The 10 Best Gene Hackman Movies to Stream on Prime

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Legendary actor, Gene Hackman, sadly passed away at the age of 95 in unfortunate circumstances. Renowned for his exceptional talent, Hackman started his journey in Hollywood back in 1961 with a minor role in “Mad Dog Coll.” However, it was his performance in the groundbreaking 1967 film “Bonnie and Clyde” that truly launched his career, marking a significant shift in cinematic history. This role even earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

Later in his career, Gene Hackman earned two Academy Awards – one for Best Actor and another for Best Supporting Actor. Throughout the years, he graced both the big screen and small with memorable performances in movies such as Superman, The French Connection, The Replacements, and Get Shorty, many of which are available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. As a tribute to Gene Hackman’s remarkable career, here is a list of 10 films featuring his iconic roles that are currently streaming on this platform.

10
‘March or Die’ (1977)

Titled “March or Die,” this British war film unfolds in the 1920s, revolving around an American tormented by recollections of the just-concluded World War I. His unit is tasked with securing an archaeological excavation site in Morocco from hostile Arab tribes.

In the movie, Hackman portrays an American who has seen too much of war. While shooting scenes, he fell from a horse and sustained injuries, causing production to halt temporarily and increasing the film’s modest budget. As a result, the film ended up losing money at the box office.

9
‘Welcome to Mooseport’ (2004)

In the film “Welcome to Mooseport,” an ordinary resident of Mooseport, Maine is taken aback when he finds himself challenging a former U.S. president for the mayoral seat. Comedian Ray Romano plays the role of the local candidate in this blend of comedy and political satire. Originally, Romano was set to act alongside Dustin Hoffman, but Hoffman withdrew from the production.

In the movie, Gene Hackman took over the role previously played by Hoffman as the ex-US president. Welcome to Mooseport received mixed reviews and was not a financial success, but it managed to garner 3 stars from esteemed film critic Roger Ebert. Welcome to Mooseport marked Gene Hackman’s final acting appearance in films.

8
‘Behind Enemy Lines’ (2001)

Gene Hackman had a penchant for appearing in films that depicted war scenarios. A number of these movies can be found streaming on Amazon Prime Video at present, such as the title “Behind Enemy Lines,” where Owen Wilson portrays a demoralized pilot evading the military in Bosnia during conflict, while Gene Hackman takes on the role of the superior officer attempting to rescue him.

Despite receiving poor reviews from critics due to its chaotic action scenes and poorly developed characters, the film Behind Enemy Lines was successful at the box office.

7
‘Cisco Pike’ (1972)

In this film, titled Cisco Pike, we follow the story of a struggling musician who resorts to dealing marijuana when he encounters tough times. Making his first appearance as the leading character is Kris Kristofferson, while Gene Hackman takes on the role of a morally questionable police officer who exploits the musician.

As a dedicated admirer, let me share that Cisco Pike was a groundbreaking debut for director Bill L. Norton, who later went on to create captivating TV series like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Twilight Zone, and Law & Order: Criminal Intent. This movie has since earned a cult status among viewers, making it a must-watch for fans of classic cinema.

6
‘Crimson Tide’ (1995)

The movie titled “Crimson Tide” is an action-packed story that unfolds on board a submarine equipped with nuclear missiles. Inspired by actual events during the Cuban Missile Crisis, it chronicles a young First Officer who incites rebellion to stop his impulsive Captain from launching nuclear weapons prematurely.

The film “Crimson Tide” boasts a talented ensemble with Denzel Washington portraying the officer and Gene Hackman as the volatile captain, alongside Viggo Mortensen, James Gandolfini, Steve Zahn, and Ryan Phillipe. The movie was highly praised for its gripping score by Hans Zimmer, intense action sequences, and captivating dialogue, which was attributed to an unnamed contribution from Quentin Tarantino.

5
‘Enemy of the State’ (1998)

The film titled Enemy of the State is an action-packed thriller that features the talented actor Will Smith alongside other well-known personalities such as Gene Hackman, Jon Voight, Regina King, Jack Black, Jason Lee, and Scott Caan. In this movie, Smith portrays a lawyer who unwittingly comes into possession of crucial evidence about a politically driven crime, causing him to be pursued by corrupt politicians and NSA agents.

Under the guidance of director Tony Scott, Enemy of the State added another accolade to Hackman’s impressive portfolio. This movie was highly praised for its thrilling action sequences and the captivating chemistry between Smith and Hackman.

4
‘Get Shorty’ (1995)

Get Shorty”, one of Hackman’s most recognized films, may be unfamiliar to you, but chances are you have come across its distinctive poster – four characters wearing sunglasses and standing coolly. “Get Shorty” is a comedy about gangsters, inspired by Elmore Leonard’s 1990 novel. The story revolves around a Miami-based gangster who journeys to Hollywood to settle a debt and unwittingly finds himself entangled in the film industry.

The film boasts an illustrious ensemble of stars such as John Travolta, Gene Hackman, Rene Russo, James Gandolfini, and Danny DeVito. Get Shorty stood out with its remarkable cast, a fresh perspective on the gangster genre, and its ability to offer equal parts suspense and humor. This acclaimed film spawned a series of follow-ups, including the 2005 sequel titled Be Cool, and a television adaptation in 2017 that is currently uncertain.

3
‘The Poseidon Adventure’ (1972)

The movie titled “The Poseidon Adventure” is an adventure film that originates from the 1969 novel of the same title penned by Paul Gallico. In this narrative, we follow a band of travelers who fight for survival when a rogue wave overturns their ocean liner.

In “The Poseidon Adventure,” we find an ensemble of five actors who have won Oscars, such as Gene Hackman, portraying passenger Reverend Frank Scott. This film was both critically acclaimed and financially successful, earning it a total of 8 nominations at the Academy Awards. It ultimately took home awards for Best Song and Best Visual Effects.

2
‘Hoosiers’ (1986)

Hoosiers is another renowned film starring Gene Hackman, this one set during the 1950s and based on true events. It follows a small-town high school basketball team aiming for the state championship, with Hackman portraying their enigmatic coach, a role that he excelled in throughout his career.

In this movie, Dennis Hopper, a fellow actor of Hackman’s, was nominated for an Oscar in the Best Supporting Actor category. Despite being a common narrative of overcoming odds, the film Hoosiers was praised by critics for its powerful performances and inspiring tale.

1
‘The French Connection’ (1971)

The French Connection is generally considered Gene Hackman’s most renowned and exceptional film. Adapted from Robin Moore’s 1969 nonfiction book with the same title, this hard-hitting neo-noir thriller revolves around a duo of New York Police Department detectives who relentlessly chase after a wealthy French drug trafficker. It is recognized for showcasing one of the most incredible car chases ever filmed.

In the Academy Awards, The French Connection swept up a total of 5 awards out of its 8 nominations. Among these wins were prestigious categories such as Best Picture, Best Director for William Friedkin, Best Film Editing, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Furthermore, Gene Hackman was recognized with the Best Actor award for his exceptional performance in this film.

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2025-03-14 01:02