Harrison Ford’s Career: From ‘A Time for Killing’ to ‘Captain America: Brave New World’

Harrison Ford’s path to stardom was not a typical one. After struggling for years in small, often uncredited roles, he famously turned to carpentry to support his family. His big break came through his working relationship with a young director named George Lucas, who cast him in a role that would change his life and popular culture forever. This led to a career defined by some of the most iconic and beloved characters in movie history.

For decades, Harrison Ford has personified the quintessential movie star. As the charming rogue Han Solo and the adventurous archaeologist Indiana Jones, he became the face of two of the biggest film franchises of all time. Beyond these legendary roles, he also carved out a successful career as the lead in numerous acclaimed thrillers and dramas, consistently drawing huge audiences to theaters. His enduring appeal lies in his gruff charm and his ability to play the relatable everyman hero caught in extraordinary circumstances.

‘A Time for Killing’ (1967)

This Western marked Harrison Ford’s first credited feature film role. He played Lieutenant Shaffer, a young Union Army officer. The plot centers on a group of Confederate prisoners who escape and make a desperate journey, unaware that the Civil War has already ended.

Although it was a minor part, the role was a significant first step for Ford in a long and difficult start to his career. He was credited as Harrison J. Ford to avoid confusion with an earlier silent film actor. This early appearance gave little hint of the massive stardom that would come a decade later.

‘Journey to Shiloh’ (1968)

In this Civil War-era Western, Ford played Willie Bill Bearden. The story follows a group of young Texans who travel across the country to enlist in the Confederate Army. They face numerous hardships and dangers along their journey to the fateful Battle of Shiloh.

This was another small, early role for Ford in his formative years as an actor. He was part of a young ensemble cast that included other future stars. The film itself was a modest production that showcased the brutal realities of war.

‘Getting Straight’ (1970)

Ford had a supporting role as Jake in this comedy-drama. The film is about a Vietnam veteran who returns to college to become a teacher but gets caught up in the middle of student protests and campus activism of the late 1960s.

‘Getting Straight’ was a timely film that captured the counter-culture atmosphere of its era. Ford’s role as a fellow student was part of his early work in Hollywood, where he often played small parts in contemporary films before his major breakthrough.

‘American Graffiti’ (1973)

In this landmark film directed by George Lucas, Ford played Bob Falfa. He is an arrogant out-of-town street racer who challenges the local champion to a climactic drag race. Falfa is a confident and slightly menacing presence in the nostalgic coming-of-age story.

‘American Graffiti’ was a massive critical and commercial success that helped launch the careers of many of its stars. Ford’s memorable performance as the charismatic antagonist caught the attention of audiences and, crucially, director George Lucas, who would cast him in his next project.

‘The Conversation’ (1974)

Ford played Martin Stett in this acclaimed thriller from director Francis Ford Coppola. He is the slick and menacing assistant to a powerful corporate client who hires a surveillance expert to record a conversation. Stett is a key figure in the film’s web of paranoia and mystery.

Appearing in a Best Picture-nominated film from one of Hollywood’s top directors was a major step for Ford. Although his screen time was limited, his performance was impactful and showed he could play sophisticated and morally ambiguous characters.

‘Star Wars’ (1977)

This film launched Harrison Ford into superstardom. He played Han Solo, the cynical and charismatic smuggler who, along with his co-pilot Chewbacca, gets swept up in the Rebel Alliance’s fight against the evil Galactic Empire.

‘Star Wars’ became a cultural phenomenon and one of the highest-grossing films of all time. Ford’s portrayal of the reluctant hero Han Solo was a breakout performance, and his wit and charm made the character a fan favorite. The role cemented his place as a leading man in Hollywood.

‘Heroes’ (1977)

In this drama, Ford had a supporting role as Ken Boyd. The film is about a troubled Vietnam veteran, played by Henry Winkler, who escapes from a mental hospital to start a worm farm. He meets other quirky characters on his cross-country journey.

Ford played a friendly stock-car racer who the main characters encounter on their trip. This smaller role came out the same year as ‘Star Wars’ and showed him working in a different, more character-driven genre while his fame was exploding.

‘Force 10 from Navarone’ (1978)

Ford took on a leading role in this World War II action sequel. He played Lieutenant Colonel Barnsby, an American officer who leads a team of commandos on a dangerous mission in Yugoslavia. Their objective is to destroy a crucial bridge.

This was one of Ford’s first major starring roles after the success of ‘Star Wars’. The film was an old-fashioned war adventure that placed him in the hero role, proving he could lead a large-scale action production.

‘Hanover Street’ (1979)

In this wartime romance, Ford played David Halloran. He is an American bomber pilot stationed in London during World War II who falls in love with a married English nurse. Their affair is complicated by the dangers of the war and her husband’s own secret mission.

‘Hanover Street’ was a chance for Ford to play a classic romantic lead. The film was a dramatic love story set against the backdrop of historical events. It showcased a different side of his acting abilities beyond action and science fiction.

‘Apocalypse Now’ (1979)

Ford had a small but notable role as Colonel G. Lucas in this epic war film. He appears early in the movie as an intelligence officer who gives the main character his secret mission to travel upriver and assassinate a rogue colonel.

His appearance in Francis Ford Coppola’s masterpiece, though brief, was significant. The character’s name was a nod to George Lucas, who was originally slated to direct the film. It remains a memorable part of one of cinema’s most acclaimed works.

‘The Frisco Kid’ (1979)

In this Western comedy, Ford played Tommy Lillard. He is a kind-hearted bank robber who befriends a Polish rabbi, played by Gene Wilder, who is traveling across the American West to his new congregation in San Francisco.

‘The Frisco Kid’ was a unique blend of comedy and Western genres. Ford’s role as the charming outlaw with a good heart showed his comedic timing. His on-screen partnership with Gene Wilder was a highlight of the film.

‘The Empire Strikes Back’ (1980)

Ford reprised his iconic role as Han Solo in this celebrated sequel. As the war with the Empire intensifies, Han’s relationship with Princess Leia deepens, and he finds himself hunted by bounty hunters, leading to one of the most famous cliffhangers in movie history.

‘The Empire Strikes Back’ is widely regarded as one of the best sequels ever made. Ford’s performance further developed Han Solo, adding layers of vulnerability and romance to the character. His famous ad-libbed line, “I know,” became an unforgettable movie moment.

‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ (1981)

This film introduced audiences to another of Ford’s most legendary characters, Indiana Jones. He played the daring archaeologist and adventurer who is hired by the U.S. government to find the mythical Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis can.

Directed by Steven Spielberg and produced by George Lucas, ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ was a massive blockbuster hit. Ford’s portrayal of the tough, witty, and sometimes clumsy hero was perfect. The film became an instant classic and launched another hugely successful franchise.

‘Blade Runner’ (1982)

Ford starred as Rick Deckard in this influential science-fiction noir film. In a dystopian future Los Angeles, Deckard is a “blade runner,” a special detective tasked with hunting down and “retiring” rogue artificial humans known as replicants.

Though not a box office hit on its initial release, ‘Blade Runner’ has since become a critically acclaimed masterpiece and a cult classic. Ford’s performance as the weary and morally conflicted detective is central to the film’s dark, philosophical themes.

‘Return of the Jedi’ (1983)

In the final film of the original trilogy, Ford returned as Han Solo. After being rescued from Jabba the Hutt, Han joins his friends in the final, epic battle to destroy the second Death Star and defeat the Empire once and for all.

‘Return of the Jedi’ was a triumphant conclusion to the beloved saga. Ford completed his character’s arc, transforming Han from a selfish smuggler into a committed general and hero of the Rebellion. The film was another monumental box office success.

‘Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom’ (1984)

Ford reprised his role as the globe-trotting adventurer Indiana Jones. This prequel film finds Indy in India, where he uncovers a sinister cult that has enslaved the children of a remote village and stolen their sacred stones.

‘Temple of Doom’ was a much darker and more intense adventure than its predecessor. The film was another huge commercial success, filled with non-stop action and thrilling set pieces. Ford once again proved he was the definitive action hero of the era.

‘Witness’ (1985)

In this critically acclaimed thriller, Ford played Detective John Book. He goes into hiding in a secluded Amish community to protect a young boy who was the sole witness to a murder. While living among them, he falls for the boy’s mother.

‘Witness’ was a major critical and commercial success. Ford’s performance was widely praised for its depth and subtlety, and it earned him his only Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. The role proved his immense talent as a serious dramatic lead.

‘The Mosquito Coast’ (1986)

Ford starred as Allie Fox, a brilliant but fanatical inventor who becomes disillusioned with American consumerism. He moves his family to a remote jungle in Central America to build a new, utopian society, but his obsession soon leads to disaster.

‘The Mosquito Coast’ was a challenging and complex drama that allowed Ford to play a dark and obsessive anti-hero. The film reunited him with ‘Witness’ director Peter Weir, and his intense performance was a powerful departure from his more heroic roles.

‘Frantic’ (1988)

In this thriller directed by Roman Polanski, Ford played Dr. Richard Walker. He is an American surgeon visiting Paris with his wife for a medical conference. His life is thrown into chaos when his wife mysteriously disappears from their hotel room.

‘Frantic’ was a tense, Hitchcock-style mystery. Ford gave a compelling performance as an ordinary man caught in a terrifying situation in a foreign land. He effectively conveyed the character’s growing desperation and determination.

‘Working Girl’ (1988)

Ford played Jack Trainer in this popular romantic comedy. He is a charming and savvy business executive who unknowingly helps a smart secretary, played by Melanie Griffith, pull off a major deal after her ruthless boss steals her idea.

‘Working Girl’ was a huge critical and commercial success. Ford showcased his comedic and romantic leading man skills, playing a supportive and charismatic character. His on-screen chemistry with Melanie Griffith was a key part of the film’s appeal.

‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade'(1989)

In his third outing as Indiana Jones, Ford’s character must rescue his estranged father, played by Sean Connery, who has disappeared while searching for the Holy Grail. The two then team up on a quest to find the sacred relic before the Nazis do.

‘The Last Crusade’ was a beloved and hugely successful entry in the franchise. The father-son dynamic between Ford and Connery was praised for its humor and heart. The film returned to the lighter, globe-trotting adventure tone of the first movie.

‘Presumed Innocent’ (1990)

In this legal thriller, Ford played Rusty Sabich. He is a respected prosecutor who is assigned to investigate the murder of a female colleague with whom he was having an affair. He soon becomes the prime suspect in the case.

‘Presumed Innocent’ was a gripping and intelligent mystery that became a major box office hit. Ford gave a powerful and nuanced performance as a man whose life unravels as he tries to prove his innocence.

‘Regarding Henry’ (1991)

Ford starred as Henry Turner, a ruthless and unethical lawyer who survives a shooting but is left with severe brain damage and amnesia. The film follows his long and difficult recovery as he must relearn how to walk, talk, and rediscover who he is.

‘Regarding Henry’ was an emotional drama that gave Ford the opportunity to play a deeply vulnerable character. He convincingly portrayed the character’s transformation from a cold, high-powered attorney to a simpler, more compassionate man.

‘Patriot Games’ (1992)

Ford took on the role of Tom Clancy’s famous character, Jack Ryan. After foiling a terrorist attack in London, the former CIA analyst and his family become the targets of a vengeful faction of the IRA. Ryan is forced to rejoin the CIA to protect them.

‘Patriot Games’ was a successful and suspenseful action-thriller. Ford’s portrayal of Jack Ryan as a reluctant hero and family man was highly effective. The film launched a new successful franchise for the actor.

‘The Fugitive’ (1993)

In this massive blockbuster, Ford played Dr. Richard Kimble. He is a respected surgeon who is wrongly convicted of murdering his wife. He escapes from custody and goes on the run, desperately trying to find the real killer while being relentlessly pursued by a determined U.S. Marshal.

‘The Fugitive’ was a huge critical and commercial success, earning a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Picture. Ford’s performance as the desperate and intelligent man on the run was iconic. The film is considered one of the best action-thrillers of the 1990s.

‘Clear and Present Danger’ (1994)

Ford reprised his role as Jack Ryan in this successful sequel. Now the acting Deputy Director of the CIA, Ryan uncovers a secret and illegal war being waged by the U.S. government against a Colombian drug cartel.

‘Clear and Present Danger’ was another hit that combined political intrigue with large-scale action. Ford once again excelled as the intelligent and moral hero who must navigate a corrupt system. It was his final performance as the character.

Sabrina’ (1995)

In this romantic comedy remake, Ford played Linus Larabee. He is an all-business, work-obsessed tycoon who tries to break up a romance between his playboy younger brother and the family chauffeur’s daughter, only to find himself falling for her.

‘Sabrina’ was a charming and sophisticated romance that allowed Ford to play a different kind of leading man. He effectively portrayed the character’s transformation from a cold businessman to a man in love, showing a lighter, more comedic touch.

‘The Devil’s Own’ (1997)

Ford played Tom O’Meara, an honest NYPD sergeant. He unknowingly allows a charismatic young man, who is actually a high-level IRA operative on a mission to buy weapons, to live in his home. O’Meara is forced to choose between his new friend and his duty as a cop.

‘The Devil’s Own’ was a tense thriller that explored complex moral themes. The film was noted for the dynamic between Ford’s decent, hardworking cop and Brad Pitt’s driven IRA operative.

‘Air Force One’ (1997)

In this blockbuster action film, Ford played President James Marshall. While flying home from a trip to Moscow, Air Force One is hijacked by a group of terrorists. The President, a former Medal of Honor recipient, must fight to save his family and the other hostages.

‘Air Force One’ was a massive box office success and became one of Ford’s most iconic roles. His portrayal of a tough, heroic president who takes matters into his own hands was immensely popular with audiences worldwide.

‘Six Days Seven Nights’ (1998)

In this romantic adventure-comedy, Ford played Quinn Harris. He is a gruff and cynical cargo pilot who reluctantly agrees to fly a sharp-witted magazine editor, played by Anne Heche, to Tahiti. They must survive together after their plane crashes on a deserted island.

‘Six Days, Seven Nights’ was a fun, old-fashioned adventure that showcased Ford’s comedic and romantic abilities. The beautiful scenery and the chemistry between the two leads made for an entertaining film.

‘Random Hearts’ (1999)

Ford starred as Dutch Van Den Broeck, an Internal Affairs police sergeant. After a plane crash, he discovers that his wife was on the flight with another passenger’s husband, and that the two were having an affair. He forms a strange bond with the other surviving spouse.

‘Random Hearts’ was a somber and deliberate adult drama. The film explored themes of grief and betrayal, giving Ford a chance to play a more introspective and emotionally complex character.

‘What Lies Beneath’ (2000)

In this supernatural thriller, Ford played Dr. Norman Spencer. He is a successful university scientist whose wife begins to believe their house is haunted. As she uncovers the truth, she realizes the ghost may be connected to a dark secret from her husband’s past.

Ford played against type in a rare villainous role. The film was a suspenseful and stylish ghost story that became a major box office hit. His performance was key to the film’s shocking twists and turns.

‘K-19: The Widowmaker’ (2002)

In this Cold War-era submarine thriller, Ford played Captain Alexei Vostrikov. Based on a true story, the film follows the crew of the Soviet Union’s first nuclear submarine. Vostrikov must lead his men through a catastrophic reactor malfunction that threatens to trigger a world war.

‘K-19’ was a tense and claustrophobic drama. Ford gave a commanding performance as the stern and demanding captain who must earn the respect of a crew that initially mistrusts him. He also served as an executive producer on the film.

‘Hollywood Homicide’ (2003)

Ford played Sergeant Joe Gavilan in this action-comedy. He is a veteran LAPD detective who moonlights as a real estate agent. He and his younger partner, who wants to be an actor, investigate a high-profile murder in the music industry.

‘Hollywood Homicide’ was a lighthearted buddy-cop film that satirized life in Los Angeles. Ford’s performance as the world-weary and wisecracking detective was a key part of the movie’s comedic tone.

‘Firewall’ (2006)

In this thriller, Ford played Jack Stanfield, a bank security expert. His life is turned upside down when a ruthless criminal mastermind takes his family hostage and forces him to find a weakness in his own security system to steal millions of dollars.

‘Firewall’ was a return to the action-thriller genre for Ford. He played a relatable family man forced to use his wits and skills to fight back against a technologically savvy villain. The film was a solid and suspenseful entry in his filmography.

‘Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull’ (2008)

Ford returned to one of his most famous roles after nearly two decades. Set during the Cold War, an older Indiana Jones finds himself in a race against Soviet agents to find a mysterious and powerful crystal skull.

The film was a huge box office success, bringing the beloved character to a new generation of fans. Ford easily slipped back into the role, proving the enduring appeal of the character and the franchise.

‘Crossing Over’ (2009)

In this drama, Ford played Max Brogan, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Los Angeles. The film follows the interconnected stories of a diverse group of immigrants and the authorities who deal with them, exploring the complexities of U.S. immigration laws.

‘Crossing Over’ was an ensemble film that tackled a serious social issue. Ford’s role as a compassionate but conflicted agent was a central part of the movie’s interwoven narratives.

‘Extraordinary Measures’ (2010)

Ford played Dr. Stonehill, a brilliant but cantankerous scientist. Based on a true story, the film is about a father who teams up with Dr. Stonehill to develop a drug to save his two children from a rare and fatal genetic disorder.

Ford also served as an executive producer on this inspiring medical drama. He delivered a powerful performance as the difficult but dedicated researcher, providing a gruff counterpoint to the film’s emotional story.

‘Morning Glory’ (2010)

In this comedy, Ford played Mike Pomeroy, a legendary and curmudgeonly TV news anchor. He is forced to co-host a struggling morning show with a former beauty queen, much to his professional disgust.

Ford earned praise for his comedic performance as the grumpy and arrogant newsman. The role allowed him to showcase his talent for deadpan humor and witty dialogue in a charming and well-received film.

‘Cowboys & Aliens’ (2011)

Ford co-starred as Colonel Woodrow Dolarhyde in this unique genre mashup. The film is set in the Old West, where a mysterious stranger with no memory wanders into a town ruled by the iron-fisted Dolarhyde. The two must team up when the town is attacked by aliens.

‘Cowboys & Aliens’ was a high-concept summer blockbuster. Ford played a tough and authoritative cattle baron, bringing his signature gravitas to the Western part of the story before the science-fiction elements take over.

’42’ (2013)

In this acclaimed biographical film, Ford played Branch Rickey. He was the legendary Brooklyn Dodgers executive who signed Jackie Robinson to the team in 1947, breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball.

Ford’s transformative performance as the gruff, moral, and determined Rickey was widely praised by critics. It was a powerful supporting role that showcased his ability to disappear into a historical character.

‘Paranoia’ (2013)

In this corporate thriller, Ford played Jock Goddard, the ruthless and powerful CEO of a major tech corporation. He becomes the target of a young employee who is forced to act as a corporate spy by Goddard’s former mentor and bitter rival.

Ford played a charismatic and menacing villain in this high-stakes thriller. It was a chance for him to portray a powerful antagonist in the modern world of corporate espionage.

‘Ender’s Game’ (2013)

Ford played Colonel Graff in this adaptation of the popular science-fiction novel. He is the commander of an advanced military school in space who recruits a uniquely gifted child to be trained as a future leader in a war against an alien race.

Ford brought authority and moral complexity to the role of the tough and manipulative military leader. He served as the demanding mentor figure who must prepare a new generation for a terrible war.

‘The Expendables 3’ (2014)

Ford joined the star-studded cast of this action franchise as Drummer. He is a high-ranking CIA official who hires the Expendables team for a new mission. He replaces a character from the previous films.

His role was a supporting one, but it allowed him to be part of an ensemble of action movie legends. Ford brought a sense of authority and dry wit to his scenes as the team’s new government contact.

‘The Age of Adaline’ (2015)

In this romantic fantasy, Ford had a significant supporting role as William Jones. The film is about a woman who mysteriously stops aging after an accident. Years later, she meets a man and is shocked to discover that his father, William, is a man from her distant past.

Ford’s emotional and heartfelt performance was a highlight of the film. He played a man who is confronted with the love of his life, who has not aged in decades. The role was praised as one of his best in recent years.

‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ (2015)

Ford made a triumphant return as Han Solo in this long-awaited sequel. Thirty years after the fall of the Empire, Han is back to his smuggling ways. He gets drawn back into the fight when he encounters a runaway stormtrooper and a mysterious scavenger.

His return was a major cinematic event and was met with huge enthusiasm from fans and critics. Ford slipped effortlessly back into his most famous role, bringing both humor and a new layer of world-weariness to the character.

‘Blade Runner 2049’ (2017)

Ford reprised his role as Rick Deckard in this critically acclaimed sequel. Thirty years after the original film, a new blade runner discovers a long-buried secret that leads him on a quest to find the missing Deckard.

His return to the iconic role was highly anticipated. Ford gave a powerful and emotionally charged performance as an older, more weathered version of the character. The film was praised as a stunning and worthy successor to the original masterpiece.

‘The Call of the Wild’ (2020)

In this adaptation of the classic novel, Ford played John Thornton. He is a grizzled outdoorsman who befriends a large dog named Buck. Together, they embark on an adventure in the Alaskan Yukon during the Gold Rush of the 1890s.

Ford also served as the film’s narrator. He gave a warm and rugged performance as the lonely man who forms a deep bond with the animal protagonist. The film was a visually impressive family adventure.

‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’ (2023)

Ford returned for his fifth and final performance as the legendary Indiana Jones. Set in 1969, the aging archaeologist is drawn into a new adventure with his goddaughter to find a powerful artifact before it falls into the hands of a former Nazi.

The film served as a grand farewell to one of cinema’s greatest heroes. Ford brought a sense of closure to the iconic character, portraying Indy as a man facing the end of his era while still capable of one last thrilling adventure.

‘Captain America: Brave New World’ (2025)

Ford joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe, taking on the role of Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, who has now become the President of the United States. The film sees the new Captain America, Sam Wilson, confront a global threat that tests his leadership.

Taking over the role from the late William Hurt, Ford made a major impact in the popular superhero franchise. He brought his signature gravitas and intensity to the powerful and often antagonistic character, marking a new and exciting chapter in his legendary career.

Which Harrison Ford performance is your all-time favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments.