What Are The Best Gene Hackman Movies of All Time?
This legendary actor was one of the most talented people in front of the camera, ever.
'The French Connection'
When news broke of Gene Hackman's death this morning, it floored me. Even though he was 95, he felt like one of those undying Hollywood names who would live forever.
Hackman is a giant among actors, a man who gave so many wonderful performances. It was hard to sit here and pick the ones I think are the best.
Still, it gave me an opportunity to sort through this legend's work.
Let's dive in.
1. Unforgiven
In this Clint Eastwood Western, Hackman delivers an incredibly chilling performance as Sheriff "Little Bill" Daggett. He rules his town with an iron fist and doesn't like people coming in to tell him how to do it differently.
Hackman won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for this role.
2. Night Moves
- Director: Arthur Penn
- Screenplay: James Dickey
I love this movie so much. Hackman plays an ex-NFL Linebacker who is now a PI tracking down cases in Hollywood. It's an Arthur Penn hidden gem.
3. The French Connection
- Director: William Friedkin
- Screenplay: Ernest Tidyman
This crime thriller has one of the best chase scenes of all time in it. We follow Hackman's determined Detective "Popeye" Doyle as he hunts down bad guys with some unconventional methods. Hackman won an Academy Award for Best Actor for this role.
4. The Conversation
- Director: Francis Ford Coppola,
- Screenplay: Francis Ford Coppola
Francis Ford Coppola's psychological thriller features Hackman as a surveillance expert grappling with paranoia and guilt when his suspects turn up dead. It has one of the most chilling final scenes in any movie ever.
5. Bonnie and Clyde
- Director: Arthur Penn
- Screenplay: David Newman and Robert Benton
A pivotal film in his early career, Hackman's role as Buck Barrow helped establish him as one of the best actors working. He held his own next to Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway and launched himself into stardom.
6. The Royal Tenenbaums
- Director: Wes Anderson
- Screenplay: Wes Anderson and Owen Wilson
This Wes Anderson film shows Hackman playing the eccentric patriarch of a very dysfunctional family. Hackman always adds a layer of funny to any role, and in an actual comedy, I loved seeing him steal every scene he gets.
7. Heist
- Director: David Mamet
- Screenplay: David Mamet
Another one of my favorites and a hidden gem, I love this later, smaller movie where Hackman crushes it as a great thief.
8. Crimson Tide
- Director: Tony Scott
- Screenplay: Michael Schiffer (story by Michael Schiffer and Richard P. Henrick)
I remember seeing this movie in theaters with my dad. It's one of my earliest movie-going memories. You get to watch Gene Hackman go head to head with Denzel Washington all on a nuclear submarine.
Summing Up the Best Gene Hackman Movies
These are some of my favorite Hackman movies, but I know you probably have ones you love, as well.
Hackman was a pillar in Hollywood and one of the greatest actors of all time. He will be sorely missed by movie lovers everywhere.
But his legacy will live on through his indelible work.
Let me know what you think in the comments.
