GENE HACKMAN: A Tribute & His 25 Best Movies

Unforgettable

Gene Hackman was one of the greatest actors ever to grace the screen. A performer of unparalleled authenticity, depth, and range, Hackman defied Hollywood’s typical mold. He wasn’t the traditional leading man.

He didn’t have matinee idol looks. He didn’t fit into the neatly packaged image of a movie star. Instead, he represented something far more powerful: the everyman. And in doing so, he carved out a career filled with some of the most memorable performances in cinema history.

Hackman brought a raw, unfiltered realism to every role he played. He could be funny, intense, heartbreaking, terrifying—sometimes all within the same film. His subtlety was matched only by his explosive power.

He was a natural, an actor who disappeared into his roles so seamlessly that you often forgot you were watching Gene Hackman at all. From cops to criminals, heroes to villains, mentors to madmen, Hackman could do it all.

He left an indelible mark on film history with a career that spanned over 40 years and included five Academy Award nominations and two wins. Though he stepped away from acting after 2004’s Welcome to Mooseport, his legacy remained strong. People still talked about his performances, and his films remained essential viewing for anyone who loves great cinema.

And now, as we reflect on his extraordinary life and career following his passing at the age of 95, it’s time to celebrate the best of the best.

These are my personal picks for the 25 greatest Gene Hackman Movies. Hackman always left an impact, whether he was the lead or had only one unforgettable scene.

Top 25 Gene Hackman Movies

(in order of preference):

1. THE CONVERSATION (1974)

Francis Ford Coppola’s quiet masterpiece about a surveillance expert caught in a moral and psychological spiral features Hackman’s greatest performance. His portrayal of the lonely, paranoid Harry Caul is layered, haunting, and utterly mesmerizing. The final scene—Hackman alone in his ransacked apartment, playing the saxophone—is one of the most heartbreaking in film history. This is Hackman at his best.

2. THE FRENCH CONNECTION (1971)

William Friedkin’s gritty cop thriller made Hackman a star, and his performance as Popeye Doyle won him his first Oscar. Aggressive, relentless, and completely captivating, Doyle remains one of the most iconic characters in crime film history. That legendary car chase? Still one of the best ever filmed.

3. UNFORGIVEN (1992)

As the sadistic sheriff Little Bill Daggett in Clint Eastwood’s revisionist Western, Hackman delivered an unforgettable performance that earned him his second Oscar. He’s brutal, charming, and terrifying all at once. Unforgiven is one of the greatest Westerns ever made, and Hackman’s performance is a huge reason why.

4. THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS (2001)

Hackman’s performance as the selfish yet oddly endearing Royal Tenenbaum makes Wes Anderson’s best film even better. He’s funny, infuriating, and oddly lovable—a testament to Hackman’s ability to bring depth to even the most flawed characters.

5. NIGHT MOVES (1975)

Arthur Penn’s noir thriller features one of Hackman’s most underrated performances. As a former football player-turned-private detective, he navigates a labyrinth of deceit and betrayal in a film that’s as dark as it is brilliant. It’s a must-watch for any Hackman fan.

6. HOOSIERS (1986)

A sports movie classic. Hackman’s portrayal of a troubled but determined high school basketball coach is one of his most inspiring performances. It’s a story of redemption and second chances, and Hackman grounds it with his signature realism.

7. SUPERMAN (1978)

Many actors have played Lex Luthor, but none have done it better than Hackman. His mix of menace and humor made him the perfect comic book villain. He was larger than life but never over the top—a balance that made his Luthor unforgettable.

8. BONNIE AND CLYDE (1967)

Hackman’s breakthrough role as Buck Barrow, the doomed older brother of Clyde (Warren Beatty), showcased his incredible talent. He brought humor, warmth, and tragedy to the role, making Buck one of the film’s most human characters.

9. REDS (1981)

Warren Beatty’s epic historical drama is filled with powerhouse performances, and Hackman holds his own among them. His role may be supporting, but he adds immense gravitas to the film.

10. MISSISSIPPI BURNING (1988)

Though I am not a fan of this movie and have serious issues with its perspective, there’s no denying Hackman’s powerful performance as an FBI agent investigating racial violence in the South. His passion and intensity elevate the film beyond its problematic storytelling and irritating bias.

11. EUREKA (1983)

A dark, perverse film by Nicolas Roeg, Eureka showcases Hackman as a prospector who strikes gold and becomes one of the richest men in the world. The paranoia and madness that follow make for one of Hackman’s most intense performances.

12. THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE (1972)

The quintessential disaster movie, with Hackman playing a determined reverend who leads a group of survivors through a capsized cruise ship. His performance grounds the high-stakes chaos with real emotional weight.

13. THE QUICK AND THE DEAD (1995)

Sam Raimi’s kinetic, over-the-top Western features Hackman as a sadistic villain. It’s a thrilling performance in a movie that’s pure fun.

14. ABSOLUTE POWER (1997)

Hackman plays the corrupt President of the United States in this gripping political thriller. His scenes with Clint Eastwood are electric.

15. GET SHORTY (1995)

A fantastic Hollywood satire where Hackman plays a cheesy horror producer who owes money to the mob. He’s hilarious and totally committed to the role.

16. THE BIRDCAGE (1996)

Hackman plays a conservative senator in Mike Nichols’ brilliant comedy. Seeing him in drag at the end is one of the film’s highlights.

17. POSTCARDS FROM THE EDGE (1990)

A beautifully warm and wise performance as a director trying to help a struggling actress stay clean and rebuild her career.

18. SCARECROW (1973)

A gritty road movie starring Hackman and Al Pacino as drifters navigating life’s hardships. One of Hackman’s most overlooked performances.

19. CRIMSON TIDE (1995)

A tense submarine thriller where Hackman and Denzel Washington go head-to-head in an unforgettable battle of wills.

20. ENEMY OF THE STATE (1998)

A modern surveillance thriller that plays like a spiritual sequel to The Conversation. Hackman is phenomenal. Will Smith...not so much.

21. THE FIRM (1993)

A classic John Grisham thriller, with Hackman giving a masterclass in supporting acting opposite Tom Cruise.

22. GERONIMO: AN AMERICAN LEGEND (1993)

This beautifully shot Western, directed by the incredible Walter Hill, features Hackman as General Crook, a complex and commanding presence.

23. YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN (1974)

One scene. One of the funniest in film history.

24. PRIME CUT (1972)

A violent, gritty crime thriller with Hackman at his sinister best. Lee Marvin rules, and so does this movie.

25. NO WAY OUT (1987)

A taut political thriller with Hackman as a corrupt Secretary of Defense. His performance adds weight to this suspenseful, twist-filled film.

Final Thoughts

Gene Hackman was an actor who never settled for the easy choice. He brought something special to every role he played, whether it was a lead performance in an Oscar-winning drama or a scene-stealing moment in a comedy.

He was fearless, versatile, and consistently brilliant. His ability to portray complex, deeply human characters made him one of the greatest actors of all time.

His retirement left a void in cinema, but his legacy remains untouchable. Few actors have achieved what Hackman did, both in terms of longevity and quality. His films continue to captivate audiences, his performances still feel fresh, and his influence on acting will never fade.

Whether he was playing a corrupt politician, a washed-up coach, a brilliant detective, or a ruthless villain, Hackman made it impossible to look away.

He was the kind of actor who elevated every film he appeared in, and we’ll always be grateful for that.

Rest in peace, Gene Hackman. Your work will never be forgotten.

Thanks for reading, and please SUBSCRIBE to my weekly NEWSLETTER!

Join me on Patreon as a paid subscriber to help keep this thing going.

Thanks again!

"The China Syndrome," a Seminal and Important Movie of My Life....and More.

The next movie in my "Nick's Pix' series is the terrific 1979 thriller "The China Syndrome"

This Wednesday, August 14th, I am unbelievably proud and excited to be hosting James Bridges' "The China Syndrome" for my next 'Nick's Pix' screening at Classic Cinemas' Lake Theater, a beautiful movie palace located in the heart of downtown Oak Park.

"The China Syndrome" is one of the very best films of the 1970's. It features Jane Fonda, Jack Lemmon, Michael Douglas, and a myriad of other terrific character actors.

I LOVE this movie, and vividly remember first seeing it at the Norridge Theater on the northwest side of Chicago the weekend it opened.

I was 13 going on 14 at the time, and I had just started to deep dive into cinema, learning as much as I could about movie history, filmmaking, and the art form in general.

I was absorbing so much film-related stuff, so quickly, that my head was spinning, and this movie was one of the first that I analyzed to death (from the making of the film, to the behind-the-scenes stories, to the marketing & distribution, and more).

What It's About

The plot involves a small news team who witness an "accident" at a local California nuclear power plant and become entangled with a conspiracy that the company wants to cover up.

A supervisor at the plant, who wants to speak the truth, becomes concerned for his safety and his life, and the whole thing builds to a terrifying climax.

On the simplest of levels, it is a terrific, intelligent thriller that fits nicely into the wonderful era of great conspiracy thrillers of the 70's, the most paranoid decade of them all.

Director James Bridges keeps his focus razor sharp, and shoots with documentary-like precision, building the tension exponentially until the devastating and thoroughly satisfying ending.

The cast is uniformly terrific with Fonda, Douglas, and, especially, Lemmon (who was nominated for an Oscar for his great performance in the movie) doing some of the very finest work of their careers.

Jane Fonda giving an outstanding performance in "The China Syndrome."

The movie is also a biting indictment of television news, especially in its portrayal of female reporters at a time when sexism and discrimination were rampant in the business.

These ladies were considered to be nothing but pretty faces, existing to do fluff pieces about birthday parties for animals, store openings, etc.

Fonda (who was never shy about her politics and beliefs) is extraordinarily effective in the film, balancing the acceptance of her position and her battle to be taken more seriously as this huge and important story falls into her lap.

Michael Douglas in "The China Syndrome."

Douglas has never been so appealing, sharp and wickedly effective as the rebellious cameraman determined to get the truth to the public whose lives are put in danger.

But, this is really Lemmon's show, and his brilliant performance is the heart of the entire movie.

The wonderful hangdog quality and every man charm he brings to the character add immeasurably to the emotional effectiveness of the film. It's one of his very best performances...and he has given A LOT of great performances.

The brilliant Jack Lemmon, never better than in "The China Syndrome."

Overall, this is a true nail biter, a thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat and also make you think.

The 1970s: What an Era

"The China Syndrome" is also a sterling example of why the 1970's was the best decade for film ever.

This movie came out at the tail-end of that grand decade, becoming a lovely bookend for thrillers like "The French Connection," "The Conversation," and "Three Days of the Condor."

Now, real life events surrounding the release of this movie are just as compelling as the film itself.

"The China Syndrome" was released on March 16th, 1979, with solid reviews, but little fanfare, and very slow box office.

Pennsylvania's Three Mile Island Power Plant, where an accident took place, that actually helped the box office of "The China Syndrome."

Then, on March 28th (less than two weeks after the film's release), a REAL nuclear power plant incident occurred at the Three Mile Island Power Plant in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

The reactor malfunction released radioactive gases and radioactive iodine into the environment, making it the worst accident at a U.S. commercial nuclear power plant in history.

The accident resulted in heightened safety concerns among the public, hundreds of protests around the country, and many new regulations for the nuclear industry. It also scared the hell out of everyone.

And...."The China Syndrome" became a huge hit. Fate intervened and saved Columbia Pictures from having a box office disaster.

Nick's Pix!

I am honored to partner with the wonderful people at Classic Cinemas to host "The China Syndrome" as part of my monthly 'Nick's Pix" series.

The beautiful Lake Theater in Oak Park, the home of my 'Nick's Pix' film series.

At each event, we hang out beforehand and then I introduce each film. Afterwards, I share more about the movie, do some trivia, and giveaway some cool prizes.

These get-togethers are a blast and a terrific way to meet each other, and watch a great movie on the big screen!

So, come out and see this amazing thriller on the big screen (it is rarely seen in movie theaters)!

I'll share more details about this wild true story and many more little known facts about this outstanding film.

See you all on Wednesday, August 14th at 7pm, at the Lake Theater in Oak Park!

Thanks, and please SUBSCRIBE to my weekly NEWSLETTER. Consider also joining me on Patreon as a paid subscriber to help keep this thing going. Thanks again!