Desmond Kelly

Acting

Freshness: Jan 23, 2026

8Total Films

8.5 Highest Rated

Born: Jul 24, 1928

Birth Place: Colombo, Sri Lanka

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Desmond Kelly reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 8 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of Desmond Kelly's filmography leans towards the Drama 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 38% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Desmond Kelly remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Illustrious Energy, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Desmond Kelly Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Desmond Kelly's career based on audience ratings.

★8.5

★8.5

Illustrious Energy: Chan and his older mate Kim prospect for gold in 1890s Otago. Marooned until they can pay off their debts and return to

Illustrious Energy

1988•Drama

★7.0

Absent Without Leave (1993) movie poster

★7.0

Absent Without Leave: In 1942 Wellington, Daisy Edwards, 16 and pregnant, relies totally on her just-wed husband, Ed, who is little older tha

Absent Without Leave

1993•Romance

★6.9

★6.9

The Frighteners: Once an architect, Frank Bannister now passes himself off as an exorcist of evil spirits. To bolster his facade, he clai

The Frighteners

1996•Horror

★6.2

The Navigator: A Medieval Odyssey (1988) movie poster

★6.2

The Navigator: A Medieval Odyssey: Cumberland, 1348. The plague is spreading in medieval England. The remote village of little Griffin is also threatened.

The Navigator: A Medieval Odyssey

1988•Adventure

★6.1

★6.1

Smash Palace: Al Shaw's life revolves around motor racing and his back country junkyard, the "Smash Palace". His French wife, Jacqui,

Smash Palace

1981•Drama

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Desmond Kelly.

Year	Movie	Character	Success	More
1997	Song of the Siren	Dad	Flop	Similar →
1996	The Frighteners	Harry Sinclair	Hit	Similar →
1994	The Last Tattoo	Monty McGurr	Flop	Similar →
1993	Absent Without Leave	Daisy's Father	Hit	Similar →
1988	The Navigator: A Medieval Odyssey	Smithy	Average	Similar →
1988	Illustrious Energy	Surveyor	Super Hit	Similar →
1982	The Scarecrow	Mr. Poindexter	Flop	Similar →
1981	Smash Palace	Tiny	Average	Similar →

Desmond Kelly - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Desmond Kelly?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Desmond Kelly is "Illustrious Energy" with a rating of 8.5/10.

How many movies has Desmond Kelly acted in?

Desmond Kelly has been featured in at least 8 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Desmond Kelly?

Other notable films include "Absent Without Leave", "The Frighteners", and "The Navigator: A Medieval Odyssey".