How to watch 12 iconic Gene Hackman movies
Hackman's cinematic legacy lives on through these unforgettable performances.
Gene Hackman was found dead alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa in their New Mexico home on Thursday morning. Hackman, a two-time Academy Award winning actor, was 95 years old, and his wife was 63.
While no cause of death has been determined yet, police do not suspect foul play.
Hackman had retired from acting and had not appeared in a film since 2004 but his on-screen presence in some of the most noteworthy movies of the 20th century has solidified him as one of the greats.
Here are 12 unforgettable Gene Hackman performances to watch while reflecting on his cinematic legacy.
1. Bonnie & Clyde - 1967
Just a few years after his first acting credit, the role of Buck Barrow, Clyde's brother in the film Bonnie & Clyde, earned Hackman his first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. This movie is rentable on both Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
Watch Bonnie & Clyde on Amazon
2. I Never Sang for My Father - 1970
This family drama about a son trying to reconcile a relationship with his domineering father earned Hackman his second Academy Award nomination. The film is available to watch for free with a Fubo free trial.
Watch I Never Sang for My Father on Fubo
3. The French Connection - 1971
Hackman cemented his status as one of the best actors in Hollywood when he earned his first Best Actor nomination and subsequently won his first Academy Award portraying Detective Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle, one of our favorite character names in movie history. The French Connection also won Best Picture and is widely considered to be a cinematic classic. The movie is available to rent with Amazon Prime Video.
Watch The French Connection on Amazon
4. The Poseidon Adventure - 1972
The second highest grossing movie of 1972 behind only The Godfather, the Poseidon Adventure is a classic disaster movie. Hackman plays Rev. Frank Scott who attempts to lead the passengers of a sinking ship to safety. The Poseidon Adventure is available to watch through Starz via Apple TV.
Watch The Poseidon Adventure with Starz via Apple TV
5. The Conversation - 1974
Ho hum, just another Hackman performance that is considered among the greatest of all time. The Conversation is also regarded as one of Francis Ford Coppola's best movies and earned a best picture nomination. The movie is available to rent on Amazon Prime Video.
Watch The Conversation on Amazon
6. Superman - 1978
Even back in 1978, playing the lead villain in a super hero movie means that you had hit the big time. As Lex Luthor, Hackman is the foil to Christopher Reeves in both this film and Superman II two years later. Superman is available to stream on Hulu.
7. Hoosiers - 1986
One of the most iconic sports movie performances, Hackman as Coach Norman Dale lives rent free in the heads of many aspiring basketball players. The movie ranks third on Paste BN's list of best basketball movies of all time, and is available to rent from Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV.
8. Mississippi Burning - 1988
The second of Hackman's Best Actor nominations, Mississippi Burning also features standout performances from Willem Dafoe and Francis McDormand. Mississippi Burning is available to watch for free with a subscription to Amazon Prime.
Watch Mississippi Burning on Amazon
9. Unforgiven - 1992
The fifth and final Academy Award nomination for Hackman also resulted in his second win. The Clint Eastwood film also earned Best Picture and Best Director Oscars. Unforgiven is available to watch for free with a subscription to Amazon Prime.
10. Crimson Tide - 1995
Hackman's return to the sea also features a standout performance from Denzel Washington as Lieutenant Commander Ron Hunter, the foil to Hackman's captain Frank Ramsey, as both men must do what they think is right in order to stop the beginning of nuclear war. Crimson Tide is available to rent on both Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
11. The Birdcage - 1996
While The Birdcage is often remembered for the rapport between Nathan Lane and Robin Williams, Hackman's performance as the literal straight man ensures the hilarity of the ever-ongoing shenanigans. The Birdcage is available to watch on Hulu.
12. The Royal Tennenbaums - 2001
A new generation of movie watchers were introduced to Hackman as the patriarch of the eccentric Tennenbaum family in Wes Anderson's 2001 film. A quirky comedy with some dark undertones, The Royal Tennenbaums is often a polarizing movie, though it would be tough to dispute the strength of Hackman's performance. The movie is available to rent on Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV.
Watch The Royal Tennenbaums on Amazon
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