The news of Gene Hackman’s passing, along with his wife Betsy Arakawa, at their New Mexico residence has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. This legendary actor’s contributions to cinema are undeniable. Over a career spanning decades, he delivered numerous iconic roles that continue to captivate audiences, working with some of the most esteemed directors in film history.
Hackman’s impressive filmography includes standout performances in Bonnie and Clyde (1967) and I Never Sang for My Father (1970), which helped cement his status as one of his era’s leading actors. His unforgettable portrayal of Lex Luthor in the first two Superman films, starring Christopher Reeve, remains one of the most memorable villainous turns in cinematic history.
To celebrate his remarkable legacy, here are five unmissable films featuring Gene Hackman, along with information on where to stream them:
1. The French Connection (1971)
Directed by William Friedkin, The French Connection is a cinematic masterpiece that earned eight Oscar nominations and won five, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Hackman. The film follows Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle, a detective on a high-stakes mission to intercept a major heroin shipment. Hackman’s performance is riveting, and the film’s infamous chase scene is widely regarded as one of the best in cinema history.
Stream on Disney+.
2. Unforgiven (1992)
Clint Eastwood’s Western classic Unforgiven garnered nine Oscar nominations and won four, including Best Director and Best Actor for Eastwood, along with Best Supporting Actor for Hackman. The film tells the story of a reformed outlaw and the moral complexities of vengeance, featuring Hackman in a powerful supporting role.
Available on Max.
3. The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
Wes Anderson’s quirky dramedy The Royal Tenenbaums boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Hackman as the eccentric patriarch Royal Tenenbaum. The film follows a dysfunctional family reuniting after years of estrangement, revealing long-held secrets along the way.
Stream on Disney+.
4. Mississippi Burning (1988)
Alan Parker’s Mississippi Burning is a gripping drama based on the real-life disappearance of three civil rights activists in 1960s Mississippi. Hackman portrays an FBI agent deeply aware of the region’s racial tensions, delivering a performance that underscores the film’s intense exploration of social injustice.
Watch on Prime Video.
5. The Conversation (1974)
In Francis Ford Coppola’s thought-provoking thriller The Conversation, Hackman plays a surveillance expert whose growing paranoia makes him a target of his own investigation. Though released the same year as The Godfather: Part II, Hackman’s captivating performance in The Conversation remains a highlight of his career.
Now streaming on Netflix.
Gene Hackman’s legacy is defined not only by his unforgettable roles and cinematic collaborations but also by his profound impact on the art of acting. These films serve as a testament to his extraordinary talent and enduring influence on the world of cinema.