Alun Armstrong
ActingAbout Alun Armstrong
Alun Armstrong is a prolific English character actor. Armstrong grew up in County Durham in North East England. He first became interested in acting through Shakespeare productions at his grammar school. Since his career began in the early 1970s, he has played, in his words, "the full spectrum of characters from the grotesque to musicals... I always play very colourful characters, often a bit crazy, despotic, psychotic." His numerous credits include six different Dickens adaptations and seven series as eccentric ex-detective Brian Lane in New Tricks. Armstrong is also an accomplished stage actor who spent nine years with the Royal Shakespeare Company. He originated the role of Thénardier in the London production of Les Misérables and he won an Olivier Award for playing the title role in Sweeney Todd.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Alun Armstrong reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of Alun Armstrong's filmography leans towards the Drama 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 36% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Alun Armstrong remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Les Misérables: 10th Anniversary Concert at the Royal Albert Hall, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Alun Armstrong Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Alun Armstrong's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Alun Armstrong.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | The Choral | Herbert Trickett | Average | Similar → |
| 2019 | Out of Innocence | Detective Callaghan | Hit | Similar → |
| 2018 | Possum | Maurice | Average | Similar → |
| 2018 | Funny Cow | Lenny | Average | Similar → |
| 2016 | Golden Years | Sid | Average | Similar → |
| 2010 | Les Misérables: 25th Anniversary in Concert | Monsieur Thenardier (1985 Cast) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2008 | Filth: The Mary Whitehouse Story | Ernest Whitehouse | Average | Similar → |
| 2007 | The Dinner Party | Jim | Average | Similar → |
| 2006 | The Girls Who Came to Stay | Bob Jenkins | Average | Similar → |
| 2005 | Oliver Twist | Magistrate Fang | Hit | Similar → |
| 2004 | Van Helsing: The London Assignment | Cardinal Jinetta (voice) | Average | Similar → |
| 2004 | Van Helsing | Cardinal Jinette | Average | Similar → |
| 2004 | Millions | Saint Peter | Average | Similar → |
| 2004 | Carrie's War | Mr. Samuel Evans | Hit | Similar → |
| 2003 | It's All About Love | David | Flop | Similar → |
| 2003 | Paradise Found | Camille Pissarro | Average | Similar → |
| 2001 | The Mummy Returns | Baltus Hafez | Average | Similar → |
| 2000 | Proof of Life | Wyatt | Average | Similar → |
| 2000 | Harrison's Flowers | Samuel Brubeck | Hit | Similar → |
| 2000 | This Is Personal: The Hunt for the Yorkshire Ripper | Asst. Chief Const. George Oldfield | Hit | Similar → |
| 1999 | Onegin | Zaretsky | Average | Similar → |
| 1999 | Sleepy Hollow | High Constable | Hit | Similar → |
| 1999 | G:MT Greenwich Mean Time | Uncle Henry | Flop | Similar → |
| 1999 | Aristocrats | Lord Holland | Average | Similar → |
| 1997 | The Saint | Inspector Teal | Average | Similar → |
| 1996 | Witness Against Hitler | Pastor Harold Poelchau | Average | Similar → |
| 1995 | Sorry About Last Night | Mickey | Average | Similar → |
| 1995 | Les Misérables: 10th Anniversary Concert at the Royal Albert Hall | Thenardier | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | Braveheart | Mornay | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | An Awfully Big Adventure | Uncle Vernon | Hit | Similar → |
| 1994 | MacGyver: Trail to Doomsday | Capshaw | Average | Similar → |
| 1994 | Doggin' Around | Charlie Foster | Average | Similar → |
| 1994 | Black Beauty | Reuben Smith | Hit | Similar → |
| 1992 | Patriot Games | Owens | Hit | Similar → |
| 1992 | Split Second | Thrasher | Average | Similar → |
| 1991 | London Kills Me | John Stone | Average | Similar → |
| 1991 | American Friends | Dr. Weeks | Average | Similar → |
| 1990 | White Hunter, Black Heart | Ralph Lockhart | Average | Similar → |
| 1989 | The Childeater | Stefano | Hit | Similar → |
| 1985 | Billy the Kid and the Green Baize Vampire | Maxwell Randall, The Green Baize Vampire | Average | Similar → |
| 1983 | Krull | Torquil | Average | Similar → |
| 1981 | The French Lieutenant's Woman | Grimes | Average | Similar → |
| 1979 | All Day on the Sands | - | Average | Similar → |
| 1977 | Our Day Out | Mr. Briggs | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1977 | The Duellists | Lieutenant Lacourbe | Hit | Similar → |
| 1977 | A Bridge Too Far | Cpl. Davies | Hit | Similar → |
| 1976 | The Likely Lads | Tommy | Average | Similar → |
| 1973 | The 14 | Tommy | Average | Similar → |
| 1973 | The Eyes Have It | Mike | Hit | Similar → |
| 1971 | Get Carter | Keith | Hit | Similar → |
Alun Armstrong - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Alun Armstrong?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Alun Armstrong is "Les Misérables: 10th Anniversary Concert at the Royal Albert Hall" with a rating of 8.7/10.
How many movies has Alun Armstrong acted in?
Alun Armstrong has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Alun Armstrong?
Other notable films include "Les Misérables: 25th Anniversary in Concert", "Braveheart", and "Our Day Out".