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10 essential Gene Hackman movies to add to your watch list

His career spanned five decades and he won two Oscars.
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Gene Hackman and Denzel Washington in a scene from the film 'Crimson Tide', 1995. (Photo by Hollywood Pictures/Getty Images)

Gene Hackman has sadly passed away, aged 95 and was one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors, known for his commanding presence and exceptional range across various genres. With two Academy Awards and a career spanning five decades, his performances remain unforgettable. Whether you’re new to his work or revisiting his classics, here are ten must-watch Gene Hackman movies.

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Policeman Gene Hackman is shown in this movie still walking toward the camera. He is holding a gun in his hands with policemen and police vehicles in the background. It was in this movie The French Connection that Gene Hackman won “Best Actor.” The movie itself won “Best Picture.”

The French Connection (1971)

Popeye Doyle

Hackman’s Oscar-winning performance as the relentless NYPD detective Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle solidified his status as a leading man. The film’s iconic car chase and gripping narrative make it a cornerstone of crime cinema.

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Actor Gene Hackman as’ Harry Caul’ in film ‘The Conversation’, 1974. (Photo by Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images)

The Conversation (1974)

Harry Caul

Francis Ford Coppola’s psychological thriller showcases Hackman as a surveillance expert whose paranoia spirals out of control. His subtle, introspective performance makes this one of his most critically acclaimed roles.

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CIRCA 1987: Actors Gene Hackman and Christopher Reeve in a scene from the Warner Bros. movie “Superman IV: The Quest for Peace” circa 1987. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

Superman: The Movie (1978) & Superman II (1980)

Lex Luthor

Hackman brought charm and menace to the role of Superman’s arch-nemesis, Lex Luthor. His performance balanced humour with a genuine sense of villainy, making him one of the most memorable comic book villains.

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Hoosiers (1986)

Coach Norman Dale

This underdog sports drama sees Hackman as a tough yet inspiring high school basketball coach leading his small-town team to victory. His performance is heartfelt and motivational, making Hoosiers a beloved classic.

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American actor Gene Hackman on the set of the movie ‘Mississippi Burning’ (directed by Alan Parker), Braxton, Mississippi, May 6, 1988. (Photo Robert R. McElroy/Getty Images)

Mississippi Burning (1988)

Agent Rupert Anderson

Hackman delivers a powerful performance as an FBI agent investigating racial violence in the South. The film earned him an Academy Award nomination and remains a gripping historical drama.

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American actor Gene Hackman as Little Bill Daggett in ‘Unforgiven’, directed by Clint Eastwood, 1992. (Photo by Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images)

Unforgiven (1992)

Little Bill Daggett

Clint Eastwood’s revisionist Western earned Hackman his second Oscar for playing the ruthless sheriff, Little Bill Daggett. His menacing yet complex portrayal elevates this masterpiece of the genre.

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American actors Gene Hackman and Tom Cruise on the set of The Firm, based on the novel by John Grisham and directed by Sydney Pollack. (Photo by Francois Duhamel/Sygma via Getty Images)

The Firm (1993)

Avery Tolar

Hackman plays a morally conflicted lawyer in this gripping legal thriller alongside Tom Cruise. His performance adds depth to a tense, high-stakes story.

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Gene Hackman and Denzel Washington in a scene from the film ‘Crimson Tide’, 1995. (Photo by Hollywood Pictures/Getty Images)

Crimson Tide (1995)

Captain Frank Ramsey

In this intense submarine thriller, Hackman goes head-to-head with Denzel Washington in a battle of wills over nuclear launch orders. His authoritative performance adds to the film’s gripping tension.

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Gene Hackman, Dianne Wiest and Calista Flockhart in a scene from the film ‘The Birdcage’, 1996. (Photo by United Artists/Getty Images)

The Birdcage (1996)

Senator Kevin Keeley

Hackman showed off his comedic chops as a conservative senator caught in a hilarious mix-up at a drag club. His performance is a highlight of this beloved comedy.

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LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES: The cast of “The Royal Tenenbaums” poses at the film’s premiere (L-R back) Luke Wilson, Anjelica Huston, Danny Glover, Gene Hackman, Ben Stiller, Kumar Pallana, Gwyneth Paltrow, (L-R front) Jonah Meyerson, Irene Gorovaia, in Los Angeles, 06 December 2001. AFP PHOTO/Lucy Nicholson (Photo credit should read LUCY NICHOLSON/AFP via Getty Images)

The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)

Royal Tenenbaum

In one of his final film roles, Hackman plays the charming yet deeply flawed patriarch of the Tenenbaum family. His performance is both hilarious and touching, earning him a Golden Globe.

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Head of Digital Jayde Malifa Head of Digital

Jayde Malifa studied a Bachelor of Media (Public Relations & Advertising) at the University of New South Wales before starting her career in marketing and communications. Looking to move into media, she joined women's lifestyle publisher Sitchu. Over six years, she made her way from Content Producer to National Editor, where she wrote articles about food, travel, lifestyle, homes, beauty, health and shopping, while leading the editorial strategy for the brand, across print and digital. She joined The Weekly as the Digital Managing Editor and is now the Head of Digital. She loves providing readers with the best in lifestyle inspiration. When she is not writing about her favourite shopping finds (and adding to her sunglasses collection in the process), she is either at the beach, kicking back with her ragdoll cat Sybil, or long lunching with her friends.

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