Michael Powell - Actor Profile

Michael Powell

Directing
Freshness: Jan 13, 2026
29Total Films
7.6 Highest Rated
Born: Sep 30, 1905
Birth Place: Bekesbourne, Kent, England

About Michael Powell

Michael Latham Powell (30 September 1905 – 19 February 1990) was a renowned English film director, celebrated for his partnership with Emeric Pressburger. They worked together under the name of "The Archers" and produced a series of classic British films, notably The Thief of Bagdad (1940), 49th Parallel (1941), The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp (1943), A Matter of Life and Death (1946, also called Stairway to Heaven), Black Narcissus (1947) and The Red Shoes (1948). His controversial 1960 film Peeping Tom, however, was so vilified that his career was seriously damaged.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Michael Powell reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 29 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Documentary

The majority of Michael Powell's filmography leans towards the Documentary genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 24% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Michael Powell remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Made in England: The Films of Powell and Pressburger, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Michael Powell Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Michael Powell's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Michael Powell.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2024 Made in England: The Films of Powell and Pressburger Self (archive footage) Super Hit Similar →
2014 Inside Rupert Pupkin Self (archive footage) Flop Similar →
2010 Cameraman: The Life and Work of Jack Cardiff Self (voice) (archive sound) Hit Similar →
2003 Chaplin Today: A Woman of Paris Self (archive sound) Average Similar →
1997 A Very British Psycho Himself Average Similar →
1990 The Scorsese Machine Self Hit Similar →
1986 Fear Himself Flop Similar →
1986 Tears Himself Flop Similar →
1986 Laughter Himself Flop Similar →
1985 The Golden Gong: The Story of Rank Films - British Cinema's Legendary Studio Self Average Similar →
1981 A Pretty British Affair Interviewee Flop Similar →
1980 Picture Business: Michael Powell at Dartmouth - Flop Similar →
1978 Return to the Edge of the World Self Hit Similar →
1960 Peeping Tom Mark's Father - A.N. Lewis (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1959 Honeymoon Guide Describing the Lovers of Teruel (voice) (uncredited) Average Similar →
1944 The Volunteer Self Flop Similar →
1942 One of Our Aircraft Is Missing Despatching Officer Hit Similar →
1937 The Edge of the World Mr. Graham - the Yachtsman (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1932 Hotel Splendide Bugging Device Engineer (uncredited) Average Similar →
1929 The Compulsory Husband Man Flop Similar →
1927 The Garden of Allah A Tourist Flop Similar →
1927 Riviera Revels - Travelaugh No. 12 Cicero Baedeker Symp Flop Similar →
1927 Riviera Revels - Travelaugh No. 11: Scents and Nonsense Cicero Baedeker Symp Flop Similar →
1927 Riviera Revels - Travelaugh No. 10: Fauny Business Cicero Baedeker Symp Flop Similar →
1927 Riviera Revels - Travelaugh No. 9: Cold Feats Cicero Baedeker Symp Flop Similar →
1927 Riviera Revels - Travelaugh No. 6 Cicero Baedeker Symp Flop Similar →
1927 Riviera Revels - Travelaugh No. 2: A Nasty Jar Cicero Baedeker Symp Flop Similar →
1927 Riviera Revels - Travelaugh No. 1: Spooky Islands Cicero Baedeker Symp Flop Similar →
1926 The Magician Man with Balloon at Snake Charming (uncredited) Average Similar →

Michael Powell - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Michael Powell?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Michael Powell is "Made in England: The Films of Powell and Pressburger" with a rating of 7.6/10.

How many movies has Michael Powell acted in?

Michael Powell has been featured in at least 29 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Michael Powell?

Other notable films include "Peeping Tom", "The Edge of the World", and "The Scorsese Machine".