Looking back at Gene Hackman’s most iconic movies, from ‘The French Connection’ to ‘Hoosiers’

Gene Hackman leaves behind a body of work that is second to none.

The two-time Oscar winner and five-time nominee was found dead Feb. 26 at the age of 95 alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, and their dog in their Sante Fe, New Mexico, home.

Hackman had an ability to tackle a wide swath of roles and subject matter throughout his career. His career began with an uncredited role in the 1961 film “Mad Dog Coll” and continued until his final film, 2004’s “Welcome to Mooseport.”

Having stepped back from the Hollywood limelight after his last movie, Hackman hadn’t been seen much in the last two decades, but his fingerprints remain all over some of the most well-known and critically acclaimed movies in history, ranging from ’70s classics like “The Conversation” and “A Bridge Too Far” to ’90s fare like “Crimson Tide” and “The Birdcage.”

Here’s a look at some of his most notable roles and films.

“Bonnie and Clyde” (1967)

Hackman had been a working actor throughout the 1960s, but “Bonnie and Clyde” put him on the map and revealed him to be a major talent. The film, which recounts the adventures of the bank-robbing title characters, nabbed 10 Oscar nominations, including ones for Hackman, who played Clyde’s older brother, Buck, and stars Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway. The movie would win a pair of Oscars.

You can watch it on Apple TV, Prime Video or YouTube.

“The French Connection” (1971)

Hackman’s first Oscar came in this drama, in which he plays New York City detective Popeye Doyle, determined to bring down a French heroin smuggler. The film won five Academy Awards, including best actor for Hackman and best picture. It also featured one of the more memorable car crashes in cinema history and led to a 1975 sequel.

You can watch it on Apple TV, Prime Video or YouTube.

“Superman: The Movie” (1978)

Superhero movies are a dime a dozen these days, but in the late 1970s they were something of a novel concept. Hackman signed on as the villain Lex Luthor, who goes toe-to-toe with the Man of Steel, played by Christopher Reeve. Hackman would reprise the role in the second and fourth installments of the Reeve-led franchise.

You can watch it on Max, Hulu and Apple TV.

“Hoosiers” (1986)

Often cited as one of the best sports movies ever made, “Hoosiers” featured Hackman as Norman Dale, a basketball coach with a checkered past tasked with leading a small 1950s Indiana high school team and who is out to redeem his own wrongs while overcoming the locals who don’t take too kindly to his unconventional methods. The drama garnered two Oscar nominations, including one for best supporting actor for Dennis Hopper.

You can watch it on Prime Video and Apple TV.

“No Way Out” (1987)

Perhaps forgotten in the Hackman canon, “No Way Out” is a fast-paced, pulse-pounding thriller in which he plays the secretary of defense, who kills his mistress and then tries to pin it on a Russian spy, leading to a manhunt within the Pentagon. The film also starred Kevin Costner.

You can watch it on MGM+, Apple TV and Pluto TV.

“Mississippi Burning” (1988)

Hackman teamed up with Willem Dafoe to portray a pair of FBI agents who must deal with the KKK, suspicous townspeople and unfriendly police while investigating the disappearance of three civil rights workers in 1960s Mississippi. The movie earned Hackman a best actor Oscar nomination. It was also nominated for best picture and won one Academy Award for best cinematography.

You can watch it on Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube and Pluto TV.

“Unforgiven” (1992)

A winner of four Academy Awards, including best picture and best supporting actor for Hackman, this Western drama focused on a gunfighter (Clint Eastwood, who directed the film) who takes one last job. Hackman played villainous sheriff Little Bill Daggett.

You can watch it on Prime Video, Apple TV or YouTube.