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Crank

Crank is a 2006 American action thriller film directed by Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor in their feature directorial debut.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Crank is a 2006 American action thriller film directed by Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor in their feature directorial debut. The film stars Jason Statham as Chev Chelios, a hitman poisoned with a synthetic drug who must keep his adrenaline high to stay alive while tracking down the people responsible. It was followed by a 2009 sequel, Crank: High Voltage.

Plot

Chev Chelios is poisoned and learns that he must keep his adrenaline level elevated to survive. He races through Los Angeles trying to locate the people responsible and find a way to stay alive.

Cast and characters

Jason Statham stars as Chev Chelios, with Amy Smart, Jose Pablo Cantillo, Efren Ramirez, and Dwight Yoakam in supporting roles. The film is built around Chev’s desperate attempt to outpace the poison.

Production

Crank was written and directed by Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor, who made their feature directorial debut with the film. It is an American production released in 2006.

Reception and legacy

The film became known for its fast-paced style and high-energy premise. It later spawned a sequel, Crank: High Voltage, released in 2009.

Key facts

  • The film marked the feature directorial debut of Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor.
  • Jason Statham plays Chev Chelios, an LA-based British assassin.
  • The plot centres on a synthetic poison that will kill Chev if his adrenaline drops.
  • The story follows Chev through Los Angeles as he searches for the people who poisoned him.
  • Crank was followed by the sequel Crank: High Voltage in 2009.

Frequently asked questions

What is Crank about?
It follows a hitman who is poisoned and must keep his adrenaline high to avoid dying while he hunts down the people responsible.
Who directed Crank?
Crank was directed by Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor.
Who stars in Crank?
The film stars Jason Statham, Amy Smart, Jose Pablo Cantillo, Efren Ramirez, and Dwight Yoakam.
When was Crank released?
Crank was released in 2006.
Is Crank part of a film series?
Yes. It was followed by the 2009 sequel Crank: High Voltage.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crank_(film)
    Supports: Release year, country, directors, cast, plot, and sequel.
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/crank
    Supports: Synopsis, director, genre, and release date.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0479884/
    Supports: Plot premise and main cast.