Harrison Ford is a Hollywood legend with almost 90 film and TV credits to his name over his six decades as an actor, with a handful of legendary roles that stand out. Harrison Ford had an unusual route into acting as he initially worked as a carpenter to support his family, and through connections in Hollywood, he landed some work on the set of major films directed by George Lucas. Being in the right place at the right time then led to Ford being given opportunities to audition and land some of his most prominent roles of all time, which led to decades of future success.
Ford is known for playing heroic, cool, and smooth characters. His charming demeanor and handsome appearance contributed to his casting as a daring hero who often got the girl and saved the day. However, not all of his roles follow the same pattern, and Ford has proven his talent for acting in a variety of roles for drama, action, and comedy.
10 Working Girl
1988
When a young and ambitious woman seeks to make a name for herself in business in Working Girl, she has to overcome hurdles such as an untrustworthy boss and less kind colleagues. Ford plays a manager from another company who meets with the protagonist, Tess (Melanie Griffith), to discuss plans for a large business merger. Ford’s character is charming and confident in this rom-com about a woman gaining recognition for her intelligence and business acumen. The film was a hit at the box office, and Ford played an essential part as the romantic interest and central figure in helping Tess escape her deceptive boss.
9 Air Force One
1997
Air Force One sees Harrison Ford playing the President of the United States, who also happens to be a veteran and recipient of a Medal of Honor. When the President’s private jet is overtaken by terrorists, he must act decisively to protect those on board and save his wife and daughter. At 55, Harrison Ford still manages to play a convincing action hero who uses great intellect and skill to save the day.
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8 American Graffiti
1973
American Graffiti was Ford’s biggest role before landing the role of Han Solo in Star Wars. Directed by George Lucas, Ford plays Bob Falfa, a keen racer who wants to challenge the drag-racing champion, John (Paul Le Mat). American Graffiti was the first film to be released under the Lucasfilms label and established Ford’s connection with George Lucas prior to him landing larger and more successful roles.
7 Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope
1977
Four years later, Ford was successful in landing his true breakout role as Han Solo in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. Up to this point, Lucas had actively steered away from casting actors he previously worked with, as he preferred to develop new talent. However, thanks to nudging from Francis Ford Coppola, a mutual friend, Ford was allowed to read for the role of Han Solo and, despite interviewing plenty of other actors, Lucas had to admit that Ford was perfect for the role. The charming and slick smuggler hired by Luke and Obi-Wan to get off world, Solo is an icon thanks to Ford’s talent.
6 Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade
1989
Years later, with a successful career as a leading man established, Ford developed an ongoing working relationship with legendary director Steven Spielberg. Playing another of his most iconic characters, Indiana Jones, Ford returned for the third outing as the character in 1989’s Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. The film is a direct sequel to Raiders of the Lost Ark and recaptures the magic of the original after the second film slightly missed the mark. Ford is joined by Sean Connery, and even when sharing the screen with a legendary actor like Connery, Ford proves his ability to shine and dominate any scene he appears in.
5 Witness
1985
Witness was the first and only film that saw Harrison Ford nominated for an Oscar. Ford plays a police detective assigned to protect a woman and her young son who are being targeted after her son witnessed a brutal murder. What stands out in this role is the fact that while a romantic subplot is briefly toyed with, that narrative is cast aside in favor of the crime thriller’s larger story. More often than not, Ford is cast as a character who can be seen as a playboy, or bachelor, but this role allows him to display more emotion and care by largely removing the romantic element.
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4 The Fugitive
1993
After being charged with the murder of his wife, Dr. Richard Kimble (Ford), a vascular surgeon, is sentenced to death in The Fugitive. While being transported to carry out the sentence, however, Kimble manages to escape and sets off on an action-packed adventure to catch the real killer and clear his name. Again, Ford proves his ability to star in action films well into later life and deliver a captivating performance.
3 Blade Runner
1982
Another of Ford’s most iconic characters is that of Rick Deckard from the Ridley Scott film, Blade Runner. Adapted from a novel by Philip K. Dick, Blade Runner follows a retired specialist agent who is brought back to work due to his incredible skill at taking down dangerous runaway replicants. What makes this role unique is the lingering question about Deckard’s true identity and whether he is himself a replicant. While that isn’t essential to the story, Ford’s performance has delighted audiences and kept that question being asked for more than 40 years since the film was first released.
2 Raiders Of The Lost Ark
1981
Ford’s debut as Indiana Jones came in the 1981 film, Raiders of the Lost Ark. Jones is a daring archeologist who likes to get right into the middle of the action while doing his research. Ford imbues the character with brilliant charm, wit, and intelligence that allows him to persuasively talk, cleverly plan, and narrowly escape from any threat that comes his way. This film is also under the Lucasfilm label, which clearly shows how significant the production company was in landing Ford some of his most enduring roles of all time.
1 Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back
1980
Finally, Ford’s most iconic and impressive role of all time comes in the sequel, Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back. Han Solo has grown closer to Luke and Leia and sheds the reluctance he felt earlier to help them and fight with the Rebels. Ford delivers a wonderful performance throughout, from his meeting with Lando Calrissian and shock at being betrayed to his final moments before being frozen in carbonite when Leia confesses her love for him, and he utters the iconic “I know,” this is easily Harrison Ford’s most memorable and impactful performance of all time.
