Not many actors in Hollywood are as adored as Harrison Ford. Since the 1980’s, Ford has become an icon in the film industry. Whether its archaeologists, space scavengers or fugitive prisoners, Ford has portrayed several characters. Given the number of classic movies Ford has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for greatest films of an actor that definitely deserves to be celebrated.
1. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
Few heroes with whip-smart charisma are as celebrated as Indiana Jones. Created in the 1980’s, Jones is an iconic hero that has appeared in memorable movies. Personally speaking, the hero had a huge impact on my life. I grew up watching Indiana Jones movies with my grandpa. My grandfather would always seek to honour a hero he regarded a national treasure. He spoke fondly of a hero that shaped his identity. I adore all the movies made about the iconic hero with a bright spark, but my favourite film in the franchise remains “Raiders of the Lost Ark”. Released in 1981, George Lucas’ movie changed the world through its introduction of an iconic hero. Arguably, the reason why the film is adored by movie-goers today is because of Harrison Ford. In the greatest role of his career, Ford transformed into the iconic archaeologist without fear. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him: adventurous, charismatic and wise in his most beloved role. Ford has always been an actor with a sharp sense of humour, and its evident in “Raiders of the Lost Ark”. For instance, the iconic scene where Indiana Jones is chased by a dangerous boulder showcases the actor’s strength for comedy. Ultimately, what makes “Raiders of the Lost Ark” Harrison Ford’s greatest movie is its universal appeal. The film offers an engaging adventure that everyone would enjoy. 30 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about a whip-smart hero seeking a lost ark, it’s a spectacular reminder of a legendary actor shining light in dark whose timeless movies haven’t lost spark.
2. Star Wars: A New Hope
Star Wars is a spectacular franchise that has impacted my identity. I was introduced to Star Wars several years ago by a teacher that I regarded a hero. A force to be reckoned with, he always spoke fondly about a series that shaped his identity. His beautiful classroom was decorated with large posters of a film series that he appreciated. Through his love for Star Wars, my teacher inspired me to make my dreams come true. I’m a huge fan of all the Star Wars films but the first movie “A New Hope” remains my favourite. Released in 1977, George Lucas’ film forever changed the world by introducing an iconic franchise in popular culture. Arguably, the main reason why the film is regarded a classic today is because of Harrison Ford. With Han Solo, Ford created one of the most iconic characters in cinematic history. In his most iconic role, Ford embodies a space scavenger that’s sarcastic. For instance, the Cantina scene in which Han Solo is introduced is one of the most memorable moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “A New Hope” the greatest Star Wars film is its message. It delivers a strong message about teachers shaping lives of heroes. 40 years following introductions of a series about galaxies far far away, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that thrives given chances to play heroes in movies audiences treasure today.
3. Blade Runner
When it comes to the greatest science-fiction films ever made in popular culture, it’s worth discussing “Blade Runner”. Ever since its release in 1982, Ridley Scott’s science-fiction movie has stood the test of time as a classic. Arguably, the main reason why the movie is considered a masterpiece today is because of Harrison Ford. In the most heroic role of his career, Ford embodies a police officer embarking on a mission that evokes fear. Whether he’s yelling at criminals that he’s chasing across streets or bonding with a replicant, Ford uses his voice to create a character that’s compelling. Ford has always had a gift for using his voice to create characters, and “Blade Runner” showcases his strengths as an actor. For instance, the iconic ‘tears in the rain’ scene in which Rick Deckard confronts a dying replicant represents one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Blade Runner” a masterpiece is its meaningful message. Unlike most science-fiction films, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a poignant message about dangers posed by technology. As precious as tears in the rain, its riveting reminder of an actor that hasn’t lost abilities to entertain whose movies are worth watching again.
4. The Fugitive
Harrison Ford is one of those actors that excels playing characters with a short temper. Perhaps, the most common trademark that defines Ford as an actor is his tendency to angrily point at things using his fingers. Ford’s strength for playing self-destructive angry heroes is clearly evident in his film “The Fugitive”. Released in 1993, Andrew Davis’ movie found the actor playing an angry fugitive on the run from the law. In the most emotional role of his career, Ford embodies a short-tempered fugitive facing despair. Ford uses the gesture of pointing figures to create a compelling character with a short temper. For instance, the scene in which Richard angrily points his fingers at detectives interrogating him in investigation showcases the actor’s strengths for playing characters with a short temper. Ultimately, what makes “The Fugitive” a standout film in Harrison Ford’s career is its meaningful message. The film delivers a strong message about wrongful conviction which would resonate with everyone. 30 years following the release of an iconic film about fugitive men on the run from the law, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that thrives playing characters that face raw emotions of anger whose movies always inspire awe.
5. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
Sequels rarely live up to the standards set by their predecessors. When a movie is successful, it often becomes hard to craft a sequel. Most sequels fail to live up to predecessors. The first film sets a high bar that sequels cannot possibly live up to. However, “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” is an exception. Released in 1980, Harrison Ford’s science-fiction sequel managed to improve upon the quality of the original. Returning to the role of Han Solo he played years ago, Ford brought depth in his second outing as the space hero. Whereas the first film portrayed Han Solo as a space scavenger without a worry in the world, the sequel showcased an emotional side to the hero audiences hadn’t seen. For instance, the scene in which Han Solo expresses his love for Princess Leia represents one of the greatest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, “The Empire Strikes Back” stands out because of its depth. It brings out an emotional side to the Star Wars franchise missing from the previous films. As precious as the galactic empire, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that hasn’t lost abilities to inspire whose movies audiences admire.
6. Witness
Murder mysteries often make for memorable movies. Since Hannibal Lecter stunned police into silence, movies about detectives investigating violence have earned a huge audience. Stories about detectives inspecting terrifying murders have made for movies that are captivating. In 1985, Harrison Ford bore witness to the genre when he made his Oscar-winning movie “Witness”. In his first ever detective role, Ford embodied a police officer investigating a murder that’s destructive. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase talent for playing characters with a short temper. As unforgettable as murders detectives witness, it’s a rousing reminder of a legendary actor that thrives playing characters facing worlds shrouded by darkness whose movies are regarded as timeless classics in the entertainment business.
7. Blade Runner 2049
Action heroes played by aging actors rarely ever last forever. After reaching retirement age, actors often lose their abilities to play iconic action heroes in entertainment. Playing action heroes often poses challenges for old actors such as performing dangerous stunts that are demanding. That being said, Harrison Ford pulled it off successfully when he reprised his iconic role in “Blade Runner: 2049”. Reprising the role of Rick Deckard after 30 years, Ford created an aging hero that’s compelling. In the most mature role of his career, Ford embodied the broken spirit of an aging hero facing despair. A breathtaking tribute to a beloved series about blade runners facing the frightening obstacles of aging, it’s a captivating reminder of an actor that thrives playing strong characters in movies that are definitely worth celebrating.
8. 42
When it comes to baseball players deserving appreciation, it’s worth discussing Jackie Robinson. Rising to fame in the 1940’s, Robinson was the first black baseball player to play in major league competitions. Despite facing the barrier of racism, Robinson never lost passion for playing a game he grew up to treasure. In 2013, Harrison Ford did an extraordinary job of bringing the baseball player’s story to the big-screen in his film “42”. In his first ever sports role, Ford embodied a wise mentor guiding Jackie Robinson to achieve his goal. Stepping out of his comfort zone, Ford showcases rare wisdom in a role that’s different from anything he has ever done. 80 years after Jackie Robinson overcame the barrier of racism to become a beloved African-American baseball player, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor whose movies audiences treasure.
9. Star Wars: The Force Awakens
It isn’t simple to create a reboot of a beloved franchise. When it was announced that Star Wars would be rebooted after 30 years, fans had mixed feelings. Some fans were excited by the prospect of seeing the forceful heroes returning while others were apprehensive about how it would turn out. In 2015, Harrison Ford did an excellent job of bringing the beloved science-fiction franchise back to the big-screen in his film “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”. It was a joy to see the space hero for the final time. For instance, the iconic scene in which Han Solo enters the Millennium Falcon with Chewbacca after several years is one of the most joyous moments of the actor’s career. A spectacular tribute to a space hero that scavenged galaxies years ago, it’s a strong reminder of an actor whose timeless movies give audiences dreams to follow.
10. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
Aging is a painful process causing seniors to face stress. Years ago, my grandfather was a huge fan of Indiana Jones. I enjoyed seeing movies about the whip-smart hero with him every day. However, age became a barrier bringing bonds to a closure. After reaching age of retirement, he lost his interest in an iconic hero in entertainment. As someone treasuring a grandfather that loved Indiana Jones deeply, I adored “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny”. In his final turn as the archaeologist, Harrison Ford captured vulnerability of an aging hero. Ford brought out an emotional side to Indy audiences hadn’t seen before. A fantastic farewell to Indiana Jones, it’s a fabulous reminder of an actor that hasn’t lost charisma whose movies I will forever treasure for reminding me of my grandpa that shaped my lifelong love for Cinema.
The Film Buff 
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