scorecardEvery Ewan McGregor movie, ranked
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Every Ewan McGregor movie, ranked

Jacob Sarkisian   

Every Ewan McGregor movie, ranked
Ewan McGregor's roles range from Obi-Wan Kenobi to Jesus Christ.20th Century Fox/Broad Green Pictures
  • Ewan McGregor has had a stellar career mixing indie movies with mainstream franchises.
  • McGregor has starred in "Trainspotting," "Moulin Rouge," and "Star Wars" as Obi-Wan Kenobi.
  • Insider ranks his movies based on their Rotten Tomatoes scores.

In 1999, McGregor played The Eye in 'Eye of the Beholder'

In 1999, McGregor played The Eye in
Stephan Elliott directed "Eye of the Beholder."      Destination Films/Seville Pictures/Universal Pictures/Roadshow Entertainment

Rotten Tomatoes score: 9%

A private detective follows a serial killer across the USA and acts as her guardian angel as she kills men all over the country.

He played Jonathan McQuarry in 2008's 'Deception'

He played Jonathan McQuarry in 2008
Marcel Langenegger directed "Deception."      20th Century Fox

Rotten Tomatoes score: 11%

An ordinary accountant is thrust into a world of danger after he is taken to a mysterious sex club by a friend and becomes suspect number one in a heist and the disappearance of a woman.

McGreger costarred with Johnny Depp in 2015's 'Mortdecai'

McGreger costarred with Johnny Depp in 2015
David Koepp directed "Mortdecai."      Lionsgate

Rotten Tomatoes score: 12%

In this wacky caper, an art dealer named Charlie Mortdecai has to handle Russians, the MI5, and terrorists as he searches for a stolen painting.

McGregor featured in 'Incendiary' in 2008

McGregor featured in
Sharon Maguire directed "Incendiary."      Optimum Releasing

Rotten Tomatoes score: 20%

A tragic incident at a soccer match changes the life of one woman forever.

In 2009, McGregor starred in the Amelia Earheart biopic 'Amelia'

In 2009, McGregor starred in the Amelia Earheart biopic
Mira Nair directed "Amelia."      Fox Searchlight Pictures

Rotten Tomatoes score: 20%

This biopic follows the true story of aviation pioneer Amelia Earheart.

McGregor starred in his directorial debut 'American Pastoral' in 2016

McGregor starred in his directorial debut
Ewan McGregor directed "American Pastoral" himself.      Lionsgate

Rotten Tomatoes score: 23%

The seemingly perfect life of a 1960s American couple begins to fall apart as their daughter begins to rebel.

In 2005, McGregor starred in the psychological thriller 'Stay'

In 2005, McGregor starred in the psychological thriller
Marc Forster directed "Stay."      20th Century Fox

Rotten Tomatoes score: 27%

A psychiatrist begins to lose his grip on reality as he tries to stop one of his patients from committing suicide.

McGregor starred in 1998's 'Nightwatch' as Martin Bells

McGregor starred in 1998
Ole Bornedal directed "Nightwatch."      Dimension Films

Rotten Tomatoes score: 28%

A young law student who works at a morgue uncovers a series of strange clues that place him as the number one suspect in a string of brutal murders.

A year later in 1999, he featured in 'Rogue Trader'

A year later in 1999, he featured in
James Dearden directed "Rogue Trader."      Pathé Distribution

Rotten Tomatoes score: 30%

McGregor plays an investment broker who somehow, singlehandedly managed to bankrupt one of Britain's oldest and most prestigious banks.

In 2018, McGregor starred in the sci-fi romance movie 'Zoe'

In 2018, McGregor starred in the sci-fi romance movie
Drake Doremus directed "Zoe."      Amazon Studios

Rotten Tomatoes score: 32%

This mysterious sci-fi romance explores how synthetic humans can feel love and love in return.

McGregor voiced a WWII pigeon in the 2005 animated movie 'Valiant'

McGregor voiced a WWII pigeon in the 2005 animated movie
Gary Chapman directed "Valiant."      Entertainment Film Distributors/Buena Vista Pictures

Rotten Tomatoes score: 32%

A group of WWII pigeons embark on a dangerous mission to save the UK and the world.

He made a cameo appearance in Seth MacFarlane's 'A Million Ways to Die in the West' in 2014

He made a cameo appearance in Seth MacFarlane
Seth MacFarlane directed "A Million Ways to Die in the West."      Universal Pictures

Rotten Tomatoes score: 33%

A farmer falls in love with the new woman in their western town, but her husband is a dangerous gunslinger who poses as a rival.

He played Ian Rider in 2006's 'Alex Rider: Operation Stormbreaker'

He played Ian Rider in 2006
Geoffrey Sax directed "Alex Rider: Operation Stormbreaker."      Entertainment Film Distributors/The Weinstein Company/Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Rotten Tomatoes score: 35%

A teenage schoolboy joins the Special Operations Division of the UK's secret intelligence service, MI6. There, he joins a mission to save the world.

In 2009, McGregor played the Carmerlengo Patrick McKenna in 'Angels & Demons'

In 2009, McGregor played the Carmerlengo Patrick McKenna in
Ron Howard directed "Angels & Demons."      Sony Pictures Releasing

Rotten Tomatoes score: 37%

Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) tries to solve a murder and prevent a dangerous terrorist attack in the Vatican while a new Pope is being chosen.

McGregor starred opposite Scarlett Johansson in the 2005 sci-fi 'The Island'

McGregor starred opposite Scarlett Johansson in the 2005 sci-fi
Michael Bay directed "The Island."      DreamWorks Pictures/Warner Bros. Pictures

Rotten Tomatoes score: 40%

McGregor stars a man in the future who begins to question his surroundings as he starts recalling strange memories and images.

McGregor played Robert Lewis in 1997's 'A Life Less Ordinary'

McGregor played Robert Lewis in 1997
Danny Boyle directed "A Life Less Ordinary."      PolyGram Filmed Entertainment

Rotten Tomatoes score: 41%

After his boss fires him, McGregor kidnaps the boss' daughter. Then, a couple of angels are sent down to Earth to see if the kidnapper and his victim could fall in love.

McGregor reunited with Natalie Portman for the 2016 western 'Jane Got a Gun'

McGregor reunited with Natalie Portman for the 2016 western
Gavin O'Connor directed "Jane Got a Gun."      The Weinstein Company

Rotten Tomatoes score: 42%

A woman's husband is targeted by a dangerous gang who want to kill him, so she enlists her ex-lover to help save both her and her outlaw husband.

In 2010, he voiced Chris in 'Jackboots on Whitehall'

In 2010, he voiced Chris in
The McHenry Brothers directed "Jackboots on Whitehall."      Vertigo Films

Rotten Tomatoes score: 44%

In this satire presenting an alternative history where the Nazis invaded and conquered London, the rest of England try to remain strong and stop the Nazis from invading the rest of the UK.

McGregor featured in 'Cassandra's Dream' in 2007

McGregor featured in
Woody Allen directed "Cassandra's Dream."      The Weinstein Company/Optimum Releasing

Rotten Tomatoes score: 46%

McGregor and Colin Farrell play two brothers in desperate financial situations, so they decide to turn to crime to solve their issues but this leads to a deadly rift between them.

In 2006, McGregor starred in the ensemble drama 'Scenes of a Sexual Nature'

In 2006, McGregor starred in the ensemble drama
Ed Blum directed "Scenes of a Sexual Nature."      Miracle Communications

Rotten Tomatoes score: 50%

In this anthology drama, we are shown various people discussing several subjects all vaguely related to sex.

McGregor starred opposite George Clooney in 2009's 'The Men Who Stare at Goats'

McGregor starred opposite George Clooney in 2009
Grant Heslov directed "The Men Who Stare at Goats."      Overture Films/Momentum Pictures

Rotten Tomatoes score: 51%

A journalist travels to Iraq in search of the story of his career when he meets Lyn Cassady (George Clooney), who says he is a former member of the U.S. Army's New Earth Army.

In 1999, McGregor made his debut as Obi-Wan Kenobi in 'Star Wars: The Phantom Menace'

In 1999, McGregor made his debut as Obi-Wan Kenobi in
George Lucas directed "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace."      20th Century Fox

Rotten Tomatoes score: 52%

The first part of the prequel trilogy tells the tale of how Anakin Skywalker became Darth Vader. Here, Anakin is recruited by Jedi knights Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Nees0n) as the Sith emerge from the shadows.

He featured in 'Jack the Giant Slayer' in 2013

He featured in
Bryan Singer directed "Jack the Giant Slayer."      Warner Bros. Pictures

Rotten Tomatoes score: 52%

In this reimagining of the Jack and the Beanstalk fairytale, Jack manages to open a gateway between the two warring worlds of humans and giants.

McGregor played American rockstar Curt Wild in the 1998 cult classic 'Velvet Goldmine'

McGregor played American rockstar Curt Wild in the 1998 cult classic
Todd Haynes directed "Velvet Goldmine."      FilmFour Distribution/Miramax Films

Rotten Tomatoes score: 58%

A British journalist (Christian Bale) researches the career of Brian Slade and his relationship with Curt Wild.

In 2011, McGregor played Michael in 'Perfect Sense'

In 2011, McGregor played Michael in
David Mackenzie directed "Perfect Sense."      Senator Film Verleih IFC Films

Rotten Tomatoes score: 58%

Two people — one a chef and one a scientist — fall for one another during an epidemic that takes away people's senses.

McGregor starred opposite Renée Zellweger in 2003's 'Down With Love'

McGregor starred opposite Renée Zellweger in 2003
Peyton Reed directed "Down With Love."      20th Century Fox

Rotten Tomatoes score: 60%

McGregor plays a playboy and journalist who begins to fall for a feminist author who wrote an advice book called "Down With Love," in 1960s New York.

Also in 2003, McGregor starred in 'Young Adam' in Joe Taylor

Also in 2003, McGregor starred in
David Mackenzie directed "Young Adam."      Warner Bros. Pictures

Rotten Tomatoes score: 62%

A river barge-working drifter gets entangled in his employers' lives. He also knows a lot more about a dead body he found while working on the barge than he lets on.

In 2015, McGregor played a notorious armed robber in 'Son of a Gun'

In 2015, McGregor played a notorious armed robber in
Julius Avery directed "Son of a Gun."      A24

Rotten Tomatoes score: 62%

In this partially prison-set drama, a charismatic crime lord takes a young convict under his wing and recruits him to his gang.

In 2005, McGregor voiced Rodney Copperbottom in the animated movie 'Robots'

In 2005, McGregor voiced Rodney Copperbottom in the animated movie
Chris Wedge directed "Robots."      20th Century Fox

Rotten Tomatoes score: 64%

In this robot world comedy animation starring Robin Williams and Halle Berry, McGregor plays an inventor who joins a company in the big city, only to find out they are more sinister than they appear.

McGregor played famous Irish author James Joyce in the 2000 movie 'Nora'

McGregor played famous Irish author James Joyce in the 2000 movie
Pat Murphy directed "Nora."      Advanced/Momentum Pictures

Rotten Tomatoes score: 64%

This biopic follows the life of Nora, the wife of famous Irish author James Joyce.

In 2002, McGregor reprised his role as Obi-Wan in 'Star Wars: Attack of the Clones'

In 2002, McGregor reprised his role as Obi-Wan in
George Lucas directed "Attack of the Clones."      20th Century Fox

Rotten Tomatoes score: 65%

The second chapter in the prequel series. Obi-Wan has now taken Anakin on as his padawan just as the Clone Wars ignite and the galaxy is engulfed in conflict.

In 1996, McGregor played Jerome in 'The Pillow Book'

In 1996, McGregor played Jerome in
Peter Greenaway directed "The Pillow Book."      Lionsgate Films

Rotten Tomatoes score: 67%

A woman has a fetish for body writing, so she seeks out someone who can accomplish both roles — a lover and a calligrapher.

McGregor starred alongside Emily Blunt in 2011's 'Salmon Fishing in the Yemen'

McGregor starred alongside Emily Blunt in 2011
Lasse Hallström directed "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen."      Lionsgate UK

Rotten Tomatoes score: 67%

A fisheries expert is hired by a consultant to bring to life a sheikh's outlandish dream of introducing fly fishing to the desert.

McGregor again starred opposite Renée Zellweger in the Beatrix Potter biopic 'Miss Potter'

McGregor again starred opposite Renée Zellweger in the Beatrix Potter biopic
Chris Noonan directed "Miss Potter."      Momentum Pictures/Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/The Weinstein Company

Rotten Tomatoes score: 67%

This biopic stars Renée Zellweger as Beatrix Potter and tells the tale of how she created Peter Rabbit and wrote "The Tale of Peter Rabbit."

McGregor featured alongside Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts in 2013 in 'August: Osage County'

McGregor featured alongside Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts in 2013 in
John Wells directed "August: Osage County."      The Weinstein Company

Rotten Tomatoes score: 67%

In this intense family drama, a dysfunctional family is brought together during a crisis only to have secrets old and new threaten to spill out.

In 1995, McGregor played Alex Law in 'Shallow Grave'

In 1995, McGregor played Alex Law in
Danny Boyle directed "Shallow Grave."      Rank Film Distributors/Columbia TriStar Film Distributors International

Rotten Tomatoes score: 69%

Three friends find the dead body of their flatmate loaded with money.

McGregor played one half of a gay couple opposite Jim Carrey in 2009's 'I Love You Phillip Morris'

McGregor played one half of a gay couple opposite Jim Carrey in 2009
John Requa and Glenn Ficarra directed "I Love You Phillip Morris."      LD Entertainment/Roadside Attractions/Europa Filmes

Rotten Tomatoes score: 71%

A police officer comes out as gay and soon turns into a con man, leading to imprisonment. Behind bars, he meets the love of his life.

McGregor voiced Lumière in the 2017 live-action remake of 'Beauty and the Beast'

McGregor voiced Lumière in the 2017 live-action remake of
Bill Condon directed "Beauty and the Beast."      Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Rotten Tomatoes score: 71%

This retelling of "Beauty and the Beast" brings to life the beautiful animation of the 1991 original.

He starred in the 2016 spy thriller 'Our Kind of Traitor' as Perry

He starred in the 2016 spy thriller
Susanna White directed "Our Kind of Traitor."      Lionsgate

Rotten Tomatoes score: 72%

Based on the John le Carré novel, a couple finds themselves trapped in a Russian oligarch's plans to defect.

McGregor played the titular character in the 2018 reimagining of Winnie the Pooh in 'Christopher Robin'

McGregor played the titular character in the 2018 reimagining of Winnie the Pooh in
Marc Foster directed "Christopher Gun."      Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Rotten Tomatoes score: 72%

Christopher Robin has grown up and become a working family man. But he soon encounters Winnie the Pooh and his old friends who bring some magic back into his rainy life.

He featured in the Miles Davis biopic 'Miles Ahead' in 2016

He featured in the Miles Davis biopic
Don Cheadle directed "Miles Ahead."      Sony Pictures Classics

Rotten Tomatoes score: 74%

Don Cheadle wrote, starred, and directed this biopic of music legend Miles Davis.

In 2010, he appeared in the 'Nanny McPhee' sequel 'Nanny McPhee Returns'

In 2010, he appeared in the
Susanne White directed "Nanny McPhee Returns."      Universal Pictures/StudioCanal

Rotten Tomatoes score: 75%

The second tale of the magical Nanny McPhee (Emma Thompson), who this time tries to help a young mother struggling to keep the family together while her husband is away at war.

McGregor starred in Tim Burton's 'Big Fish' in 2003

McGregor starred in Tim Burton
Tim Burton directed "Big Fish."      Sony Pictures Releasing

Rotten Tomatoes score: 75%

A confused and increasingly frustrated son attempts to find out the truth behind the tale of his dying father's life and figure out what is true and what is made up.

In 2001, McGregor starred opposite Nicole Kidman in Baz Luhrmann's Oscar-winner masterpiece 'Moulin Rouge!'

In 2001, McGregor starred opposite Nicole Kidman in Baz Luhrmann
Baz Luhrmann directed "Moulin Rouge!"      20th Century Fox

Rotten Tomatoes score: 76%

A romantic young writer falls in love with a courtesan who works and performs at the Moulin Rouge in turn of the century Paris.

McGregor played Jesus Christ in 2015 in 'Last Days in the Desert'

McGregor played Jesus Christ in 2015 in
Rodrigo García directed "Last Days in the Desert."      Broad Green Pictures

Rotten Tomatoes score: 76%

This movie follows Jesus Christ's time in the desert for forty days and forty nights of fasting, praying, and temptation.

He starred in Ridley Scott's 2001 action movie 'Black Hawk Down'

He starred in Ridley Scott
Ridley Scott directed "Black Hawk Down."      Sony Pictures Releasing

Rotten Tomatoes score: 76%

Ridley Scott's acclaimed war movie follows US soldiers dropped into Somalia in an attempt to capture two high-ranking lieutenants in the charge of a warlord.

McGregor played Dan Torrance in the 2019 'The Shining' sequel, 'Doctor Sleep'

McGregor played Dan Torrance in the 2019
Mike Flanagan directed "Doctor Sleep."      Warner Bros. Pictures

Rotten Tomatoes score: 78%

Many years after the events of "The Shining," adult Dan Torrance encounters a little girl with similar powers to his own. But an evil cult tries to prey on the girl in the hopes of gaining immortality.

In 2020, McGregor played the villainous Roman Sionis/Black Mask in 'Birds of Prey'

In 2020, McGregor played the villainous Roman Sionis/Black Mask in
Cathy Yan directed "Birds of Prey."      Warner Bros. Pictures

Rotten Tomatoes score: 78%

Margot Robbie got her first solo outing as Harley Quinn in this mad-cap movie following Harley's split from the Joker. She teams up with Black Canary, Huntress, and Renee Montoya to save a little girl from crime lord Roman Sionis, AKA the Black Mask.

In 1998, McGregor played Billy in 'Little Voice'

In 1998, McGregor played Billy in
Mark Herman directed "Little Voice."      Miramax Films/Buena Vista Distribution

Rotten Tomatoes score: 79%

This movie explores New York City and finding your own voice when you're in your 20s.

In 1996, McGregor played Andy in 'Brassed Off'

In 1996, McGregor played Andy in
Mark Herman directed "Brassed Off."      FilmFour Distributors

Rotten Tomatoes score: 79%

A coal mine in Northern England faces closure, which spells trouble for the miners' brass band, too.

McGregor played Obi-Wan Kenobi again in the climactic third 'Star Wars' prequel movie 'Revenge of the Sith' in 2005

McGregor played Obi-Wan Kenobi again in the climactic third
George Lucas directed "Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith."      20th Century Fox

Rotten Tomatoes score: 80%

The third and final chapter in the prequel trilogy. We see how Obi-Wan and Anakin grow apart as Chancellor Palpatine manipulates Anakin into joining the dark side as he orchestrates the downfall of the Jedi and the rise of the Sith and Darth Vader.

In 2011, McGregor played Kenneth in 'Haywire'

In 2011, McGregor played Kenneth in
Steven Soderbergh directed "Haywire."      Relativity Media

Rotten Tomatoes score: 80%

A skilled black ops soldier is out for revenge after a setup and near-deadly betrayal in her previous mission.

McGregor starred opposite Tom Holland in the 2012 tsunami drama 'The Impossible'

McGregor starred opposite Tom Holland in the 2012 tsunami drama
J. A. Bayona directed "The Impossible."      Warner Bros. Pictures

Rotten Tomatoes score: 81%

This movie tells the true story of a family who tries to survive the horrific Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004.

McGregor reprised his role as Renton in 2017's 'T2 Trainspotting'

McGregor reprised his role as Renton in 2017
Danny Boyle directed "T2 Trainspotting."      Sony Pictures Releasing

Rotten Tomatoes score: 81%

This sequel to 1996's "Trainspotting" follows McGregor's Renton returning to Scotland after 20 years away.

McGregor starred alongside Pierce Brosnan in Roman Polanski's 2010 movie 'The Ghost Writer'

McGregor starred alongside Pierce Brosnan in Roman Polanski
Roman Polanski directed "The Ghost Writer."      Optimum Releasing/Kinowelt Filmverleih

Rotten Tomatoes score: 84%

McGregor plays a ghostwriter who is hired to pen the memoirs of a former British Prime Minister, but he uncovers secrets he may not have wanted to.

In 1996, McGregor played Frank Churchill in 'Emma'

In 1996, McGregor played Frank Churchill in
Douglas McGrath directed "Emma."      Miramax Films/Buena Vista International

Rotten Tomatoes score: 85%

This adaptation of the classic Jane Austen novel stars Gwyneth Paltrow as Emma, who matchmakes for her friends but could miss out on love herself.

McGregor starred alongside an Oscar-winning Christopher Plummer in the 2010 movie 'Beginners'

McGregor starred alongside an Oscar-winning Christopher Plummer in the 2010 movie
Mike Mills directed "Beginners."      Focus Features

Rotten Tomatoes score: 85%

This touching tale follows McGregor as a man who is told two life-changing things by his father, played by Christopher Plummer, who won the Oscar for best supporting actor for this film.

The father says that he has terminal cancer, and comes out of the closet at the same time.

McGregor played Renton in Danny Boyle's acclaimed 1996 drama 'Trainspotting'

McGregor played Renton in Danny Boyle
Danny Boyle directed "Trainspotting."      PolyGram Filmed Entertainment

Rotten Tomatoes score: 91%

This cult classic from Danny Boyle launched McGregor's career into new found fame, so it's no surprise it is the highest rated movie of his on Rotten Tomatoes.

McGregor plays Renton, a young man who tries to reach sobriety despite being neck-deep in the Edinburgh drug scene and lured into drugs by his friends.

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