Actor Gene Hackman attends the premiere of 'Wyatt Earp' on June 18, 1994 at Mann Chinese Theater in New York City. (Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
Movies - TV
The 15 Best
Gene
Hackman
Movies,
Ranked
By LIAM GAUGHAN
Quick and the Dead
Gene Hackman collaborated with director Sam Raimi on “The Quick and the Dead,” and the result was nothing short of a masterpiece. Hackman’s performance is tragically terrifying, and Raimi’s horror background blends beautifully with the western-style elements of the film.
Crimson Tide
“Crimson Tide” pits Hackman’s Captain Frank Ramsey against Denzel Washinton’s Lieutenant Commander Ron Hunter in this military thriller. The moral complexity of the movie is nothing short of heart-pounding, but viewers are left with respect for both Ramsey and Hunter.
No Way Out
Hackman is no stranger to political thrillers, but it’s rare to see him play the bad guy. He turned to the dark side while playing “No Way Out” villain Secretary of Defense David Brice and gave an incredible performance that was suspenseful and shockingly sensitive.
Downhill Racer
“Downhill Racer” is just one of many inspirational sports films, but Hackman gave an incredibly thrilling movie coach performance in this movie. He does a great job showing his character’s inner conflict and keeps audiences engaged between the climactic skiing competition scenes.
Get Shorty
Comedy isn’t always what Hackman is recognized for, but he’s downright hilarious in “Get Shorty.” The film is a satirical reimagining that makes fun of gangster movies, and Hackman was the perfect choice to play the in-over-his-head film producer, Harry Zimm.