1 / 10Unforgiven (1992) | Directed by and starring Clint Eastwood, this Oscar-winning Western features Hackman as Little Bill Daggett, a ruthless sheriff who faces off against Eastwood’s retired gunslinger, Will Munny, seeking revenge for an injustice. With Morgan Freeman as his old partner, the film explores themes of justice and redemption in the fading Old West. Hackman received an Academy Award For Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal. (Image credit: IMDb)
2 / 10The French Connection (1971) | In this gritty crime thriller directed by William Friedkin, Hackman delivers a powerful performance as Popeye Doyle, a relentless NYPD detective trying to dismantle a French heroin smuggling operation. Starring alongside Roy Scheider and Fernando Rey, Hackman’s portrayal earned him his first Academy Award for Best Actor. (Image credit: IMDb)
3 / 10The Conversation (1974) | Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, Hackman stars as Harry Caul, a paranoid surveillance expert who suspects that the couple he is spying on will be murdered. With co-stars John Cazale and Allen Garfield, the film delves into themes of privacy, morality, and the consequences of one’s actions. (Image credit: IMDb)
4 / 10Bonnie and Clyde (1967) | In Arthur Penn’s groundbreaking crime drama, Hackman plays Buck Barrow, the brother of Clyde Barrow (played by Academy Award-winner Warren Beatty). The film follows Bonnie Parker (Faye Dunaway) and Clyde’s violent crime spree during the Great Depression, and Hackman’s role contributed to the film’s acclaim and Hackman’s rise to stardom. (Image credit: IMDb)
5 / 10The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) | In Wes Anderson’s quirky dramedy, Hackman portrays Royal Tenenbaum, the estranged patriarch of a dysfunctional family. Starring alongside Academy Award-winning actors Gwyneth Paltrow and Anjelica Huston, and Ben Stiller, Hackman’s performance blends wit and heart, showcasing the complexities of family relationships. (Image credit: IMDb)
6 / 10Superman (1978) | Directed by Richard Donner, Hackman plays Lex Luthor, the primary antagonist in this iconic superhero film. Alongside Christopher Reeve as Superman and Margot Kidder as Lois Lane, Hackman’s charismatic yet villainous portrayal became one of the film’s standout features. (Image credit: IMDb)
7 / 10I Never Sang for My Father (1970) | In this poignant drama directed by Gilbert Cates, Hackman stars as Gene Garrison, who grapples with his complicated relationship with his ageing father, played by Melvyn Douglas. The film explores family dynamics and the challenges of caring for an elderly parent. (Image credit: IMDb)
8 / 10Mississippi Burning (1988) | Directed by Alan Parker, this powerful historical drama features Hackman as FBI Agent Rupert Anderson, investigating the real-life murders of civil rights activists in 1964 Mississippi. His performance, alongside Willem Dafoe as his partner, is both compelling and deeply impactful. (Image credit: IMDb)
9 / 10Hoosiers (1986) | In this inspiring sports drama directed by David Anspaugh, Hackman plays Norman Dale, a coach with a troubled past who leads a small-town high school basketball team to the state championship. Co-starring Barbara Hershey and Dennis Hopper, the film is celebrated as one of the greatest sports movies of all time. (Image credit: IMDb)
10 / 10The Birdcage (1996) | In this comedy directed by Mike Nichols, Hackman portrays Senator Kevin Keeley, who becomes embroiled in a humorous family deception involving his son’s engagement to a woman from a conservative family. Starring alongside Robin Williams and Nathan Lane, Hackman’s role adds to the film’s comedic brilliance. (Image credit: IMDb)
