Some actors have voices that audiences can recognise instantly. Sir Patrick Stewart was one of them. Known for his commanding screen presence and ability to bring a touch of Shakespearean depth to his performances, Stewart made even the most fantastical characters and settings feel convincing.
Beyond acting, Stewart was also a longstanding advocate for survivors of domestic abuse. Having spoken openly about his own childhood experiences, he used his public platform to raise awareness and support organisations, including Refuge.
Although he is widely remembered for playing Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek and Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men franchise, his acting career covered a much wider range of roles.
Here are nine notable films that showcase different aspects of Stewart’s screen career.
1. Excalibur (1981)
Before becoming widely recognised, Stewart appeared in John Boorman’s Excalibur, playing Leondegrance, one of the knights in the tale of King Arthur and his legendary sword.
His classical theatre background was evident in the performance, offering an early indication of the commanding presence that would later define his career.
2. Dune (1984)
David Lynch’s adaptation of Frank Herbert’s science-fiction novel is an unusual cinematic production, but its distinctive approach is part of its appeal.
Stewart plays Gurney Halleck, a devoted warrior and weapons master serving House Atreides. The film offers viewers familiar with his role as Captain Picard an opportunity to see him in a very different science-fiction setting.
3. L.A. Story (1991)
Written by and starring Steve Martin, L.A. Story is a romantic comedy featuring Stewart as Mr Perdue.
The film follows a Los Angeles weatherman as he navigates relationships and everyday life. Stewart’s appearance demonstrates his ability to deliver memorable performances beyond serious and dramatic roles.
4. Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993)
Mel Brooks’ Robin Hood: Men in Tights presents a humorous take on the familiar Robin Hood story.
Stewart makes a brief but notable appearance as King Richard, showcasing his comedic timing and ability to adapt to lighter roles.
5. The Prince of Egypt (1998)
Stewart provided the voice of Pharaoh Seti in this animated film, portraying the father of Ramses and adoptive father of Moses.
He featured alongside a notable cast that included Val Kilmer, Ralph Fiennes and Michelle Pfeiffer. His distinctive, commanding voice made him well suited to the character.
6. Star Trek: First Contact (1996)
A selection of Stewart’s memorable films would hardly be complete without a Star Trek instalment.
In Star Trek: First Contact, he reprises his role as Captain Jean-Luc Picard as the crew of the Enterprise faces the Borg, one of the franchise’s most formidable enemies.
7. X-Men (2000)
Stewart’s portrayal of Professor Charles Xavier became one of his most recognisable screen roles.
As the telepathic leader of the X-Men, he brought warmth, wisdom and authority to the character, guiding a group of mutants struggling to find acceptance in a world that viewed them with uncertainty.
8. Green Room (2015)
In this thriller, Stewart takes on a much darker character, playing Darcy Banker, the calculating leader of a neo-Nazi group.
The story centres on a violent confrontation involving the group and a punk band. His performance reveals another dimension of his acting range, using his commanding presence to portray a chilling antagonist.
9. The Sheep Detectives (2026)
One of Stewart’s final film roles took an unexpected direction as he voiced Sir Ritchfield, a wise old sheep, in the 2026 mystery comedy.
The film stars Hugh Jackman as a shepherd whose flock becomes an unlikely group of detectives following his suspicious death. It offers a lighter change of pace from the more serious characters for which Stewart was widely known.