Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
Arthur Penn’s Bonnie and Clyde is known as a groundbreaking crime film, but it also marked an important early moment in Gene Hackman’s career. Playing Buck Barrow, Clyde’s older brother, Hackman gave a natural, grounded performance that earned him his first Academy Award nomination — a sign of the great work to come.
The French Connection (1971)
In The French Connection, Gene Hackman took center stage as Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle, a determined New York cop on the trail of a drug kingpin. Hackman’s portrayal of Doyle, with all his flaws and intensity, won him the Best Actor Oscar. His performance helped redefine what an action hero could look like — more grit and realism, less polish. The film’s famous car chase only added to the legend.
The Conversation (1974)
Francis Ford Coppola’s The Conversation gave Hackman a different kind of spotlight — one that focused on subtlety and quiet tension. As Harry Caul, a surveillance expert grappling with guilt and paranoia, Hackman delivered a measured, deeply human performance that earned him another Oscar nomination. It remains one of his most respected roles.
French Connection II (1975)
Returning as Popeye Doyle in French Connection II, Hackman built on the character he made famous. This time, the action moved to Marseille, where Doyle’s pursuit of justice took an even darker turn. Hackman didn’t hold back, fully committing to the role’s physical and emotional demands in scenes of brutal interrogation and forced addiction.
Lucky Lady (1975)
With Lucky Lady, Hackman stepped into a lighter, more comedic role, playing a Prohibition-era rum smuggler alongside Burt Reynolds and Liza Minnelli. The film’s playful tone gave Hackman a chance to show his versatility, reminding audiences that he wasn’t limited to crime dramas and thrillers. The threesome scene at the end managed to raise eyebrows at the time.
A Bridge Too Far (1977)
In the large ensemble cast of Richard Attenborough’s war epic A Bridge Too Far, Hackman still made an impression. As General Stanislaw Sosabowski, he brought authority and seriousness to the role, standing out even in brief screen time. It was another example of how Hackman could leave a mark no matter the size of the part.
Superman (1978)
Hackman took on the mantle of the famous comic book villain Lex Luthor in Superman, giving the character a blend of humor, arrogance, and intelligence. Although it’s said he joined the film for financial reasons, his performance added weight to the movie’s larger-than-life story — and earned him yet another Oscar nomination.
Mississippi Burning (1988)
In Mississippi Burning, Hackman played a seasoned FBI agent investigating civil rights-era violence in Mississippi. His blend of toughness and underlying empathy earned him wide praise — and another Oscar nomination. It was a reminder that Hackman could bring depth to even the most procedural of roles.
Unforgiven (1992)
Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven gave Hackman one of his most memorable roles: Sheriff “Little” Bill Daggett. Reluctant to play a villain at first, Hackman ultimately leaned into the character’s harshness, creating a complex antagonist that won him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
In Wes Anderson’s The Royal Tenenbaums, Hackman played Royal Tenenbaum, a flawed but charismatic father trying to reconnect with his grown children. His performance, blending humor with sincerity, earned him a Golden Globe and showed that even late in his career, Hackman could still surprise audiences.
See Also: Gene Hackman & His Wife Found Dead At Their New Mexico Residence