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One of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood is Harrison Ford. The legendary actor made a huge splash in the late 70s that only continued throughout the decades. With Ford reprising one of his most iconic roles in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, fans are looking back fondly on the career of the prolific actor. In celebration of his return as the most famous archeologist, we are looking back at ten of the most iconic Harrison Ford movie roles.
10. President James Marshall – Air Force One
Often in film, the President is more of a side character. Outside of biopics or the occasional alien invasion movie, the President is usually there in a role of authority. When Harrison Ford is in the Oval Office, however, fans can rest assured he will personally get in on the action. Air Force One. Communist radicals take Air Force One hostage along with the passengers on board. Among those on the plane are President Marshall and his family. Marshall, a veteran, decides to take matters into his own hands. This tense action thriller is one of the best of the era. Not to mention it features one of the best one-liners of all time.
9. Dr. Stonehill – Extraordinary Measures
When one thinks of Harrison Ford movie roles, one may think of a gruff action hero. This isn’t always the case, as is evident in Extraordinary Measures. Co-starring Brendan Frasier, the film follows a couple desperate to find a researcher to help cure their children’s rare disease. They find Dr. Stonehill, a brilliant yet temperamental man who doesn’t play well with others. This drama is one that tugs on the heartstrings and taps into the soul. Extraordinary Measures features stellar acting not just from Ford but also from recent Oscar winner Brendan Frasier. Ford is undoubtedly a pro in action films, but this movie also proves he has some serious acting chops.
8. Henry Turner – Regarding Henry
Harrison Ford movie roles rarely show just how vulnerable he can be. Regarding Henry showcases this flawlessly. Ford stars as Henry Turner, a lawyer shot in a robbery gone wrong. He survives, but he has lost his memory in addition to his ability to speak and walk. With the help of his wife and daughter, Henry must learn to speak and walk in a world he no longer recognizes. This touching drama shows what the human spirit is capable of and how powerful the love of a family is. Ford may be best known for punching bad guys or being an ace space pilot. But in between the chaotic roles, there are films such as Regarding Henry.
7. Paul – Shrinking
The most recent Harrison Ford project isn’t even a movie. Shrinking is an Apple TV+ series featuring Ford alongside Jason Segal. Segal is Jimmy, a therapist who is grieving the loss of his wife. Having a new lease on life, Jimmy decides to take become more involved with the lives of his patients. He ignores the codes and ethics he has been taught and tells his patients exactly what they need to hear brutally and honestly. This puts him at odds with his coworkers, including Paul, played by Ford. This performance allows Ford to show his humorous side as well as his dramatic chops.
6. John Book – Witness
Witness sees a young Amish boy witness to a brutal murder while traveling with his mother. A detective named John Book, played by Ford, is assigned to protect the boy and solve the murder. Things become difficult when those responsible for the attack learn that Book is on the case. This forces Book to go deep undercover in the Amish community to ensure the boy’s safety as well as his own. While undercover, John must learn the ways of the Amish, including their non-violent ways. John falls in love with the boy’s widowed mother, a love forbidden by Amish culture. The movie is an example of Ford at his best, fully displaying his action-hero abilities as well as his romantic lead capabilities.
5. Jack Ryan – Patriot Games/ Clear & Present Danger
The Jack Ryan character from novelist Tom Clancey has been adapted numerous times. Most recently, John Krasinski portrayed the CIA agent in a series on Amazon Prime. Other actors include Alec Baldwin, Ben Affleck, Chris Pine, and of course, Harrison Ford. After Baldwin portrayed Ryan in The Hunt for Red October, studio execs saw a franchise on their hands. When Baldwin opted not to return, Ford took over the role for the next two films. Jack Ryan is one of those Harrison Ford movie roles that aren’t talked about enough. The performance is action-packed, witty, and intense, as any good Ford performance should be.
4. Richard Kimble – The Fugitive
More often than not, a feature film based on a television series doesn’t turn out all that well. In the case of The Fugitive, nothing is further from the truth. Based on the series of the same name, The Fugitive sees Ford as Dr. Richard Kimble. Kimble is framed for the brutal murder of his wife and incarcerated. While being transported to prison, the bus crashes, allowing Kimble to escape. Richard makes it his mission to find the true culprit to clear his name and bring his wife’s killer to justice. Hot on his trail is U.S. Marshall Samuel Gerard, played by Tommy Lee Jones in an Oscar-winning performance. The film is intense, nail-biting action at its finest.
3. Deckard – Blade Runner/Blade Runner 2049
In the year 2019, cyborgs made to resemble humans, known as Replicants, have been outlawed. A special police force, known as Blade Runners, is formed to track down and “retire” any replicants on Earth. One of the best Runners, Deckard, is brought out of retirement to track down four Replicants who have returned to Earth. One of the most iconic Harrison Ford movie roles lies in this Sci-Fi epic by director Ridley Scott. The film is frequently at the top of best sci-fi movie lists. Ford gives one of his most memorable performances here, and fans were happy to see him reprise the role in the 2017 sequel.
2. Han Solo – The Star Wars Saga
When fans think of Ford, there are two roles that often enter their minds. The first is the role that put Ford on the map, Han Solo. Debuting in the original Star Wars in 1977, Solo is a gunslinging smuggler unwillingly dragged into the battle against the Empire. Ford reprised his role in the next two films, as well as in 2015’s The Force Awakens. Han Solo is s brash, uncaring scoundrel that seems to only do things for his own benefit. After joining Luke Skywalker in saving Princess Leia from the Death Star, he becomes one of the Rebel Alliances’ greatest heroes, even if he wants no part of it initially. While Ford himself doesn’t seem to care for the role, for many fans, this is the quintessential Harison Ford movie role, beat out only by one.
1. Indiana Jones – The Indiana Jones Series
One look at this list, and it is evident that Harrison Ford has played his fair share of doctors. It is fitting that his most iconic role is also that of a doctor. Dr. Henry Jones Jr. is an archeology professor who teaches at a college. His friends know him under a different name, Indiana. Indiana Jones has made it his life’s mission to collect ancient artifacts and ensure they do not fall into the wrong hands. In his journies,m he has encountered Nazis, Ghosts, Angels, and even Aliens. This classic action-adventure series will be receiving its fifth and seemingly final entry later this year. From Ford’s wit and charm to the iconic John Williams score, it is no surprise how Indiana Jones is the most iconic role in the prolific career of Harrison Ford.
