Ian McElhinney
ActingAbout Ian McElhinney
Ian McElhinney (born 19 August 1948) is a Northern Irish actor and director. He has appeared in many television series in a career spanning more than forty years; notable appearances include Taggart, Hornblower, Cold Feet, and The Tudors. In recent times his best known roles are as Barristan Selmy in Game of Thrones, Morgan Monroe in The Fall, and Granda Joe in Derry Girls.
Ian McElhinney Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Ian McElhinney reflects a strong mix of popular and critically appreciated roles. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Ian McElhinney's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 70% of Ian McElhinney's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.
One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Life After Life, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Ian McElhinney Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Ian McElhinney's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Ian McElhinney has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | The Boys in the Boat | Elderly Joe Rantz | Hit | Similar → |
| 2023 | The Last Rifleman | Tom Malcolmson | Hit | Similar → |
| 2022 | Andor: A Disney+ Day Special Look | General Jan Dodonna (archive footage) (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2019 | Lost Lives | Self (voice) | Average | Similar → |
| 2018 | Zoo | Mr. Shawcross | Hit | Similar → |
| 2017 | Bad Day for the Cut | Eamon | Hit | Similar → |
| 2017 | The Journey | Rory O'Suaird | Average | Similar → |
| 2016 | Rogue One: A Star Wars Story | General Dodonna | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2015 | A Patch of Fog | Freddie Clarke | Hit | Similar → |
| 2015 | Van Morrison – Up on Cyprus Avenue | Narrator | Hit | Similar → |
| 2015 | Game of Thrones: A Day in the Life | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 2015 | Game of Thrones The IMAX Experience | Barristan Selmy | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2013 | Wodehouse In Exile | Major Cussen | Hit | Similar → |
| 2010 | Leap Year | Priest | Hit | Similar → |
| 2009 | Triage | Ivan | Average | Similar → |
| 2008 | City of Ember | Builder | Average | Similar → |
| 2007 | Closing the Ring | Cathal Thomas | Average | Similar → |
| 2006 | The Front Line | Mikey | Average | Similar → |
| 2005 | Omagh | Stanley McCombe | Hit | Similar → |
| 2003 | Hornblower: Loyalty | Captain Hammond | Hit | Similar → |
| 2001 | Mapmaker | Sergeant Devlin | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2001 | Hornblower: Retribution | Captain Hammond | Hit | Similar → |
| 2001 | Borstal Boy | Verreker | Average | Similar → |
| 2000 | The King's Wake | Athairne | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1999 | Durango | Vestor McCarthy | Average | Similar → |
| 1998 | Hornblower: The Examination for Lieutenant | Captain Hammond | Hit | Similar → |
| 1998 | Touch and Go | Clive Bevan | Hit | Similar → |
| 1998 | Silicone Valerie | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | The Boxer | Reggie Bell | Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | This Is the Sea | Da Stokes | Average | Similar → |
| 1996 | Hamlet | Barnardo | Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | The Boy from Mercury | Brother Dowdall | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | Michael Collins | Belfast Detective | Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | Small Faces | - | Average | Similar → |
| 1995 | Life After Life | Working out governor | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | Beyond Reason | Smythe QC | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1993 | Circles of Deceit | Father Fergal | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1992 | You, Me & Marley | Reggie Devine | Average | Similar → |
| 1992 | The Playboys | Joe Cassidy | Average | Similar → |
| 1991 | Children of the North | O'Hare | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1990 | The Grasscutter | Brian Deeds | Average | Similar → |
| 1990 | Hidden Agenda | Jack Cunnigham | Hit | Similar → |
| 1990 | Fools of Fortune | Stranger | Hit | Similar → |
| 1990 | Who Bombed Birmingham? | Sinn Fein leader | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1990 | The Lilac Bus | Billy | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1987 | A Prayer for the Dying | Lodger | Average | Similar → |
| 1984 | Anne Devlin | Maj. Sirr | Hit | Similar → |
| 1984 | A Woman Calling | Mr Burke | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1983 | Acceptable Levels | Andy | Hit | Similar → |
| 1982 | Angel | Groom | Average | Similar → |
Ian McElhinney - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Ian McElhinney?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Ian McElhinney is "Life After Life" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has Ian McElhinney acted in?
Ian McElhinney has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Ian McElhinney?
Other notable films include "A Woman Calling", "The King's Wake", and "Mapmaker".