Harrison Ford is one of the most recognizable faces in the film industry, with a 5-decade long box office streak that has kept him on Hollywood's A-list. From Star Wars to Indiana Jones and Patriot Games, Ford has starred in movies that have defined every decade since his career started in the '60s. While he's mostly known as an action star thanks to blockbusters like The Fugitive and Air Force One, Ford has done just about every genre, from romantic dramas like Sabrina and crime thrillers like Witness to ensemble comedies like Morning Glory and Westerns like Cowboys & Aliens.
As Ford prepares to head off on his final adventure as Indiana Jones, one of his most beloved characters, with James Mangold's Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, it remains to be seen whether he'll be able to keep his streak alive. On the other side of 80, Ford s a robust group of stars like Anthony Hopkins, Morgan Freeman, Jane Fonda, and Clint Eastwood who still continue to perform without any sign of slowing down. Ford is part of an elite class of actors with the distinction of having so many box office successes at every stage of his career, totaling over $5.4 billion in North America and nearly double that worldwide.
Harrison Ford's Box Office Streak Explained
Harrison Ford has remained a bankable star for years, with films that have grossed at least 100 million dollars at the U.S. box office every decade he's been acting. Beginning with American Graffiti and Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope in the '70s and continuing with the rest of George Lucas's original trilogy and the Indiana Jones trilogy throughout the '80s, he began to establish a reputation for being in profitable films. Even psychological thrillers like What Lies Beneath made well over 200 million dollars, with most of his action films ranging from 300-700 million dollars.
Even though Harrison Ford turned down movie roles over the years in big box office successes, he still managed to lead several of his own because he presented an archetype that was tough and authentic, as well as sentimental and even humorous when the occasion called for it. He was in the mold of Robert Redford, Steve McQueen, and other world-weary cinematic heroes with rugged good looks and a conscience that made them always do the right thing. When he played against type, which was rare, his good-guy persona always made his bad guys even more despicable because of how well-liked he was as a hero.
Harrison Ford Will Keep The Streak Going With Indiana Jones & The Dial of Destiny
When Harrison Ford gives his final performance as Indiana Jones in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, it's safe to say his streak will remain intact. Not only does the franchise have a loyal fanbase, but because it will be Indy's last adventure, so even the most casual fan will want to see how it all turns out. He's been seen at various publicity events being overcome with emotion over the film, and not just because Ford likes Indiana Jones more than Han Solo, but because he's been having a blast connecting with his fans, which ensures they'll go to the theater to send him off even more than the hype around the trailers.
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull made $787 million dollars worldwide, so there's no doubt that Indy 5 will do well at the box office. It might be the end of an era, but a huge box-office success story will be the best way to thank the actor for his dedication to the franchise for so many years. Like Sylvester Stallone's Rambo or Arnold Schwarzenegger's Terminator, Harrison Ford's Indiana Jones is a role he's played at different stages of his adult life and a classic '80s hero that will live on in the hearts of fans even after he's hung up his whip.
