their job-specific skills to save the day.
The Vanishing (1993) – Rex (Jeff Bridges)
Job: Gas Station Attendant
In The Vanishing, Rex is a gas station attendant whose life is turned upside down when his wife mysteriously disappears. His job might not seem like the typical setup for a thriller, but Rex’s deep understanding of human nature, his ability to stay calm in stressful situations, and his patience are key to uncovering the truth behind her disappearance. His experience in handling odd situations at the gas station and reading people’s behaviors helps him track down the person responsible for the crime, proving that everyday life skills can lead to extraordinary acts of courage.
The Cleaning Lady (2018) – Alice (Elodie Yung)
Job: Cleaning Lady
In The Cleaning Lady, Alice (Elodie Yung) works as a cleaning lady, doing mundane tasks to make a living. However, when she inadvertently becomes entangled in the dangerous world of organized crime, Alice must rely on her resourcefulness and cunning to survive. Though she has no combat training, her ability to observe, adapt, and stay calm under pressure becomes her greatest asset as she faces life-or-death situations. Her job might seem ordinary, but it sets the stage for her transformation from an everyday woman into someone who fights for survival, proving that the most unlikely people can become heroes when the stakes are high.
The Transporter (2002) – Frank Martin (Jason Statham)
Job: Chauffeur/Driver
In The Transporter, Jason Statham’s character, Frank Martin, is a professional driver known for his no-questions-asked approach to transporting high-risk cargo. While his job might seem simple—just driving from point A to point B—Frank’s expertise in driving, evasive maneuvers, and quick decision-making are critical when things go awry. When his latest “package” turns out to be a human being in need of help, Frank’s driving skills and attention to detail help him navigate dangerous situations and ultimately save the day. His precision and ability to think on the fly make him the ultimate “everyday hero” in an extraordinary set of circumstances.
Die Hard (1988) – John McClane (Bruce Willis)
Job: New York City Cop
Die Hard introduced us to John McClane (Bruce Willis), an ordinary cop from New York who finds himself in an extraordinary situation when terrorists take over a Los Angeles skyscraper. What makes McClane such a memorable action hero is his relatability—he isn’t a superhuman soldier or an elite operative. In fact, when we first meet McClane, he’s just an ordinary guy trying to reconnect with his wife, and he definitely doesn’t look or act like your typical action hero. However, as the situation becomes more dire, we see McClane’s street-smart instincts, resourcefulness, and police training in action. His ability to think on his feet, stay calm under pressure, and rely on his experience as a cop is what makes him an iconic hero—someone who rises to the occasion, even when the odds are stacked against him.
The Resident (2011) – Juliet (Hilary Swank)
Job: Doctor
In The Resident, Juliet (Hilary Swank) is a doctor who, despite having a seemingly normal profession, becomes entangled in a terrifying situation after moving into a new apartment. What begins as an everyday housing decision quickly turns into a nightmare when she uncovers dark secrets about her landlord and the sinister events unfolding in her home. Juliet’s medical background, along with her ability to remain composed in high-pressure situations, becomes crucial as she must use her wits and resolve to escape danger. Her ordinary job as a doctor might not prepare her for this kind of threat, but her intelligence and resilience help her fight back when she’s pushed to the brink.
Collateral (2004) – Max (Jamie Foxx)
Job: Limo Driver
In Collateral, Max (Jamie Foxx) is a humble limo driver who gets caught up in a night of terror when he’s forced to drive a hitman (played by Tom Cruise) around Los Angeles. Although he isn’t trained in combat or high-stakes situations, Max’s knowledge of the city’s streets and his quick thinking become his most valuable tools. Throughout the night, Max relies on his driving skills and ability to stay calm under pressure to navigate through dangerous situations and protect an innocent woman. His job as a limo driver might seem uneventful at first, but it proves crucial when he’s forced to confront life-or-death decisions on the fly.
While She Was Out (2008) – Doris (Kim Basinger)
Job: Housewife
In While She Was Out, Doris (Kim Basinger) is a suburban housewife who finds herself in a terrifying situation when a routine trip to the mall takes a violent turn. After an argument with a group of teenagers in a parking lot, Doris becomes the target of their increasingly dangerous behavior. With no special training or experience in combat, Doris must rely on her resourcefulness and instinct to survive the escalating threat. Her ordinary life as a housewife and mother becomes the backdrop for a harrowing story of self-preservation, as Doris steps up and takes control of the situation to protect herself and, ultimately, fight back against her attackers.
A History of Violence (2005) – Tom Stall (Viggo Mortensen)
Job: Small-Town Diner Owner
In A History of Violence, Tom Stall (Viggo Mortensen) is a quiet diner owner in a small town who becomes a local hero after killing two armed criminals in self-defense. Tom’s life, which revolves around the simplicity of running a diner, is turned upside down when his violent past resurfaces. Though he’s not a trained fighter, Tom’s experience in handling stressful situations—whether it’s dealing with customers or managing a business—gives him the calm demeanor and quick reflexes needed to confront danger. His ability to assess and react swiftly under pressure, honed through years of running a diner, proves critical when his family is threatened, and he must protect them from forces much larger than he could have imagined.
A Working Man releases in theaters this Friday, March 28, 2015.
