Gene Hackman died this week at the age of 95, prompting tributes to one of Hollywood’s most respected actors.
His acting breakthrough came in 1967 with Bonnie and Clyde, which earned him the first of four Oscar nominations (he won two).
Over the next four decades he starred in a string of hit films including the likes of The French Connection, The Poseidon Adventure, Mississippi Burning, The Firm and Get Shorty.
Equally adept at portraying both heroes and villains, he retired after filming Welcome to Mooseport in 2004.
Here are his ten best films, according to review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes.
1. Cisco Pike (1972)
One of two Gene Hackman films to score a perfect 100 per cent positive critical rating, 'Cisco Pike' sees him co-star with Kris Kristofferson. Hackman plays a corrupt policeman who blackmails a struggling musician who is selling cannabis to make ends meet. A critical and commercial failure when first released, it's now considered a cult classic. | Contributed
2. I Never Sang for My Father (1970)
The second Gene Hackman film to earn a perfect 100 per cent score on Rotten Tomatoes is 'I Never Sang for My Father', for which he was nominated for the Best Supporting Actor Oscar. It's about a college professor who is stuggling to come to terms with his decision to move with his new wife to California, leaving his elderly father behind. | Contributed
3. The French Connection (1971)
Gene Hackman won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in William Friedkin crime thriller 'The French Connection'. He plays Detective Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle, who is trying to hunt down a wealthy French heroin smuggler. It has a near-perfect 97 per cent positive critical rating. | Contributed
4. Unforgiven (1992)
Hackman won his second and final Oscar for his supporting role in Clint Eastwood-helmed Western 'Unforgiven'. Eastwood stars as an aging outlaw with Hackman palus the part of a villainous sheriff. It also won the Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Film Editing. It rates a healthy 96 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes. | Contributed