25 Best Films Starring Harrison Ranked

Harrison Ford Movies, Ranked: Exploring the Iconic Career

Harrison Ford has etched his name as a legend on the silver screen, gracing audiences with his presence since the 1960s. His journey from minor roles in the ’60s to becoming a leading man by the early ’80s has been nothing short of extraordinary. Beyond his individual prowess, Ford has been a pivotal part of renowned franchises, including the timeless Indiana Jones series, which recently saw its fifth installment, “The Dial of Destiny,” released in 2023.

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While “The Dial of Destiny” might not stand as a pinnacle in Ford’s illustrious career, the actor, now in his early 80s, has left an indelible mark through numerous iconic movies spanning various genres. Let’s delve into a ranking of some of his best works, celebrating the diversity of roles he has excelled in over the years.

25. Sabrina (1995)

Directed by Eric W. Schwartz

A remake of the 1954 classic, Sabrina embraces the philosophy of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” The film follows the titular character’s journey as she captures the heart of her longtime crush, David, leading to complications due to his existing engagement. Ford steps into the role originally played by Humphrey Bogart, portraying David’s older brother, Linus. While the film might lean towards old-fashioned sensibilities, Ford’s performance adds a touch of class to this ’90s remake.

24. The Age of Adaline (2015)

Directed by Lee Toland Krieger

The Age of Adaline blends fantasy with romance, portraying a woman who ceases to age while in her late 20s. Ford plays a man who was once in love with Adaline, exploring the complexities arising from their diverging paths in the aging process. While not hailed as one of Ford’s top-tier movies, the film showcases his versatility and ability to navigate the romance genre with finesse.

23. Patriot Games (1992)

Directed by Phillip Noyce

In this ’90s action-thriller, Ford assumes the role of Jack Ryan, a character he would revisit in the subsequent film. Directed by Phillip Noyce, Patriot Games thrusts Ryan and his family into peril after he interferes with an IRA assassination. While it may not redefine the genre, the film delivers expected action and suspense, laying the groundwork for a sequel.

22. The Frisco Kid (1979)

Directed by Robert Aldrich

Contrary to expectations, The Frisco Kid injects humor into the Western genre, pairing Ford’s bank-robbing character with a rabbi in a series of misadventures. Gene Wilder co-stars, adding comedic charm to this lesser-known Western/comedy. While not achieving the acclaim of some genre classics, it stands as an enjoyable deviation for those seeking wild entertainment in a Western setting.

21. Presumed Innocent (1990)

Directed by Alan J. Pakula

Presumed Innocent diverges from the action-thriller norm, presenting a mystery/thriller/drama where Ford plays a prosecutor accused of a crime he didn’t commit. Directed by Alan J. Pakula, known for paranoia-heavy thrillers, the film showcases Ford’s desperation in protecting his innocence. It aligns with Pakula’s ’70s releases and adds a compelling layer to Ford’s filmography.

20. Clear and Present Danger (1994)

Directed by Phillip Noyce

Continuing the Jack Ryan saga, Clear and Present Danger involves Ford’s character in a conflict between the U.S. government and a Colombian drug cartel. Widely liked and recognized among Tom Clancy adaptations, the film boasts a snappy pace and benefits from the addition of Willem Dafoe, enhancing the overall experience.

19. Air Force One (1997)

Directed by Wolfgang Petersen

In a departure from earlier ’90s thrillers, Air Force One casts Ford as the U.S. president, handling a hijacked presidential aircraft. While some may find parallels to Die Hard, the film commits to its premise with confidence, showcasing Ford’s charismatic lead performance in a high-stakes political thriller.

18. Working Girl (1988)

Directed by Mike Nichols

A romantic comedy directed by Mike Nichols, Working Girl features Ford alongside Melanie Griffith and Sigourney Weaver. Despite its syrupy romantic tone, the film gained popularity among Oscar voters, securing six nominations. Ford’s contribution to the romantic comedy genre adds a touch of silliness and charm to the film.

17. Frantic (1988)

Directed by Roman Polanski

Frantic unfolds as a tense psychological thriller, placing Ford in the unsettling realm of unfamiliar travel locales. As a doctor searching for his disappeared wife in Paris, Ford navigates a wide-reaching conspiracy, keeping audiences entertained and on edge. The film strikes a balance between reality and unpredictability.

16. 42 (2013)

Directed by Brian Helgeland

42 delves into the life of Jackie Robinson, with Ford playing Branch Rickey, a sports executive who signed Robinson, breaking a racial barrier in Major League Baseball. While adhering to biopic conventions, the film effectively portrays Robinson’s challenges and stands as a testament to Ford’s contribution to the sports drama genre.

15. Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015)

Directed by J.J. Abrams

In the much-anticipated return to the Star Wars saga, The Force Awakens brings back familiar characters, including Ford’s Han Solo. As an older, more regretful Han Solo, Ford contributes to a bittersweet adventure, successfully bridging the gap between the original trilogy and the new era of Star Wars.

14. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)

Directed by Steven Spielberg

While The Temple of Doom divided opinions with its darker tone, the film remains an integral part of the Indiana Jones series. Set before the events of the first and third films, it follows Indy’s quest for a mystical stone, unveiling a harrowing underground cult. Ford seamlessly slips back into the role, delivering action and spectacle amidst the controversy.

13. The Mosquito Coast (1986)

Directed by Peter Weir

The Mosquito Coast ventures into the darker side of adventure, portraying Ford as a father leading his family into the jungle to retreat from modern society. The film explores the consequences of a paradise turned nightmare, offering an uncomfortable yet intriguing experience. Supported by a strong cast, Ford’s performance stands out in this psychologically heavy adventure.

12. American Graffiti (1973)

Directed by George Lucas

A pivotal moment in Ford’s career, American Graffiti marks his return to acting after a period of underwhelming roles. Though in a supporting role, Ford’s portrayal of a skilled drag racer contributes to the film’s charm. The collaboration with George Lucas laid the foundation for their iconic partnership in the later Star Wars series.

11. Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983)

Directed by Richard Marquand

Concluding the original Star Wars trilogy, Return of the Jedi may not be perfect, but it remains a significant installment. Ford, as Han Solo, exhibits a somewhat checked-out demeanor, yet the film successfully ties up loose ends, culminating in Luke Skywalker’s journey and Vader’s redemption.

10. The Conversation (1974)

Directed by Francis Ford Coppola

Considered one of the greatest thrillers of all time, The Conversation may not be Ford’s most prominent role, but it adds depth to his filmography. Ford plays an assistant to Gene Hackman’s character, contributing to the suspense and paranoia in this surveillance-themed masterpiece.

9. Witness (1985)

Directed by Peter Weir

In a role earning Ford his only Oscar acting nomination, Witness stands as a thriller that skillfully balances crime, drama, and romance. Ford’s portrayal of a detective undercover in an Amish community resonates as one of his best performances, showcasing his ability to shine beyond franchises.

8. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)

Directed by Steven Spielberg

Revisiting the Indiana Jones series, The Last Crusade brings Ford and Sean Connery together in a memorable father-son dynamic. The film reintroduces the series to its adventurous roots, blending humor, action, and excitement, creating a satisfying chapter in Indy’s escapades.

7. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

Directed by Denis Villeneuve

A standout among sequels, Blade Runner 2049 features Ford in a supporting role, allowing Ryan Gosling to take the lead. The film expertly pays homage to the original while carving its own path in the sci-fi genre, with Ford’s return adding weight to the narrative.

6. Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)

Directed by George Lucas

It’s challenging to find movies more iconic, popular, and influential than the original Star Wars from 1977. Despite later becoming Episode IV in the prequel trilogy, it remains the public’s initial entry into this galaxy far, far away, introducing strange characters, alien worlds, and groundbreaking technologies.

While Luke Skywalker is the ultimate protagonist, Star Wars marked Harrison Ford’s breakout role, instantly turning him into an icon as Han Solo. Ford seamlessly slipped into the role, and to this day, it stands as either his most iconic or second-most iconic (another character is, after all, Jonesing for that distinction).

Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope

Release Date: May 25, 1977
Director: George Lucas
Cast: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Peter Cushing, Alec Guinness, Anthony Daniels
Rating: PG
Runtime: 121 minutes
Watch on Disney+

5. The Fugitive (1993)

Directed by Andrew Davis

Among the 1990s thrillers, The Fugitive stands out as Harrison Ford’s best, and one of his greatest films overall. The plot begins simply and intensifies as Ford’s character faces a death sentence for a wrongful murder conviction. Escaping the law, he triggers a manhunt while desperately attempting to prove his innocence.

While the plot may share similarities with others, The Fugitive masterfully blends familiar tropes into a near-perfect cocktail. Ford delivers one of his best and most intense performances, complemented by Tommy Lee Jones’ standout portrayal as the deputy leading the manhunt.

The Fugitive

Release Date: August 6, 1993
Director: Andrew Davis
Cast: Jeroen Krabbé, Andreas Katsulas, Tommy Lee Jones, Joe Pantoliano, Harrison Ford, Sela Ward
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 130 minutes
Rent on Amazon

4. Apocalypse Now (1979)

Directed by Francis Ford Coppola

Though Ford’s role is limited, Apocalypse Now is an undeniable 1970s classic, ranking among the greatest war movies. Set during the Vietnam War, it unfolds as much a psychological drama as a war film, following a troubled captain on a mission to eliminate a rogue colonel deep in the jungle.

Ford’s portrayal of Colonel G. Lucas adds a layer to the film, making Apocalypse Now one of the best movies in which Ford appeared, regardless of the role’s size.

Apocalypse Now

Release Date: August 15, 1979
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Cast: Frederic Forrest, Marlon Brando, Laurence Fishburne, Martin Sheen, Sam Bottoms, Robert Duvall
Rating: R
Runtime: 153 minutes
Rent on Amazon

3. Blade Runner (1982)

Directed by Ridley Scott

A legendary science-fiction film, Blade Runner is second only to Star Wars in Harrison Ford’s sci-fi repertoire. Ford portrays Rick Deckard, tasked with tracking down rogue replicants seeking to bypass their limited lifespans.

While the plot echoes Apocalypse Now in simplicity, Blade Runner delves into complex ideas about technology and human nature. A classic that improves with time, it showcases Ford in one of his most memorable and darkest lead roles.

Blade Runner

Release Date: June 25, 1982
Director: Ridley Scott
Cast: Rutger Hauer, Edward James Olmos, M. Emmet Walsh, Harrison Ford, Sean Young, Daryl Hannah
Rating: R
Runtime: 117 minutes
Rent on Amazon

2. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Directed by Steven Spielberg

While Indiana Jones became a long-running franchise, Raiders of the Lost Ark stands as the purest and most iconic. As Ford’s first big movie in a lead role, it firmly established him as a leading man, captivating audiences with the adventurous archaeologist.

Over 40 years later, Raiders of the Lost Ark remains an essentially perfect action/adventure movie, solidifying its place as one of Ford’s very best films.

Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark

Release Date: June 12, 1981
Director: Steven Spielberg
Cast: Ronald Lacey, Denholm Elliott, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman, Harrison Ford, John Rhys-Davies
Rating: PG
Runtime: 115 minutes
Watch on Disney+

1. Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

Directed by Irvin Kershner

With Blade Runner, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and The Empire Strikes Back, the 1980s marked an incredible decade for Harrison Ford, with all these movies considered among the best of that era. The Empire Strikes Back stands out as a spectacular sequel, surpassing the already great Star Wars (1977) in every aspect and ranking as one of the best blockbusters of all time.

The fight against the Galactic Empire intensifies, challenging Luke, Han, Leia, and the Rebellion like never before. Darker and more intense, it remains highly entertaining without veering into overly bleak territory. This classic offers Ford and the entire cast material with more weight, solidifying it as the best movie in which Harrison Ford has ever appeared.

Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back

Release Date: May 17, 1980
Director: Irvin Kershner
Cast: Billy Dee Williams, Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Peter Mayhew, Kenny Baker, Frank Oz, David Prowse, Carrie Fisher, Anthony Daniels
Rating: PG
Runtime: 124 minutes