10 of the best Gene Hackman films and where to watch them: From The French Connection to The Birdcage
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call Gene Hackman one of the greatest movie stars of the 20th century.
He had a career spanning five decades, winning two Academy Awards and playing unforgettable roles from menacing villains to do-good law enforcers.
On February 26 2025, Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakwawa, 63, were found dead in their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, sending shockwaves across the world.
In the wake of his passing, we're revisiting some of his classic roles that left behind an unwavering legacy; from The French Connection to Runaway Jury and The Birdcage.
Here are 10 must-watch Gene Hackman movies and how you can stream them:
Actor Gene Hackman, winner of Best Supporting Actor at academy awards in March 1993. AP Photo, File
The French Connection – 1971
Popeye Doyle
Hackman earned his first-ever Best Actor Academy Award for his role as the relentless NYPD detective Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle.
This film established Hackman as a leading man while the memorable car-chasing scenes and gripping storyline made The French Connection a mainstay of crime cinema.
Where to watch: Disney Plus
American actor Gene Hackman (right) as Jimmy 'Popeye' Doyle in 'The French Connection', directed by William Friedkin, 1971. In the background (far left) is Roy Scheider (1932 - 2008) as Buddy 'Cloudy' Russo. (Photo by Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images) Getty
Runaway Jury – 2003
Rankin Fitch
Even amongst a star-studded cast of John Cusack, Rachel Weisz, Dustin Hoffman and Jeremy Piven, Hackman's talent stood out.
Runaway Jury is about a court case involving a suit against a firearms manufacturer. On one side of the case is Cusack and Weisz who claim they sway the jury's decision while on the other side is Hackman, who was hired by the gun company to blackmail the jury into delivering a verdict favourable to them.
Where to watch: Stan
READ MORE: What we know about the deaths of Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa
The Birdcage – 1996
Senator Kevin Keeley
In a role outside of his usual repertoire, Hackman showed of his comedic flair in The Birdcage alongside Robin Williams and Nathan Lane.
He played a conservative senator caught in a hilarious mix-up at a drag club.
Where to watch: 9Now
Hackman showed off his comedy chops in The Birdcage 1996. 9Now
The Conversation – 1974
Harry Caul
Hackman plays a surveillance expert whose paranoia who faces a moral dilemma when his recording reveal a potential murder.
His introspective performance in this psychological thriller makes it one Hackman's most critically acclaimed roles.
Where to watch: Prime Video
The Firm – 1993
Avery Tolar
Hackman steps into the role of a morally conflicted lawyer in this gripping legal thriller alongside Tom Cruise. His performance adds depth to a tense, high-stakes story.
Where to watch: Stan
Hackman worked with Tom Cruise in the 1993 film The Firm. Stan
Superman: The Movie and Superman II – 1978 and 1980
Lex Luthor
Hackman stepped into the role of supervillain Lex Luthor and is widely praised for "saving Superman".
What Hackman did so well that other Luthor actors couldn't was make the character hilariously funny without sacrificing the menace that made him such an unlikeable villain.
Where to watch: ABC iview
GALLERY: Legendary actor Gene Hackman's life in pictures
Hoosiers – 1986
Coach Norman Dale
In the ultimate underdog sports drama, Hackman plays a tough-love high school basketball coach who leads his small-town team to victory.
It's a heartfelt and inspiring classic that fans love to watch again and again.
Where to watch: Apple TV+
Hoosiers is an inspiring classic of Hackman's. Getty
Mississippi Burning – 1988
Agent Rupert Anderson
In a powerful and meaningful performance, Hackman played an FBI agent investigating racial violence in the south.
The film earned Hackman an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role.
Where to watch: Apple TV+
Unforgiven – 1992
Little Bill Dagget
After missing out on the Academy Award win in 1988, Hackman saw success winning Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his potrayal of ruthless sheriff Little Bill Dagget.
Unforgiven is a American revisionist Western film produced and directed by Clint Eastwood.
Where to watch: Binge
Unforgiven won Hackman the 1993 Academy Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role Getty
The Royal Tenenbaums – 2001
Royal Tenenbaum
In one of his final performances, the eccentric patriarch of the Tenenbaum family who leaves his children in their adolescence and returns in their adult years to reconcile.
Hackman's performance was humorous yet moving and earned him a Golden Globe.
Where to watch: Disney Plus
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