by Harrison Ford is widely considered one of the biggest movie stars of all time thanks to his starring roles in hugely successful franchises like Star Wars and Indiana Jones. O
Over the course of his decades-long career, Ford has appeared in many blockbuster films that have thrilled audiences worldwide and shattered box office records. While he’s had memorable performances in other popular movies as well, these three roles in particular stand out as Ford’s biggest commercial successes based on their global box office totals.
Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015)
The Force Awakens was highly anticipated as the first Star Wars film in over a decade and the first to continue the story after the original trilogy. Fans couldn’t wait to see what had become of Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, and Princess Leia decades after the fall of the Empire. Ford returned to the role that launched him to fame in 1977’s A New Hope as the smuggler-turned-hero Han Solo.
Directed by J.J. Abrams, The Force Awakens introduced a new generation of heroes like Rey (Daisy Ridley), Finn (John Boyega), and Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) while continuing the story of original characters. It saw Han and Chewbacca working as smugglers again but later teaming up with Resistance fighters to combat the rising threat of the diabolical Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and the First Order.
Audience excitement and anticipation were off the charts leading up to the film’s December 2015 release. It shattered numerous box office records with a $248 million domestic opening weekend and $529 million worldwide opening, the highest of all time. Positive critical reception and word of mouth kept the momentum going as fans kept returning to theaters for repeat viewings.
In total, The Force Awakens grossed over $2 billion globally, making it the third film ever to pass that milestone after Avatar and Titanic. Its worldwide total stands at an astounding $2.068 billion. Domestically, it earned $936.7 million to become the highest-grossing film in North America at that time. Internationally it brought in $1.131 billion from overseas markets.
Sadly, The Force Awakens proved to be Ford’s final appearance as Han Solo before the character met his demise at the hands of Kylo Ren. But his performance was a memorable swan song for the beloved character that cemented Solo as one of the all-time greatest sci-fi heroes in cinema history. Ford’s involvement no doubt contributed greatly to the film’s record-shattering success and legacy as one of the highest-grossing movies of all time worldwide.
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)
Nearly two decades after the last Indiana Jones film, fans were thrilled when a fourth installment was officially announced in 2007. Director Steven Spielberg and producer George Lucas brought Ford back for another adventure as the legendary archaeologist Dr. Henry “Indiana” Jones, Jr.
Set in 1957 during the Cold War era, Kingdom of the Crystal Skull saw Indy battling Soviet agents who are in search of a mysterious crystal skull. He is aided in his efforts by his former lover Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen) and her son Mutt Williams (Shia LaBeouf). Indy also goes up against a dangerous psychic villainess (Cate Blanchett) and uncovers a mind-blowing secret involving aliens.
While the film received some criticism for its more outlandish plot elements involving extraterrestrials, audiences were simply overjoyed to see the 76-year-old Ford back in the fedora one last time. His energetic performance showed he hadn’t lost his charm or ability to carry an action-packed blockbuster even at an advanced age.
Kingdom of the Crystal Skull was released on May 22, 2008 to huge box office numbers. In its first weekend, it grossed $100 million domestically on its way to a $317 million domestic total. Worldwide, it amassed $786 million – making it the highest-grossing film of 2008 and the third highest for the Indiana Jones series after Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade.
The success proved there was still massive demand for new Indiana Jones adventures with Ford in the lead role that he had owned for over 25 years. While the film received a more mixed critical response compared to earlier entries, audiences embraced getting to see one of cinema’s great heroes back in action for another death-defying adventure full of Harrison Ford’s wit and charm.
Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)
Of course, the role that truly launched Harrison Ford to international superstardom was his iconic portrayal of smuggler-with-a-heart-of-gold Han Solo in Star Wars: A New Hope. Released in May 1977, the original Star Wars film introduced audiences to a galaxy far, far away and some of the most memorable characters in movie history – including Ford’s Han Solo.
At the time, no one could have predicted the massive impact and legacy Star Wars would have on popular culture. But the film was an immediate box office phenomenon, grossing $775 million worldwide on a then-hefty budget of $11 million. It became the highest-grossing film of 1977 and helped revitalize the science fiction genre.
A New Hope told the simple yet compelling story of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Han Solo, Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness), Darth Vader, and their battle against the Galactic Empire. Ford brought so much charm, humor, and rogue-like charisma to the role of smuggler Han Solo, who plays both sides yet can’t help but become a hero.
His chemistry with co-stars Hamill and Fisher was electric. The interplay between Han and Leia in particular added romance and humor to offset the epic sci-fi action. Audiences fell in love with Ford’s Han Solo, cementing him as one of the most beloved characters in movie history.
Adjusted for inflation, A New Hope has grossed over $3.1 billion at the global box office, making it one of the highest-grossing films of all time. Domestically, its $775 million total currently places it as the 42nd highest-grossing film in North America.
Harrison Ford’s breakout performance as Han Solo is largely credited for the film’s massive success and for propelling him to international stardom. It established him as a major box office draw and leading man who could anchor huge blockbuster franchises for decades to come. A New Hope remains his most financially successful film of all time and the role he will always be most famous for.
Legacy and Impact
Harrison Ford’s work in Star Wars: A New Hope, Indiana Jones, and Star Wars: The Force Awakens stands out as some of his biggest commercial successes that shattered box office records. Adjusted for inflation, A New Hope remains one of the highest-grossing films ever. The Force Awakens had the third highest worldwide total of all time upon release. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull was the highest-grossing film worldwide in 2008.
These iconic roles have entertained and inspired multiple generations of fans. They cemented Ford as one of Hollywood’s most beloved leading men and one of the last true box office draws who can open massive blockbuster franchises virtually single-handedly through the power of his star power and charismatic performances.
Even in his later career, Ford proved capable of shattering records in The Force Awakens at age 72. His performances and magnetic on-screen presence as Han Solo, Indiana Jones and other classic characters have left an indelible mark on popular culture.
While Ford has since retired from those signature roles, the characters and films continue finding new fans. They stand as a testament to his immense talent and screen charisma that connected so powerfully with audiences worldwide. Harrison Ford’s record-breaking successes with Star Wars and Indiana Jones cemented his status as a true box office legend.
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