Elvis Costello - Actor Profile

Elvis Costello

Acting
Freshness: Jan 22, 2026
50Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: Aug 25, 1954
Birth Place: Paddington, London, England, UK

About Elvis Costello

Referencing prodigies of rock lyricism may not bring Elvis Costello to mind for some, but he does deserve consideration. Through the course of over four decades, the former computer programmer has maintained a career as a singer-songwriter, giving the likes of Bob Dylan himself a reckoning. He was born Declan MacManus in London, England, on August 25, 1954. He took the moniker Elvis Costello in 1977, adopting his first name from Elvis Presley and the last part from the maiden name of his mother. Also in '77, Costello's debut album My Aim Is True was released, drawing connections to the new wave and punk movement while showing musical variance. That year, Costello's band The Attractions was assembled. The group released a number of albums, including This Year's Model, Armed Forces, and Trust. 1986's Blood and Chocolate produced memorable, literate gems, such as "Tokyo Storm Warning" and "I Want You." After the Attractions' final show in 1996, caused by conflict between Costello and the band's bassist Bruce Thomas, two of the group's other members would become part of his new backing band, The Imposters. Costello has released over 30 albums.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Elvis Costello 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: Music

The majority of Elvis Costello's filmography leans towards the Music 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 60% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Elvis Costello remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Willie Nelson & Friends: Live and Kickin', which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Elvis Costello Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Elvis Costello's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Elvis Costello.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2025 Ladies & Gentlemen... 50 Years of SNL Music Self Super Hit Similar →
2024 The Specials: A Message to You Self Super Hit Similar →
2023 Sounds of Liverpool at the BBC Self (archive footage) Super Hit Similar →
2022 Roy Orbison Forever Self Super Hit Similar →
2021 Lindisfarne’s Geordie Genius: The Alan Hull Story Self Hit Similar →
2020 Johnny Cash: The Man in Black in Britain Self Hit Similar →
2019 Sesame Street's 50th Anniversary Celebration Self Super Hit Similar →
2018 Tower of Song: A Memorial Tribute to Leonard Cohen Self - Performer Super Hit Similar →
2017 Ex Libris: The New York Public Library Self Average Similar →
2016 The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - The Touring Years Self Super Hit Similar →
2015 Elvis Costello - Detour Live at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall Self Hit Similar →
2014 Lost Songs: The Basement Tapes Continued Self Hit Similar →
2013 Elvis Costello: Mystery Dance Self Average Similar →
2011 A MusiCares Tribute to Neil Young Self Hit Similar →
2011 I Was There: When the Beatles Played the Cavern Self (archive footage) Flop Similar →
2010 Love Shines Self Flop Similar →
2010 A Prairie Home Companion Live in HD! Self - Singer Super Hit Similar →
2008 A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All! Self Hit Similar →
2007 If It Ain't Stiff: The Stiff Records Story Self Hit Similar →
2007 Delirious Elvis Costello Average Similar →
2006 Elvis Costello & Allen Toussaint: Hot as a Pistol, Keen as a Blade Self Super Hit Similar →
2006 Before the Music Dies Self - Musician Hit Similar →
2006 Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby Elvis Costello Average Similar →
2005 The Pretenders: No Turn Left Unstoned Self Flop Similar →
2004 Live Aid Self Super Hit Similar →
2004 Beautiful Dreamer: Brian Wilson and the Story of Smile Self Hit Similar →
2004 De-Lovely Musical Performer - "Let's Misbehave" Average Similar →
2004 Johnny Cash: The Last Great American Self Super Hit Similar →
2004 Elvis Costello & The Imposters: Club Date - Live in Memphis Self Average Similar →
2003 Emmylou Harris: From a Deeper Well Self Super Hit Similar →
2003 I Love Your Work Self Flop Similar →
2003 Willie Nelson & Friends: Live and Kickin' Self Super Hit Similar →
2002 There's Only One Paul McCartney Self Flop Similar →
2001 A Tribute To Burt Bacharach & Hal David Self Hit Similar →
2001 Prison Song Public Defender / Teacher Flop Similar →
2000 Unleaded Elvis Costello Hit Similar →
1999 In Dreams: The Roy Orbison Story Self Average Similar →
1999 Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me Elvis Costello Average Similar →
1999 200 Cigarettes Self Average Similar →
1999 Classic Albums: U2 - The Joshua Tree Self Average Similar →
1997 Spice World Elvis Costello Flop Similar →
1994 Dusty Self - Interviewee Super Hit Similar →
1994 Philip K Dick: A Day in the Afterlife Self - Interviewee Flop Similar →
1989 Paul McCartney: Put It There Self Super Hit Similar →
1988 Roy Orbison and Friends: A Black and White Night Self - Guitar/Electric Organ/Harmonica Super Hit Similar →
1987 Straight to Hell Hives The Butler Flop Similar →
1985 No Surrender Rosco De Ville Hit Similar →
1985 Live Aid Self Super Hit Similar →
1979 Americathon The Earl of Manchester Flop Similar →
1978 If It Ain't Stiff, It Ain't Worth a Fuck Self Hit Similar →

Elvis Costello - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Elvis Costello?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Elvis Costello is "Willie Nelson & Friends: Live and Kickin'" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has Elvis Costello acted in?

Elvis Costello has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Elvis Costello?

Other notable films include "Tower of Song: A Memorial Tribute to Leonard Cohen", "A Prairie Home Companion Live in HD!", and "Johnny Cash: The Last Great American".