Harrison Ford’s Top 10 Movies Ranked: The Shocking No. 1 That Beat Indiana Jones and Star Wars

Harrison Ford is one of Hollywood’s most iconic and enduring stars, with a career spanning over seven decades and countless unforgettable roles. From playing the charming Han Solo in Star Wars to the adventurous Indiana Jones, Ford’s characters have become legends in their own right. Now, at almost 83, Ford continues to be a titan of the film industry and remains among the highest-grossing actors of all time.

But which of Ford’s incredible body of work stands out the most? Fans have spoken, and according to IMDb, the following are Ford’s top 10 films of all time. Intriguingly, neither Indiana Jones nor the original Star Wars film takes the top spot.

10. The Fugitive (1993)

In this action-packed thriller, Ford stars as Dr. Richard Kimble, a renowned surgeon wrongfully convicted of his wife’s murder. After escaping from custody, Kimble embarks on a quest to find the real killer, all while being relentlessly pursued by Tommy Lee Jones’ Oscar-winning portrayal of US Marshal Samuel Gerard. The Fugitive remains one of Ford’s most engaging performances and a must-watch for fans of tense, high-stakes action.

9. Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015)

Ford reprised his role as Han Solo for the first time in over three decades, alongside Carrie Fisher’s Leia and Mark Hamill’s Luke Skywalker. The film, directed by J.J. Abrams, brought Star Wars back to the big screen and earned rave reviews for reintroducing the beloved franchise to a new generation. The movie’s massive success—making it one of the most expensive films ever made—also marked Ford’s triumphant return to one of his most iconic roles.

8. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

While not a box office smash, Blade Runner 2049 was met with widespread critical acclaim, particularly for its stunning visuals and thought-provoking narrative. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, the film sees Ford reprise his role as Rick Deckard, the enigmatic former blade runner. The question of whether Deckard is a replicant is one that continues to spark debate among fans, making Ford’s return to this iconic sci-fi universe all the more intriguing.

7. Blade Runner (1982)

The original Blade Runner, directed by Ridley Scott, is a cult classic and one of Ford’s most influential roles. Set in a dystopian, cyberpunk 2019 Los Angeles, Ford plays Deckard, a hard-boiled detective tasked with hunting down rogue replicants. Based on Philip K. Dick’s novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, Blade Runner’s legacy as a thought-provoking sci-fi film only grew with the passage of time, solidifying Ford’s place in the genre’s history.

6. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)

The third film in the Indiana Jones series, directed by Steven Spielberg, saw Ford team up with none other than Sean Connery, who played Indiana’s father. Together, the duo embarks on a thrilling adventure to find the Holy Grail, racing against the Nazis to secure the ancient relic. The chemistry between Ford and Connery added an extra layer of charm to the action-packed film, making it a fan favorite in the franchise.

5. Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983)

In the final film of the original Star Wars trilogy, Ford’s Han Solo is freed from his carbonite prison and joins Luke, Leia, and the Rebel Alliance in their ultimate fight against the Empire. Return of the Jedi marked the conclusion of the trilogy, with one of the most iconic space battles in cinematic history and an emotional redemption for Darth Vader. Ford’s performance as the roguish yet endearing Han Solo remains a key highlight of the film.

4. Apocalypse Now (1979)

Though Ford’s role in Apocalypse Now is small, his performance in Francis Ford Coppola’s Vietnam War epic is undeniably impactful. Ford plays Colonel Lucas, the officer who sends Martin Sheen’s Captain Willard on his mission to find and kill the rogue Colonel Kurtz, portrayed by Marlon Brando. Ford’s brief but memorable appearance in this classic war film adds a layer of gravitas to an already intense narrative.

3. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Raiders of the Lost Ark is the film that introduced the world to Indiana Jones, one of the most beloved action heroes in cinematic history. Directed by Steven Spielberg and written by George Lucas, the film follows Jones as he races against the Nazis to find the Ark of the Covenant. With its thrilling action, unforgettable score by John Williams, and Ford’s iconic portrayal of the adventurous archaeologist, Raiders is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made.

2. Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)

The original Star Wars film, directed by George Lucas, was a groundbreaking cinematic achievement that not only made Ford a household name but also changed the landscape of blockbuster filmmaking forever. As the charming smuggler Han Solo, Ford brought a unique charisma to the role, helping to propel A New Hope into a cultural phenomenon. The film’s success led to two sequels, and A New Hope remains a defining moment in both Ford’s career and in the history of cinema.

1. Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

For many fans, The Empire Strikes Back is the greatest Star Wars film of all time, and it claims the top spot in our ranking of Harrison Ford’s best movies. The darker and more complex sequel to A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back sees Han Solo and the rest of the Rebel Alliance facing their greatest challenge yet. Ford’s performance in this film remains a high point in his career, with Han’s iconic moments—including his romantic exchange with Leia and his daring escape—solidifying his place as one of the most enduring characters in film history.

Conclusion

While Indiana Jones and the original Star Wars movies have rightfully earned their places in the cinematic pantheon, it’s The Empire Strikes Back that stands as the pinnacle of Harrison Ford’s career, at least according to IMDb’s ranking. Ford’s versatility, from the action-packed Raiders and Star Wars to his more dramatic roles, has ensured his status as one of Hollywood’s most beloved and enduring stars. At almost 83, Ford continues to captivate audiences, and his career will undoubtedly remain a model of cinematic excellence for generations to come.