Wolfgang Petersen
DirectingAbout Wolfgang Petersen
Wolfgang Petersen was a German-born screenwriter, producer and film director who spent most of his career in the United States. In the 1960s he began working directing plays at the Ernst Deutsch Theater in Hamburg. After becoming interested in theater in Berlin and Hamburg, Petersen attended the Berlin Film and Television Academy (1966-70). His first productions were for German state television, and it was during his work on the popular crime series Crime Scene that he met actor Jürgen Prochnow, who would later appear in his iconic film Das Boot (1981). His other films include The NeverEnding Story (1984), cult film Enemy Mine (1985), Shattered (1991), In the Line of Fire (1993), Outbreak (1995), Air Force One (1997), The Perfect Storm (2000), Troy (2004), Poseidon (2006) and Four Against the Bank (2016), his latest film.
Wolfgang Petersen Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Wolfgang Petersen reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 11 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Wolfgang Petersen's work falls within the Documentary genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 27% of Wolfgang Petersen'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 Der Bernd, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Wolfgang Petersen Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Wolfgang Petersen's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Wolfgang Petersen has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | U-96, The True Story of 'Das Boot' | Self (archive footage) | Average | Similar → |
| 2021 | Das Boot Revisited: An Underwater Success Story | Self - Das Boot Screenwriter and Director | Hit | Similar → |
| 2017 | Open Wounds – A Journey through German Genre Films | - | Average | Similar → |
| 2013 | Stardust Hollywood - Sternenstaub und Götterwelten | Self | Flop | Similar → |
| 2012 | Der Bernd | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2011 | Wolfgang Petersen: Back to the Boat | Self | Flop | Similar → |
| 2005 | Gottschalk meets Petersen | Himself | Flop | Similar → |
| 2002 | Starbuck Holger Meins | Self | Flop | Similar → |
| 1996 | Hollywood, Germany - Die amerikanische Herausforderung | Self | Flop | Similar → |
| 1984 | The NeverEnding Story | Man Who Drops Milk (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1981 | Das Boot: Behind The Scenes | Self | Average | Similar → |
Wolfgang Petersen - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Wolfgang Petersen?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Wolfgang Petersen is "Der Bernd" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has Wolfgang Petersen acted in?
Wolfgang Petersen has been featured in at least 11 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Wolfgang Petersen?
Other notable films include "Das Boot Revisited: An Underwater Success Story", "The NeverEnding Story", and "U-96, The True Story of 'Das Boot'".