When it comes to gripping thrillers that define the '90s, The Fugitive (1993) is at the top of the list. This high-stakes chase is a masterclass in suspense and character-driven storytelling, directed by Andrew Davis and starring Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones. Based on the 1960s TV series, The Fugitive follows Dr. Richard Kimble (Ford), a respected surgeon wrongfully convicted of murdering his wife. After a spectacular train crash during a prison transport gives him the opportunity to escape, Kimble becomes a man on the run, determined to find the real killer and clear his name. U.S. Marshal Samuel Gerard (Jones) is hot on his trail, whose relentless pursuit makes for one of the most memorable manhunts in film history.
Right off the bat, The Fugitive grabs you with one of the best action set pieces ever filmed. The train crash sequence is still jaw-dropping three decades later, setting the tone for the film's heart-pounding pace. What makes the movie more than just an action thriller, though, is its emphasis on character development and the cat-and-mouse dynamic between Kimble and Gerard. In one of his finest performances outside of the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises, Harrison Ford portrays Kimble with the perfect mix of desperation and resilience. He’s not your typical action hero but rather a man with everything to lose. Ford makes you root for Kimble every step of the way, as he uses his intellect and medical skills to stay one step ahead of the law while navigating the maze of Chicago's underground.
On the flip side, Tommy Lee Jones delivers a career-defining performance as Samuel Gerard, the no-nonsense marshal who turns the pursuit of Kimble into a personal mission. Jones’s portrayal of Gerard is iconic—tough, smart, and unexpectedly funny, with sharp, deadpan lines like "I don’t care!" when Kimble pleads his innocence. This line alone epitomises Gerard's laser-focused determination. It's no surprise that Jones won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for this role. The chemistry between Ford and Jones is electric, although they share very few scenes. Their conflict drives the film, creating palpable tension even during the quieter moments.
Cinematographer Michael Chapman, known for his work on Taxi Driver, gives The Fugitive a gritty, almost documentary-like style that perfectly complements the urban setting. Chicago becomes a character, with its hospitals, riverways, and streets providing the backdrop for Kimble’s flight. The use of real locations over soundstages gives the film a grounded, realistic feel, which adds to the intensity of Kimble’s predicament.
Over thirty years after its release, The Fugitive remains a timeless thriller that still feels fresh. The plot is tight, the performances are stellar, and the pacing is relentless. It's not just a chase movie—it's a smart, character-driven thriller that makes you care about the outcome at every turn.
If you haven’t seen The Fugitive, it’s time to give it a watch. And if you're already a fan, let us know your favourite moments in the comments! Don’t forget to like this video and subscribe to Born to Watch for more deep dives into the movies that shaped cinema. Hit that notification bell so you never miss an episode!
