David Lean - Actor Profile

David Lean

Directing
Freshness: Jan 19, 2026
19Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: Mar 25, 1908
Birth Place: Croydon, Surrey, England, UK

About David Lean

Sir David Lean CBE (25 March 1908 – 16 April 1991) was an English film director, producer, screenwriter and editor. Widely considered one of the most important figures in British cinema, he is best remembered for adapting the works of Charles Dickens and Noël Coward, and for his large scale period epics such as The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957), Lawrence of Arabia (1962), Doctor Zhivago (1965), Ryan's Daughter (1970), and A Passage to India (1984). Acclaimed and praised by directors such as Steven Spielberg and Stanley Kubrick, Lean was voted 9th greatest film director of all time in the British Film Institute Sight & Sound "Directors Top Directors" poll 2002. Nominated seven times for the Academy Award for Best Director, winning twice for The Bridge on the River Kwai and Lawrence of Arabia, he has seven films in the British Film Institute's Top 100 British Films (with three of them being in the top five).

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of David Lean reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 19 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Documentary

The majority of David Lean'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 26% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), David Lean remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Making of Lawrence of Arabia, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best David Lean Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from David Lean's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of David Lean.

David Lean - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of David Lean?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring David Lean is "The Making of Lawrence of Arabia" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has David Lean acted in?

David Lean has been featured in at least 19 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by David Lean?

Other notable films include "Lawrence of Arabia", "E. M. Forster: His Longest Journey", and "Lost and Found: The Story of Cook's Anchor".