David Niven
ActingAbout David Niven
James David Graham Niven (1 March 1910 – 29 July 1983), known as David Niven, was a British actor and novelist, best known for his roles as Phileas Fogg in Around the World in 80 Days and Sir Charles Lytton, a.k.a. "the Phantom", in The Pink Panther. He was awarded the 1958 Academy Award for Best Actor in Separate Tables.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of David Niven 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: Romance
The majority of David Niven's filmography leans towards the Romance 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 70% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), David Niven remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Rat Pack, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best David Niven Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from David Niven's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of David Niven.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Made in England: The Films of Powell and Pressburger | (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2022 | Rat Pack | Self (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2019 | Claudia Cardinale, la créature du secret | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 2005 | The Adventures of Errol Flynn | Self - Actor (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1991 | Preminger: Anatomy of a Filmmaker | actor 'Bonjour Tristesse' (archive footage) (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1988 | Gregory Peck: His Own Man | Self (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1979 | ABBA in Switzerland | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1978 | Death on the Nile | Colonel Race | Hit | Similar → |
| 1978 | Formula 1 - Speed fever | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 1977 | Candleshoe | Priory | Hit | Similar → |
| 1976 | Murder by Death | Dick Charleston | Hit | Similar → |
| 1976 | No Deposit, No Return | J.W. Osborne | Average | Similar → |
| 1969 | The Brain | Colonnel Carol Matthews, aka 'Le Cerveau' | Hit | Similar → |
| 1966 | Eye of the Devil | Philippe de Montfaucon | Average | Similar → |
| 1966 | All Eyes on Sharon Tate | Self - Interviewee | Hit | Similar → |
| 1964 | Bedtime Story | Lawrence Jameson | Average | Similar → |
| 1963 | The Pink Panther | Sir Charles Lytton | Hit | Similar → |
| 1963 | 55 Days at Peking | Sir Arthur Robertson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1963 | The Shortest Day | Soldato inglese (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1961 | The Best of Enemies | Maj. Richardson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1961 | The Guns of Navarone | Cpl. John Anthony Miller | Hit | Similar → |
| 1959 | Ask Any Girl | Miles Doughton | Average | Similar → |
| 1958 | Separate Tables | Major Angus Pollock | Hit | Similar → |
| 1958 | Bonjour Tristesse | Raymond | Hit | Similar → |
| 1957 | My Man Godfrey | Godfrey Smith | Average | Similar → |
| 1957 | The Little Hut | Henry Brittingham-Brett | Hit | Similar → |
| 1956 | Around the World in 80 Days | Phileas Fogg | Hit | Similar → |
| 1956 | The Birds and the Bees | Patrick Harris | Hit | Similar → |
| 1955 | The King's Thief | James - Duke of Brampton | Average | Similar → |
| 1953 | The Moon Is Blue | David Slater | Average | Similar → |
| 1948 | Enchantment | Roland Dane | Average | Similar → |
| 1947 | The Bishop's Wife | Henry Brougham | Hit | Similar → |
| 1946 | A Matter of Life and Death | Peter Carter | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1944 | The Way Ahead | Lieutenant Jim Perry | Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | The First of the Few | Geoffrey Crisp | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | The Real Glory | Lieut. McCool | Average | Similar → |
| 1939 | Bachelor Mother | David Merlin | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Wuthering Heights | Edgar Linton | Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | The Dawn Patrol | Lt. Scott | Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | Four Men and a Prayer | Christopher Leigh | Average | Similar → |
| 1938 | Bluebeard's 8th Wife | Albert De Regnier | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | The Prisoner of Zenda | Captain Fritz von Tarlenheim | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | The Charge of the Light Brigade | Captain Randall | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Dodsworth | Captain Clyde Lockert | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Rose Marie | Teddy | Average | Similar → |
| 1935 | Mutiny on the Bounty | Able Bodied Seaman (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Splendor | Clancey Lorrimore | Average | Similar → |
| 1935 | A Feather in Her Hat | Leo Cartwright | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Barbary Coast | Cockney Sailor Thrown Out of Saloon (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1932 | There Goes the Bride | Bit Role (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
David Niven - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of David Niven?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring David Niven is "Rat Pack" with a rating of 9.0/10.
How many movies has David Niven acted in?
David Niven has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by David Niven?
Other notable films include "The Adventures of Errol Flynn", "ABBA in Switzerland", and "A Matter of Life and Death".