Harrison Ford is one of Hollywood’s best leading men. This list highlights some of his most impressive work over the decades. In this futuristic thriller, Ford delivers a cool and charismatic performance as Rick Deckard in a world full of genetically engineered replicants. Ridley Scott’s film is a sci-fi classic.
1. Blade Runner (1982)
Harrison Ford is more accustomed to playing action hero characters like Han Solo and Indiana Jones, but in this grown-up popcorn flick, he delivers an empathetic performance as a lawman who won’t rest until he finds justice. Tommy Lee Jones was a no-nonsense pro as the other leading man, and together they make this eerily prescient sci-fi thriller a compelling watch.
A year after starring in The Guns of Navarone, Ford proved his versatility with this thriller. He stars as Dr. Richard Kimble, an esteemed vascular surgeon who is pursued by a one-armed killer.
2. The Age of Adaline (1999)
The Age of Adaline stars Blake Lively as a woman who stops aging at the turn of the 20th century. The film is beautifully directed by Lee Toland Krieger and backed by sophisticated themes from composer Rob Simonsen. After two suspicious FBI agents attempt to abduct her for study, Adaline purchases a new identity and moves every ten years. The only constant in her life is her daughter Flemming, who continues to age normally.
It’s hard to call this Peter Weir drama a thriller, but it’s still an enjoyable flick. Harrison Ford displays his usual tough-guy persona while also showing a wounded heart in this surprisingly touching tale.
3. The Hunt for Red October (1993)
Director Sydney Pollack and co-star Kristin Scott Thomas give Ford one of his best roles of his illustrious career. He plays a police sergeant whose wife is murdered and then begins an affair with her political rival.
During the 1990s, when Harrison Ford was at the pinnacle of his America’s Most Trusted Action Star. These solar movies gave him the chance to showcase his acting chops in an otherwise cheesy thriller. He’s menacing, but in a good way. He can kick ass and throw a punch, too.
4. Crossing Over (1998)
After the success of Star Wars and Indiana Jones, Ford tried his hand at sophisticated romantic comedy in this Sydney Pollack film. While the movie is not quite a classic, it’s still an interesting watch for Ford’s impressive range.
Dr. Richard Kimble is convicted of murdering his wife and the one-armed killer escapes. Deputy U.S. Marshal Sam Gerard (Tommy Lee Jones) vows to track him down, and Ford delivers a no-nonsense performance as the man who won’t let justice slip through the cracks.
5. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1984)
The Indiana Jones franchise launched Ford into superstardom. He played the adventurous archeologist in Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), Temple of Doom (1984) and Last Crusade (1989). He returned 19 years later for Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008). In the Tom Clancy spy thrillers Patriot Games (1992) and Clear and Present Danger (1994), Ford portrayed CIA analyst Jack Ryan. He was the first actor to play this role in multiple films.
In Witness, Ford portrays detective John Book, a man who protects an 8-year-old Amish boy after the boy witnesses a murder. Ford receives his only Oscar nomination for this performance.
