Harrison Ford as Mike in a suit and tie sitting behind a news desk in Morning Glory.Image via Paramount Pictures
By
Marcel Ardivan
Published Jan 30, 2026, 8:03 PM EST
Marcel is a writer who is passionate about most movies and series. He will watch anything that's good. He is a content manager by day and a videographer when needed. Marcel used to work at a major streaming service based in Asia Pacific as a Content Specialist and was the Distribution Manager for a local movie distribution company.
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Harrison Ford is one of Hollywood's most enduring actors. He is an icon whose career spans generations, genres, and some of the most recognizable franchises in film history. While his legacy was cemented decades earlier through characters like Han Solo, Indiana Jones, and even Jack Ryan, the 2010s proved that Ford was far from finished. He still managed to push himself to do different genres with thoughtful dramatic and comedic performances as well as voice work.
This list highlights Ford's strongest films of the 2010s. In this decade, Ford starred in films based on true stories, comedy films, sci-fi, and, of course, legacy sequels to his iconic roles. While his characters vary, one common denominator is that he always brings depth and gravitas to all of them. That's why he's still in demand even until today.
10 'Extraordinary Measures' (2010)
Harrison Ford and Brendan Fraser have a discussion in a room with white erase boards behind in Extraordinary Measures.Image via CBS Films
Extraordinary Measures tells the true story of John Crowley (Brendan Fraser), a father determined to save his children from a rare genetic disorder called Pompe disease. He looks for help in Dr. Robert Stonehill (Ford), a brilliant but unorthodox researcher, to develop a life-saving treatment.
Extraordinary Measures was met with mixed reviews upon its release. The film, which was the first to be produced by CBS Films, was said to look like an extended TV movie. However, the film brings awareness to the rare Pompe disease which usually kills children before they turn 10. Ford's portrayal of Dr. Stonehill was restrained yet compelling. He brings his usual sense of gravitas to the film without overshadowing Fraser's dramatic leading role. It might not be remembered among other great medical dramas, but it's still a heartfelt, solid film.
9 'The Secret Life of Pets 2' (2019)
An intimidating dog named Rooster, voiced by Harrison Ford, sits on the driver seat of a truck in The Secret Life of Pets 2.Image via Universal Pictures
In The Secret Life of Pets 2, the audience once again gets an inside look at how pets behave when their owners are not looking. Max's (voiced by Patton Oswalt) owner is now married, and he's experiencing a big change in his life. When he joins the family on a trip, he meets Rooster (voiced by Ford), a farm dog, who helps him to face his fears and become more confident.
The Secret Life of Pets franchise boasts an eclectic voice cast that includes Kevin Hart, Tiffany Haddish and Jenny Slate. Harrison Ford joined in a perfect role as a mentor figure to Patton Oswalt's Max. His gravelly voice gives Rooster a no-nonsense, experienced vibe that contrasts well with the other more energetic characters. His voice is much needed to bring home the film's important message of courage and resilience. While the film itself does not break any new ground, it is an entertaining film for its target audience. It was incredibly successful, grossing over $430 million. A sequel is currently planned, so there's a possibility that Ford will reprise his role.
8 'Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues' (2013)
Harrison Ford facing off with Will Ferrell in Anchorman 2.Image via Paramount Pictures
In Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues, Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell) and his Channel 4 News team return to the airwaves during the birth of 24-hour cable news. Just months before, he was fired by senior anchor Mack Tannen (Ford) for being a sloppy news anchor. Ford only makes a short appearance in the film, and returns for an even weirder scene during the news anchors' showdown, where he's revealed to be a were-hyena.
Though his screen time is limited, Ford's presence was memorable for its comic timing and charm. Audiences noted that his cameo was one of the highlights of the film and a surprise because he hasn't done a full-blown comedy like this. Even in a cameo, he proved that his charisma could steal a scene effortlessly. Unlike its predecessor, Anchorman 2 received mixed reviews. While it lacks quotable, funny lines like the first film, it still has its fun moments and zany energy.
7 'Cowboys & Aliens' (2011)
Harrison Ford and Daniel Craig in western apparel staring ahead outdoors at night in Cowboys & Aliens.Image via Universal Pictures
Cowboys & Aliens finds a stranger (Daniel Craig) with no memory and a high-tech bracelet waking up in a town in New Mexico. When the townsfolk begin to be abducted by aliens, he teams up with local cattleman Woodrow Dolarhyde (Harrison Ford) and the mysterious Ella Swenson (Olivia Wilde) to fight back.
This genre-bending film is ambitious and inspired. However, even with Jon Favreau at the helm, the film had mixed reception from both audiences and critics. Both the sci-fi and western elements fell short when they should have blended seamlessly and created a great genre film. The film still delivers on its promise, which sees Indiana Jones and James Bond team up to fight aliens. Harrison Ford is a commanding presence and a compelling character, while Daniel Craig is effortlessly cool as the protagonist. Seen in the 2020s lens, the film is commendable for being a rare breed of film that dares to experiment and take a risky, big swing.
6 'Ender's Game' (2013)
Harrison Ford in uniform, staring ahead with excitement in Ender's Game.Image via Summit Entertainment
Based on the popular sci-fi novel, Ender's Game follows Ender Wiggin (Asa Butterfield), a young prodigy trained to fight an alien species called Formics that are threatening Earth. He attends the Battle School, where he's overseen by the stern Colonel Hyrum Graff (Ford). With fellow cadet Petra Arkanian (Hailee Steinfeld), Ender trains in a rigorous training system that's capable of wiping out the alien race once and for all.
Directed by Gavin Hood, Ender's Game is a solid adaptation of the book, despite some deviations here and there. Unfortunately, the film barely broke even at the box office and was considered a bomb. Harrison Ford is one of the heavyweight actors that brings a huge reputation to this film. Apart from the magnificent space battles in this film, Ford's performance was also one of the highlights. He's able to bring intensity and authority to a character that's complex and morally ambiguous. As Colonel Graff, he reminded viewers why he remains a go-to actor for roles that require both gravitas and nuanced leadership.
5 'The Age of Adaline' (2015)
Harrison Ford wearing glasses and smiling in The Age of Adaline.Image via Lakeshore Entertainment
The Age of Adaline tells the story of Adaline Bowman (Blake Lively), a woman who stops aging at 29 after an accident. As she assumes different identities to avoid being discovered, she falls in love with Ellis Jones (Michel Huisman). When she meets his parents, the father, William (Ford), recognizes her as Adaline. They had a romantic relationship decades prior until Adaline left him before he could propose.
The romantic fantasy film was a modest success at the box office and was loved by audiences. The story has a unique twist that differentiates itself from other films. Harrison Ford's presence gives the film credibility and understated charm. His nuanced performance as a man who rediscovers his long-lost love is both heartbreaking and cathartic. The film also has an outstanding young version of his character, played by Anthony Ingruber, who managed to capture Ford's subtle mannerisms. In this film, Ford highlights his versatility in transitioning from action and comedy into character-driven drama.
4 'Morning Glory' (2010)
Rachel McAdams, Diane Keaton, and Harrison Ford at a news desk in Morning Glory.Image via Paramount Pictures
In Morning Glory, ambitious producer Becky Fuller (Rachel McAdams) tries to revitalize a struggling morning show. She manages to get veteran news anchor Mike Pomeroy (Ford) to co-host the show with Colleen Peck (Diane Keaton), who has been with the show for 11 years. Pomeroy, forced to do the show or lose his salary, does not think morning shows deal with real news and is actively sabotaging Fuller's program.
Harrison Ford's involvement was high on producer J. J. Abrams and writer Aline Brosh McKenna's wish list. In the film, it's hard to imagine the role with another actor as Ford plays all his strengths in this film. He's able to balance his movie star charisma with humor and have great chemistry with both McAdams and Keaton. While the film has a romance subplot, the interaction between McAdams and Ford remains the strongest in this film. Without these actors, the film would just be a regular workplace comedy. Directed by Roger Michell, who helmed Notting Hill, this is one of the most underseen and underrated comedies of the 2010s.
3 '42' (2013)
Chadwick Boseman talking to Harrison Ford on the baseball field in 42.Image via Warner Bros.
42 chronicles the life of Jackie Robinson, the first Black player in Major League Baseball, played by the late Chadwick Boseman. He joined the Brooklyn Dodgers after Branch Rickey (Ford) signed him because of his impeccable skills on the field. Despite support from Rickey, Robinson still experienced hardships and racism in the team and the league.
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2 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' (2015)
Harrison Ford's Han Solo smiling with Peter Mayhew's Chewbacca in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.Image via Lucasfilm
In Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) is missing. Scavenger Rey (Daisy Ridley), resistance pilot Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) and former Stormtrooper Finn (John Boyega) team up to find the Jedi. They are helped by Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), while they have to avoid the forces of the New Order led by Kylo Ren (Adam Driver).
As the first film in the sequel trilogy, The Force Awakens was a phenomenon when it was released. It is the first Star Wars film in 8 years and marked the return of the original trio. While the film repeats familiar story beats, the film is a triumphant return to the galaxy far, far away. Among the trio, Ford has the most screentime as he practically mentors the new generation of characters. Audiences who have not seen him play Han Solo for a while might feel like it's a reunion with an old friend. Despite the character's demise in this film, he reprised the role for the final time in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
1 'Blade Runner 2049' (2017)
Harrison Ford holding a gun as Rick Deckard in Blade Runner 2049.Image via Warner Bros.
Blade Runner 2049 follows K (Ryan Gosling), a new blade runner hunting down rogue replicants. In one of his missions, he unearths secrets that can change society. His path leads him to Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), now a man haunted by the past, living in seclusion after the events of the first film.
Arriving 35 years after Ridley Scott's Blade Runner, this sequel is revolutionary and fresh. It builds upon the world established in the original film while also introducing new themes of humanity and identity. With great performances and gorgeous visuals, Denis Villeneuve created one of the best legacy sequels of all time. Audiences and critics agree that Ford's return as Deckard is essential. He portrayed him as a weary and vulnerable man, not just someone who's interested in callbacks to the 1982 film. Ford may have resurrected several of his iconic roles in the 21st century, but this is his best one.
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Blade Runner 2049
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Science Fiction
Drama
Release Date
October 4, 2017
Runtime
164 minutes
Director
Denis Villeneuve
Writers
Michael Green, Hampton Fancher
Cast
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Harrison Ford
Rick Deckard
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Ryan Gosling
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