Jason Statham’s Early Sci-Fi Gem ‘The One’ Is Now Streaming Free—Why It’s a Must-Watch for Action Fans

The One: A Sci-Fi Action Classic Starring Jet Li and a Young Jason Statham

Action movie enthusiasts searching for a nostalgia-fueled thrill ride can now stream ‘The One’ for free on YouTube—with ads. This high-energy sci-fi spectacle features genre legend Jet Li and an early-career Jason Statham, both of whom bring intensity and style to the screen. Known for blending slick martial arts choreography with interdimensional mayhem, the film has cultivated a loyal following over time, especially among viewers who love action cinema’s bold early-2000s flavors.

Dimension-Hopping Destruction and the Rise of Jason Statham

At the core of ‘The One’ is a concept that feels straight out of the best comic books: Jet Li faces off against himself. Li plays both the relentless villain, Gabriel Yulaw—a killer who travels across alternate realities to eliminate his other versions—and the noble protagonist, Gabe Law, who is next on the list. With every other self he destroys, Yulaw grows exponentially stronger, giving the movie stakes on a multiverse scale. This was long before multiverse stories dominated superhero films and sci-fi TV, making ‘The One’ feel almost visionary in hindsight.

Jason Statham turns up as an interdimensional cop named Evan Funsch, trying admirably to master an American accent (what fans now view as a charming era in his career). Statham, still years away from headline action stardom, delivers energy and combat chops alongside partner Delroy Lindo. The casting of Statham was key: he was just transitioning from the British crime capers like ‘Snatch’ and ‘Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels’, and was only starting to forge his tough-guy, action-star credentials. Watching Statham here—complete with a full head of hair and a youthful swagger—offers a unique window into his evolution as one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars.

Sci-Fi, Martial Arts, and What Could Have Been

The film moves at a breakneck pace, fueled by a nu-metal soundtrack and an unapologetically early-2000s aesthetic. It’s peppered with CGI that, while dated by modern standards, speaks to the ambition and digital experimentation of its era. The real appeal, of course, is the choreography: Jet Li’s legendary abilities are on full display in both hero and villain modes. Although Statham never gets to square off directly with Li—the planned fight was cut during production—the tension and electricity between the two still gives the film a kinetic edge.

Interestingly, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson was originally attached to star alongside Jet Li, back when Johnson was just launching his film career. Had that version gone forward, action cinema history might look very different, with Johnson and Statham sharing the screen years before their later blockbuster team-ups in ‘Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw.’ As it stands, fans get Li at his most intense and a memorable early performance from Statham, making ‘The One’ a fun ‘what could have been’ for aficionados of both stars.

Why ‘The One’ Deserves a Spot on Your Action Watch List in 2026

‘The One’ packs flash, speed, and a genuine commitment to genre spectacle. The solid supporting cast includes Carla Gugino, who adds emotional weight and charisma, and Delroy Lindo, whose presence grounds the interdimensional chase in real stakes. While the film’s style screams early 2000s—with all the joys and excesses that implies—it has stood the test of time as a cult favorite. For die-hard fans of Jet Li, it also offers a rare chance to see him play both hero and villain, a dual role handled with his trademark precision and charm.

Streaming now and freely available, ‘The One’ is a compelling dive into early 2000s action cinema, a time capsule that marks Jason Statham’s transformation into an action heavyweight and showcases Jet Li’s dynamic presence at its best.