Rediscovery Harrison Ford—The Master of Character-Driven Movies

Did Hollywood forget how to make character-driven thrillers? These Harrison Ford films say yes

Remember the 80s and 90s? These were the decades when character-driven thrillers were the bread and butter of Hollywood, many of them walking away with an Oscar. Now it’s all about superheroes.

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In this day and age, it feels like character-driven thrillers are on life support, considering how common they were thirty years ago.

Back in the good ole days, every week there was a new thriller to check out in the theater—ok, not every week. These movies had it all: great plots, intense action, and, most importantly, well-fleshed-out characters. But the one thing that gave them that extra umph is that these movies had great actors, like Tom Cruise, Demi Moore, and Tom Hanks.

Now, if we’re talking about the best of the best when it comes to that era’s actors, you can’t ignore the man who epitomizes the thriller genre—Harrison Ford. Let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of his most unforgettable roles in character-driven thrillers.

Witness 1985

Ford plays detective John Book, who goes undercover in an Amish community to protect a young boy who witnessed a murder. This role earned Ford an Academy Award nomination. His portrayal of John Book is a beautiful blend of toughness and sensitivity, a man finding his way in a foreign culture while developing a protective relationship with the witness and his mother. For his character to feel more genuine, Ford spent time living in the Amish community.

Frantic 1988

Directed by the infamous Roman Polanski, Ford plays Dr. Richard Walker, an American doctor in Paris whose wife goes missing. It leads him into a dangerous conspiracy. This film showcases Ford's ability to play an everyman thrown into extraordinary circumstances. His desperate emotional roller-coaster search across Paris will keep you engaged until the end.

Presumed Innocent 1990

Ford plays Rusty Sabich, a prosecutor accused of murdering his colleague and lover, which leads to an intense courtroom drama. Ford portrays a man caught in a web of lies, suspicion, and legal battles. The film delves into the complexities of personal and professional relationships, making it one of the best legal dramas.

Patriot Games 1992

Ford’s first foray into espionage was portraying CIA analyst Jack Ryan. Ryan becomes the target of an Irish terrorist group after preventing an attack. The movie explores Ryan’s moral dilemmas and the strains his job places on his family life. It's a thriller that combines political intrigue with personal stakes, making it one of his best works. Fun fact: the royal family scene at the beginning of the film was shot with actual members of the British royal family appearing in the background.

The Fugitive 1993

If you haven't seen The Fugitive, do yourself a favor and watch it immediately. If you've seen it, watch it again. Ford plays Dr. Richard Kimble, a man wrongfully convicted of murdering his wife. Kimble escapes custody and sets out to find the real killer. You can’t help but root for Ford’s desperate man on the run character as he tries to clear his name, all while being pursued by the relentless U.S. Marshal Samuel Gerard, played by Tommy Lee Jones, who, by the way, won an Oscar for the role.

Clear and Present Danger 1994

Harrison Ford as Jack Ryan is the stuff of legends. In Clear and Present Danger, he steps into the shoes of the CIA analyst once again, this time finding himself embroiled in a dangerous conflict with Colombian drug cartels. Ford’s bring a sense of moral authenticity to the character. Ryan isn’t a superhero; he’s a guy trying to do the right thing in a world full of gray areas. The film’s political intrigue and action-packed scenes are perfectly balanced, and Ford’s performance anchors it all, making it one of the best thrillers of the decade. Ford did many of his own stunt driving in the film’s ambush scene, which is considered one of the most memorable action sequences in the Jack Ryan film series.

Air Force One 1997

"Get off my plane!" If that line doesn't ring a bell, you need to watch Air Force One. Ford plays President James Marshall, a leader who finds himself in a life-or-death situation when terrorists hijack his plane. The premise is simple but incredibly effective, and Ford’s portrayal of a president who turns into an action hero is nothing short of iconic. Ford delivers a performance that, although unrelatable to us common folks, was commanding.

The Devil's Own 1997

Ford stars opposite Brad Pitt as New York cop Tom O'Meara, who unknowingly shelters an IRA terrorist. This thriller explores themes of loyalty, family, and moral ambiguity, with Ford delivering a solid performance as a man torn between his duties as a cop and his sympathies for the man he comes to regard as a son. This film was one of the first major Hollywood movies to deal with the conflict in Northern Ireland, and it required extensive research into the IRA's history.

What Lies Beneath 2000

A supernatural thriller where Ford’s character, Dr. Norman Spencer, deals with strange occurrences and hidden secrets within his marriage. This film departs drastically from his usual roles, showing Ford’s range by plunging into the horror genre with a psychological twist.

Whether he's playing a doctor on the run, a CIA analyst, or a president, Harrison Ford’s range in character building is what makes these movies great. Character-driven thrillers may not be as prevalent today as they were in the 80s and 90s, but thanks to Ford, we have some incredible films to look back on. So if you’re in the mood for a thriller movie night, give these films a watch and appreciate the magic of a true Hollywood legend.