Harrison Ford has a number of iconic roles, from Deckard in Blade Runner to Jack Ryan in the Tom Clancy movies. He's had more memorable roles in a decade than most actors get in their entire careers. It's a testament to what a great actor he is. Few stand out as much as Han Solo and Indiana Jones do.
Which of them is the best? Is it the devil-may-care smuggler from Star Wars or the whip-wielding professor who showed the world that archaeologists didn't always have their noses stuck in books?
10 Han Solo: It's Part Of A Franchise That Defined A Genre
For as popular as Indiana Jones is, it's always going to pale in comparison to Star Wars. Few franchises have a more bankable name in the movie business than Star Wars.
It helped define the science fiction genre, helping create a story with so much depth that movies and spin-offs are still coming out to this day. Han Solo is at the front and center of that, a key piece of the core trio that makes the original three movies so beloved.
9 Indiana Jones: He Was The Central Focus Of All The Movies
For as iconic as the Star Wars series is, Han Solo is only a part of it, often taking a back seat to Luke's journey as a Jedi. Everything in the final movie is leading to Luke vs Vader rather than anything Han is doing.
The same can't be said of Indiana Jones, where he's front and center of the story the entire time. It lets Ford chew up the scenery around him as he acts circles around just about every one of his co-stars, save for Sean Connery.
8 Han Solo: The Role Played To His Strengths As An Actor
The character of Han Solo went through an evolution, just as Harrison Ford did. During the original trilogy, he was more of a suave lady's man who had confidence for days. It was perfect for Ford, who had all the swagger you could ask for and the looks as well.
By the time the sequels came around, he was more of a crotchety old man. That fit on several levels with Ford, especially considering he asked for the character to get killed off in the movie.
7 Indiana Jones: It's A Role That He Actually Enjoyed Playing
Harrison Ford has never been all that shy about his lack of enthusiasm about playing the role of Han Solo in the present day. He's not as enamored with the mythos of Star Wars as the legion of fans is.
Indiana Jones, on the other hand, doesn't suffer from any of that, allowing the character to get the full engagement of Ford. If the actor is enjoying himself, it's often going to lead to a more enjoyable product on the screen.
6 Han Solo: He Had A Greater Amount Of Duality
Han always walked that line between being a good guy and a true neutral character. He helped the Rebellion against the Empire, even if it was against his better judgment at times, but he wasn't squeaky clean by any means.
Prior to the awful edit by Lucas, Han shot first and killed Greedo. Not only that, he opened fire on Darth Vader the second he saw him on Cloud City. Han was the type to always look out for himself, giving him far more intrigue and duality than Indiana Jones.
5 Indiana Jones: He Was The More Heroic Of The Two Characters
There is something to be said about being the more prototypical heroic character like Indiana Jones is. It lets the lines between good and evil be clearcut, letting the story focus more on the plot rather than the characters' morality.
There's no real doubt that Jones will end up saving the day, even at the grimmest of moments. It helps the movies feel more like the fun romps that they are meant to be. It lets Indiana Jones have some pretty cool moments as well.
4 Han Solo: Chewbacca Was A Better Sidekick Than Anyone In Indiana Jones
For as good as a character as Indiana Jones is, his sidekicks leave a lot to be desired. More often than not, they are annoying beyond belief, outside of the amazing Short Round. Han doesn't have that problem as the lovable and frightening Chewbacca is by his side.
Their pairing is the best duo in Star Wars, two characters having a bond few in that universe have. It's why the moment Han dies is heart-wrenching. Chewbacca gets struck with grief and anger immediately.
3 Indiana Jones: Indy Has A Greater Level Of Depth & History
For as phenomenal as Han is, his character is never fleshed out too much beyond his struggle to do what's right while inherently being a selfish criminal. Indiana Jones, meanwhile, has a fully fleshed-out character that's rich with history.
He's a world-renowned archaeologist and professor with multiple former lovers. The strongest part of his character is the strained relationship with his father, which is the backdrop of The Last Crusade.
2 Han Solo: None Of The Movies He Had An Extended Presence In Were Bad
For as much as Ford isn't a fan, his portrayals of Han outside of a guest spot have led to good movies. The original trilogy is lauded by fans as near perfection, and The Force Awakens was a fun movie, even if it treaded on familiar territory.
The same can't be said of Indiana Jones that has two great movies, a decent one and one that's god awful. The Crystal Skull is worse than anything done in the Star Wars sequels and even some of the prequels.
1 Indiana Jones: Few Looks Are As Iconic As His Hat & Whip
Han's look is good in Star Wars, and he rarely changes out of the vest, but nothing compares to Indiana Jones with his hat and whip. It's the most iconic part of the character, the superhero costume the professor throws on when it's time to be Indiana Jones.
So many of the best moments in the film happen with him in this attire as well. It's hard to associate the character with anything else, even if he changes clothes multiple times throughout the movies.
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