Top 10 Harrison Ford Performances
#10 – Allie Fox: “The Mosquito Coast” (1986)
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Kicking off our list is the film where Ford steps out of his comfort zone to play an eccentric inventor who’s dealing with wild mood swings and his disillusionment with the American Dream. After moving his family to Central America, he discovers that the grass isn’t always greener, becoming unstable and hostile as a result. It’s hard to believe, but Ford succeeds at making himself completely unlikeable!
#9 – Linus Larabee: “Sabrina” (1995)
In this remake of the ‘50s classic, Ford plays an older, wiser and seemingly heartless businessman who decides to get between his brother and his love interest when the relationship threatens to derail a business transaction. Ford uncharacteristically plays a manipulating character that’s merely pretending to be affectionate and charming, before inadvertently growing a heart, and by changing things up he earned a Golden Globe nod.
#8 – President James Marshall: “Air Force One” (1997)
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Only Ford could portray the President of the United States as an awe-inspiring combat veteran who doesn’t negotiate with terrorists. When his ride is hijacked and his family is held at gunpoint, he transforms from stern politician to relentless action hero, and refuses to place his own value above others. Leading by example on-set, Ford went so far with the role he asked Gary Oldman to actually hit him!
#7 – Jack Ryan: “Patriot Games” (1992) & “Clear and President Danger” (1994)
After taking over the role from Alec Baldwin, Ford makes this Tom Clancy character his own throughout his two-film romp. As the CIA analyst caught in the middle of terrorist plots, Ford gives a commanding performance as a family man and patriot who’s filled with intensity, grit and an unbending moral compass. The actor was so committed to the role, he even did his own stunt driving!
#6 – Henry Turner: “Regarding Henry” (1991)
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Here, we see Ford playing a lawyer who’s shot during a robbery, which results in the loss of his memory, speech and motor skills. While recovering, he becomes a gentler soul who discovers he doesn’t want to be himself. Ford succeeds in this soft-spoken part thanks to the emotional depth, childlike wonder and completely different personality he brings to the role.
#5 – Det. Capt. John Book: “Witness” (1985)
By playing the detective who takes on the task of defending a young Amish Witness, while integrating himself into his community, Ford earned himself his only Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. This role sees the actor move past his action-blockbuster persona, allows him to showcase his deep dramatic acting chops, and shows that he could win over any woman, even an Amish one.
#4 – Rick Deckard: “Blade Runner” (1982)
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As this hard-boiled special member of the LAPD from the future, Ford plays a conflicted anti-hero who’s pulled out of retirement to hunt down and terminate Replicants. A complicated and iconic role, this character questions, faces and discovers his own humanity – while also leaving open the haunting question of whether he was actually an unaware Replicant the entire time.
#3 – Dr. Richard Kimble: “The Fugitive” (1993)
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In this Golden Globe-nominated role, Ford plays a surgeon who’s wrongfully accused of murdering his own wife. During his emotional journey to clear his name and find those truly responsible, he is so convincing as the intelligent and strong-willed everyman that we can’t help but be enthralled by his predicament. Incredibly, Ford actually held off fixing a set injury just to keep his character limping along!
#2 – Han Solo: “Star Wars Series” (1977-1983)
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Packing a blaster, plenty of confidence, smugness and charm, Ford plays the iconic mercenary smuggler in the film that propelled his career. A hero who will always shoot first, he has a Wookie for a copilot and the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy. Ford’s layered performance balances his character’s self-interest with his romantic feelings and sense of loyalty. He may be brazen, but he always comes through in a jam...
#1 – Indiana Jones: “Indiana Jones Series” (1981-2008)
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Taking the top spot on our list is the actor’s most iconic role: that of the badass archeologist, professor and adventurer. Instantly recognizable thanks to his fedora, leather jacket, revolver and bullwhip, Ford brings a special ruggedness and brash disposition to the part. His portrayal remains so revered that he is credited with creating one of the greatest cinematic heroes of all time, despite his deep fear of snakes… Do you agree with our list? Which Harrison Ford performance do you consider the greatest? For more entertaining top 10s, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.