1996 - The Birdcage Hackman played a rigid, conservative senator forced to confront a world he opposes in this top-tier 90s comedy. Gene wasn't supposed to be the funny character, but he's hilarious, his delivery of, 'I feel like I'm insane', should be displayed in a museum. 16/

1991 - Company Business Gene worked well with Mikhail Baryshnikov in this cold war spy movie. Like most Gene movies that don't quite hit the mark it seems like a missed opportunity. According to director Nicholas Meyer, the studio interfered and, as often happens, made a mess. 6/

1992 - Unforgiven Gene was firing on all cylinders in Clint Eastwood's subversive western. Hackman brought all his tricks to the table, he was an expert at mixing charm with menace, a difficult trick for any actor. It paid off, Hackman bagged an Oscar for his troubles. 7/

1993 - The Firm This is a good example of Gene the generous actor. This is Tom Cruise's scene but because Hackman was so good at reactions, we're led by his response to what Cruise is doing, therefore making Tom's performance better. Even when Gene wasn't speaking he was great 8/

1993 - Geronimo: An American Legend Walter Hill's Geronimo is a beautiful movie written by John Milius. Hackman played Brig. Gen. George Crook, who hunted down Geronimo's warriors while gradually developing a grudging respect for Geronimo and his men. Gene loved a western. 9/

1994 - Wyatt Earp Kevin Costner acted alongside Hackman in No Way Out in 1987, he said, 'Gene Hackman was probably the best actor I'd ever worked with.' It was a no-brainer for Kevin to have Gene play his father in his re-telling of the Wyatt Earp legend. 10/

1995 - Crimson Tide Denzel Washington accepted his role opposite Gene Hackman because he wanted the opportunity to 'be in there jousting with a master.' Well, he got his wish. This scene will be the best example of acting you'll see on this app today. 11/

1995 - The Quick and the Dead I adore this movie. Sharon Stone, Russell Crowe, Lance Hendrickson, Leonardo DiCaprio... the list goes on. It's a larger than life western with a larger than life villain in Gene Hackman. It's just glorious, this shot through the head is amazing. 12/

1995 - Get Shorty 1995 was a great year for Hackman; 3 movies, all fantastic. This smart comedy about Hollywood adapted from an Elmore Leonard novel has Gene playing against type as a loser movie producer. He's also surrounded by a fabulous cast. 13/

1996 - Extreme Measures This paranoia medical thriller written by Tony Gilroy (Michael Clayton) is an intelligent grown up tale of medical malpractice for the greater good, also starring Hugh Grant. The problem is, Hackman is so good, I kinda believe him, and I shouldn't. 14/

1996 - The Chamber This was a John Grisham adaptation by the numbers. Chicago lawyer goes south to save Klan member from death row, who happens to be his grandaddy. It's about as unpleasant as it sounds. 15/

1997 - Absolute Power Gene teamed up with Clint Eastwood again for this political thriller playing a corrupt president attempting to cover up a murder. Remember that thing I said about charming menace? This scene is a perfect example of this incredible skill. 17/

1998 - Twilight Again, this was a waste of talent. Hackman, Paul Newman, Susan Sarandon, James Garner, Reese Witherspoon, Liev Schreiber, Giancarlo Esposito... should've been something fantastic, but it's most notable for Newman getting shot in the nether regions. 18/

1998 - Antz Gene had a very distinctive voice, I'm surprised he didn't do more animations. Even as an ant, he dominates every scene he's in. This movie has an amazing cast, in this short clip alone you've got Gene, Christopher Walken, Jennifer Lopez and Sylvester Stallone. 19/

1998 - Enemy of the State If anything, this list proves Gene to be the greatest support actor of all time. This was Will Smith's movie, Hackman doesn't even appear until an hour in, after which you can't take your eyes off him. This was cantankerousness Hackman cranked up to 11.

"you can't be Jewish" is the funniest line in the movie

I had forgotten how fantastic this movie truly is - in addition to the greatness of Hackman, Williams, Lane, and Wiest, I thought Hank Azaria was nothing short of perfection as Agador Spartacus.

Preble Jefferson can see 5 seconds into the future. When government agencies become aware of his skill, he'll do whatever it takes to protect his family. “Calling this a thriller is a bit reductive...The most interesting novel I’ve read in a long time.” --JDC

I loved him in this. Not his best work but he did a great job playing a homophobe.

I SCREAMED in this movie! 😂

"It can't be. You can't be jewish." Killed me. Of everything going on, his short circuiting brain focused on that. Love this movie.

“I feel like I’m insane!” 🤣