Harrison Ford’s 10 Greatest Action Movies, Ranked

Summary

• Ford’s action movies are iconic, filled with compelling stories, excellent villains, and heart-pumping action.
• The Devil’s Own
  is a solid thriller, while
  Cowboys & Aliens
  offers a charming blend of Western and sci-fi elements.
• With stellar performances,
  Clear and Present Danger
  and
  The Fugitive
  stand out as searing thrillers with intense action.

Harrison Ford is a very special kind of Hollywood actor with incredible longevity. While he has been acting since the mid-1960s, it was his breakthrough role as Han Solo in Star Wars (1977) that launched Ford to international stardom. Since this point, Ford has had a spectacular career in the industry, finding particular success in his numerous starring roles in action movies. In February 2025, Ford will star in yet another action movie, as President Thaddeus ‘Thunderbolt’ Ross in the MCU’s Captain America: Brave New World.

Ford’s action movies are some of the best and most iconic Hollywood has ever produced. The very best of these movies give Ford’s characters compelling stories, excellent villains, and, most importantly, plenty of heart-pumping action. From portraying the President of the United States, a legendary archaeologists, and a disgruntled police officer in a dystopian future, Ford’s greatest action movies are sure to have something for everyone.

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10 The Devil’s Own (1997)

A Solid Political Action Thriller

Considering the fact that, according to Ford and his co-star Brad Pitt, The Devil’s Own began shooting its scenes without a fully completed screenplay, it is a remarkably impressive action movie (via Roger Ebert). The Devil’s Own‘s plot revolves around Frankie Maguire (under the alias Rory Devaney, played by Pitt), an agent for the provisional Irish Republican Army, as he goes undercover in New York City to purchase missiles for the group. He stays with Ford’s character, NYPD Sergeant Tom O’Meara, under the guise of being a construction worker.

While not as enthralling and action-packed as some of Ford’s other movies, The Devil’s Own certainly has a strong story to tell, and is bolstered by the excellent acting duo of Ford and Pitt. The Devil’s Own does an excellent job at producing a thriller with incredible action, especially considering the highly sensitive subject at hand. Pitt’s Irish accent may leave a lot to be desired, but this by no means detracts from the solid action scenes at hand, particularly the final shootout of the movie.

The Devil’s Own (1997) RCrimeThrillerDrama

The Devil’s Own, directed by Alan J. Pakula, features Harrison Ford as an NYPD officer who unknowingly harbors a fugitive IRA member, played by Brad Pitt. The film unfolds as both characters grapple with conflicting moral dilemmas amid escalating tensions. It explores themes of loyalty, trust, and the personal cost of living a double life, set against the backdrop of political turmoil and violent strife.

Director Alan J. Pakula Release Date March 13, 1997 Studio(s) Columbia Pictures Writers David Aaron Cohen , Vincent Patrick , Kevin Jarre Cast Harrison Ford , Brad Pitt , Ruben Blades , Treat Williams , Natascha McElhone Runtime 107 Minutes Main Genre Crime Expand

9 Cowboys & Aliens (2011)

A Charming Neo-Western

Despite this movie’s ridiculous title and equally ridiculous premise about an 1870s Southwestern US town being abducted by extraterrestrial life, Cowboys & Aliens is one of Ford’s more endearing action movies. Ford stars as wealthy cattleman Woodrow Dolarhyde alongside Daniel Craig, who plays outlaw Jake Lonergan. Together, they team up with mysterious traveler Ella Swenson (Olivia Wilde) and attempt to rescue their fellow townspeople who have been abducted by aliens.

No matter how absurd the premise of a movie is, placing the actors who played James Bond and Indiana Jones in starring roles is sure to produce a successful action movie. Its thematic elements can get quite murky at times, as Cowboys & Aliens clearly struggles to decide whether it wants to be a Western or a sci-fi adventure, yet its compelling story is sure to keep the audience enthralled. As well as this, Ford, notorious for acting nonchalant about his action roles, appears revitalized in Cowboys & Aliens, giving a particularly strong performance.

Cowboys and Aliens pg-13 Sci-FiAction

Cowboys and Aliens is a sci-fi/western movie directed by Iron Man director Jon Favreau. The 2011 film is based on Scott Mitchell Rosenberg’s graphic novel of the same name and features an ensemble cast that includes Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford, Olivia Wilde, Sam Rockwell, and Paul Dano.

Director Jon Favreau Release Date July 29, 2011 Studio(s) Universal Pictures , DreamWorks Distribution Distributor(s) Paramount Pictures , Universal Pictures Writers Jon Favreau , Harrison Ford , Daniel Craig Cast Daniel Craig , Harrison Ford , Olivia Wilde , Noah Ringer Runtime 2h 15m Expand See at AmazonSee at Walmart

8 Six Days, Seven Nights (1998)

Strong, But Slightly Predictable

Ford would not be the first actor one thinks of when told to think of a staple of romantic comedies, but his performance as pilot Quinn alongside Anne Heche as Robin in Six Days, Seven Nights may prove this stereotype wrong. When their plane crashes on a desert island, Quinn and Robin face all sorts of obstacles, including a thunderstorm, pirates, and a cliff jump, as they try and get back home. The romantic sideplot that sees Quinn and Robin fall in love feels truly authentic, in large part due to Ford’s and Heche’s strong on-screen chemistry.

Yes, Six Days, Seven Nights is, at its core, a predictable action rom-com where the two protagonists fall in love by the end, but it is the unique setting of the desert island, and the various action set pieces on display, that truly give the movie its value. Providing entertainment is the primary goal of any action movie, and Six Days, Seven Nights certainly achieves this. While the storyline is slightly jumbled at times, and occasionally struggles with pacing, Six Days, Seven Nights remains an accessible, entertaining action movie that anyone can enjoy.

Six Days, Seven Nights (1998) Where to Watch

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Six Days, Seven Nights is a romantic adventure film directed by Ivan Reitman. Released in 1998, the story follows magazine editor Robin Monroe (Anne Heche) and pilot Quinn Harris (Harrison Ford) as they struggle to survive on a deserted island after their plane crashes. The film showcases the evolving dynamics between the characters amidst the perilous conditions they face.

Director Ivan Reitman Release Date June 12, 1998 Writers Michael Browning Cast Harrison Ford , Anne Heche , David Schwimmer , Temuera Morrison Runtime 102 Minutes

7 Clear And Present Danger (1994)

Searing Action

One of the most iconic political action thrillers of all time, Clear and Present Danger sees Ford reprise his role as Jack Ryan in the series adapted from Tom Clancy’s book series about the thrills of the CIA analyst. The plot revolves around Ryan being appointed as acting deputy director of the CIA as he slowly uncovers a conspiracy theory involving Colombian drug cartels, the murder of an American business executive on a yacht, and the President of the United States himself. Clear and Present Danger is an excellent movie full of cover-ups, action, and betrayal.

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As always, Ford’s presence as Jack Ryan steals the show, which is no mean feat considering the impressive supporting cast that includes acting legends such as James Earl Jones and Willem Dafoe. While some of the supporting characters lack true depth, the intrigue and liveliness of the plot does an excellent job at keeping the audience’s attention. Critically and commercially successful, as far as Ford’s action movies go, Clear and Present Danger is one of the greats.

Clear And Present Danger (1994) PG-13ActionDramaThriller

Clear And Present Danger is a political thriller film based on the novel by Tom Clancy, where Jack Ryan, played by Harrison Ford, is appointed as the Deputy Director of the CIA. He uncovers a conspiracy involving the US President and a Colombian drug cartel, leading to a dangerous game of cat and mouse.

Director Phillip Noyce Release Date August 3, 1994 Studio(s) Paramount , Mace Neufeld Productions , Robert Rehme Productions Writers Steven Zaillian , John Milius , Donald Stewart Cast Harrison Ford , Willem Dafoe , Joaquim De Almeida , Henry Czerny , Harris Yulin Runtime 141 Minutes Main Genre Action Expand

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6 Patriot Games (1992)

The Movie That Proved Tom Clancy Wrong

During production on Patriot Games (Ford’s first appearance as Jack Ryan), Tom Clancy repeatedly stated his displeasure with the casting of Ford, believing him to be too old to play the character (via Slash Film). However, upon the film’s release, Clancy realized he had been proved wrong. Ford brought his action movie experience to the role, giving the movie a larger than life atmosphere as Ryan attempts to avoid being killed by a rogue IRA operative, Sean Miller (Sean Bean), whose brother he had killed when thwarting a terrorist attack.

While less-than-delicate on the topic of sectarianism in Northern Ireland, Patriot Games nevertheless provides an absorbing story full of action-packed set pieces, including a heart-pumping boat chase in the final act. The movie also balanced Ford’s seasoned career in the action genre while launching Bean to international recognition, and their scenes together in Patriot Games are full of tension. Ford’s ability to bring a new level of humanity to Ryan’s character and the overall storyline makes Patriot Games one of his greatest, and most rewatchable, action movies.

Patriot Games (1992) RActionThriller

Patriot Games is a political thriller directed by Phillip Noyce, based on Tom Clancy’s novel. Harrison Ford stars as Jack Ryan, a former CIA analyst who becomes entangled in an international conflict after thwarting an IRA attack in London. This event sets off a chain of violent retaliations, forcing Ryan and his family into a battle for their lives. The film also features Anne Archer, James Earl Jones, and Sean Bean in pivotal roles.

Director Phillip Noyce Release Date June 5, 1992 Studio(s) Paramount Pictures , Mace Neufeld Productions Distributor(s) Paramount Pictures Writers W. Peter Iliff Cast Harrison Ford , Anne Archer , Patrick Bergin , Sean Bean , Thora Birch , James Fox , Samuel L. Jackson , James Earl Jones , Richard Harris Runtime 117 Minutes Main Genre Action Expand

5 Blade Runner (1982)

Sci-Fi Action At Its Peak

While different from the book Blade Runner is based on, it is a seminal piece of movie making, not just for Ford, or for the action genre, but for the entire industry as a whole. The tale of former police officer Rick Deckard (Ford) as he attempts to track down and ‘retire’ four illegal replicants (bioengineered beings with superhuman strength used for free labor) in a dystopian future is one of the most iconic action movies in cinematic history. Initially panned by critics when it was released, Blade Runner eventually transformed into something more than a futuristic action movie. It became a benchmark for science fiction.

“All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain”

Ford’s performance as Deckard is solid throughout, acting as the cherry on top of a truly superb action movie. Blade Runner is full of wisdom, heart, and action, providing audiences with something new to discover about this dystopian universe upon every re-watch. Culturally significant and incredibly influential, Blade Runner is probably Ford’s most unique and thematically rich action movie.

Blade Runner RDramaDocumentarySci-FiThriller Where to Watch

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The original Blade Runner is a sci-fi neo-noir film set in 2019 in a dystopian cyber-punk society. Harrison Ford stars as Rick Deckard as a Blade Runner for the LAPD, tasked with hunting rogue replicants, genetically engineered humans designed to tackle tasks that human beings cannot. When four replicants go rogue and begin killing humans, Deckard is forced out of retirement to hunt them down and stop them – but the truth isn’t as simple as it seems. Deckard will have to reckon with the philosophical dilemma of what makes someone human.

Director Ridley Scott Release Date June 25, 1982 Studio(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Distributor(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Writers Hampton Fancher , David Webb Peoples , Philip K. Dick , Roland Kibbee Cast Harrison Ford , Rutger Hauer , Sean Young , Edward James Olmos , M. Emmet Walsh , Daryl Hannah , William Sanderson , Joe Turkel Runtime 117 minutes Expand

4 Air Force One (1997)

Ford And Oldman Are Outstanding

In this staple of ’90s action movies, Ford portrays a fictionalized President of the United States, James Marshall. Following the capture and imprisonment of a genocidal world leader on Marshall’s orders, Air Force One (the plane used by the President) is hijacked by terrorists led by Egor Korshunov (Gary Oldman). President Marshall spends the movie attempting to retake the hijacked plane almost singlehandedly, providing audiences with a thrilling action movie full of daring stunts, political intrigue, fighter jets, and, of course, Harrison Ford doing what he does best.

Air Force One seamlessly blends Ford’s impressive acting chops with his incredible ability to transform into a man of action as he shoots, punches, and charges his way through the airplane. While some of the CGI may appear pretty dated to some, the movie more than makes up for it with its fast-paced, action-packed storyline and often evocative dialogue. Ford and Oldman’s antagonistic dynamic is searingly hot, with both of them stealing the show anytime they are on-screen. Ultimately, Air Force One is a must-watch for any fan of Harrison Ford, action movies or both.

Air Force One RActionThrillerDrama

In the 1997 action thriller Air Force One, President James Marshall (Harrison Ford) is forced to defend his plane from Russian hijackers while trying to save his family and administration. It is directed by Wolfgang Petersen, with Gary Oldman playing terrorist Egor Korshunov and Glenn Close appearing as Vice President Kathryn Bennett.

Director Wolfgang Petersen Release Date July 25, 1997 Studio(s) Columbia Pictures Distributor(s) Columbia Pictures Writers Andrew W. Marlowe Cast Glenn Close , Harrison Ford , Liesel Matthews , Gary Oldman , Wendy Crewson Runtime 124 minutes Expand

3 The Fugitive (1993)

Gritty, Ruthless, And Tense

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An action movie crossed with a nail-biting crime thriller, The Fugitive once again puts a Ford character up against unbelievable odds. After he is framed for his wife’s murder, Dr. Richard Kimble (Ford) manages to escape from custody and fights to clear his name. All the while, he is being ruthlessly hunted by a team of police officers and US Marshals led by Samuel Gerard. Gerard was portrayed by Tommy Lee Jones, who won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his part.

The Fugitive is almost universally acclaimed by critics and audiences alike, having a 96% critics score and 89% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes (via Rotten Tomatoes). Balancing an intricate plot about vindication and a race against the clock with Ford’s and Jones’ excellent performances, The Fugitive may be extravagant, but the movie pulls it off exceptionally well. Close-calls, non-stop action, and a murder mystery, The Fugitive truly has all the ingredients of one of the best action movies ever made.

The Fugitive PG-13ActionThrillerDramaCrimeMystery Where to Watch

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After being falsely accused of killing his wife, Dr. Richard Kimble goes on the run to find the real killer while a seasoned US Marshal hunts him down. The Fugitive stars Harrison Ford as Dr.  Richard Kimble and Tommy Lee Jones as Samuel Gerard and was directed by Andrew Davis.

Director Andrew Davis Release Date August 6, 1993 Studio(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Distributor(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Writers David Twohy , Jeb Stuart Cast Joe Pantoliano , Sela Ward , Julianne Moore , Tommy Lee Jones , Harrison Ford Runtime 130 minutes Expand

2 Raiders Of The Lost Ark (1981)

The Birth Of A Legend

Close

It is a close call between Indiana Jones and Han Solo as to who Ford’s most iconic character is, but the fact is that everybody knows who Indy is. The globetrotting archaeologist first appeared on our screens in Raiders Of The Lost Ark, pitting Indy against the Nazis, who wish to recover the Ark of the Covenant to strengthen their army. Raiders was a sensation at the box office, among critics, and at the Academy Awards, winning five (via The New York Times).

There is little to be said about how Raiders ranks in Ford’s action filmography that hasn’t been said already. It is a true icon of the genre, with incredible style, high stakes, and moments of comedy gold. The introduction of Indiana Jones in the opening scene alone is one of Raiders’ most iconic, providing just one small part of the movie’s incredible influence. Raiders is undeniably a must-watch for anybody who likes movies; it is a riveting tale of adventure, excitement, and action.

Raiders of the Lost Ark PGAdventureAction Where to Watch

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The most popular and well-received film in the Indiana Jones movie franchise, Raiders of the Lost Ark follows Harrison Ford’s Indiana Jones in a race against Nazi forces to recover the famed Ark of the Covenant. Aided by his former lover, Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen), Indy must work to keep the Nazis, led by Dr. Rene Belloq, from obtaining the Ark and thus becoming recipients of its power. The film is widely regarded as one of the all-time greatest movies ever made. 

Director Steven Spielberg Release Date June 12, 1981 Studio(s) Lucasfilm Distributor(s) Paramount Pictures Writers Lawrence Kasdan Cast Harrison Ford , Karen Allen , Alfred Molina , Paul Freeman , Ronald Lacey , John Rhys-Davies , Denholm Elliott Runtime 115 Minutes Expand

1 Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade (1989)

Mature, Funny, And Iconic

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade is Harrison Ford’s greatest ever action movie. Acting as the final movie in the original Indiana Jones trilogy, The Last Crusade sees Ford return as Indy as he embarks on a search for the Holy Grail. He is accompanied by his father, Dr. Henry Jones, played by the legendary Sean Connery. The dynamic between Henry and Indy is one of the best parts of the movie, providing moments of fantastic comedy along with some genuinely heartwarming ones.

The Last Crusade is not only a superb movie in its own right, but it was a necessary measure to get the Indiana Jones franchise back on its feet after the rather underwhelming Temple of Doom was released five years earlier. Despite being the third in the trilogy, The Last Crusade manages to be endearingly novel in its portrayal of the quest for the Holy Grail, and adds another layer of maturity to the franchise by introducing the relationship between Indy and his father. The Last Crusade is action movie dynamite, and certainly Harrison Ford’s best.

Source: RogerEbert.com, SlashFilm, Rotten Tomatoes, The New York Times

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade pg-13AdventureAction Where to Watch

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A sequel to Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade sees the return of the titular hero, this time in search of his father who has been kidnapped by Nazis. Aided by his friends Marcus Brody and Sallah, as well as his father’s associate Elsa Schneider, Indy must travel Europe to locate his father and stop the Nazis from finding the Holy Grail. Sean Connery, John Rhys-Davies, Denholm Elliott, and Alison Doody also star. 

Director Steven Spielberg Release Date May 24, 1989 Studio(s) Lucasfilm Distributor(s) Paramount Pictures Writers Jeffrey Boam Cast Harrison Ford , Sean Connery , Denholm Elliott , Alison Doody , John Rhys-Davies , Julian Glover Runtime 127 Minutes Expand

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