Peter Cushing
ActingAbout Peter Cushing
Peter Wilton Cushing, OBE (26 May 1913 – 11 August 1994) was an English actor, known for his many appearances in Hammer Films, in which he played Baron Frankenstein and Dr. Van Helsing, amongst many other roles, often appearing opposite Christopher Lee, and occasionally Vincent Price. A familiar face on both sides of the Atlantic, his most famous roles outside of "Hammer Horror" include his many appearances as Sherlock Holmes, as Grand Moff Tarkin in Star Wars (1977) and as the mysterious Doctor Who in Doctor Who and the Daleks and Daleks - Invasion Earth 2150 AD in 1965 and 1966, two cinema films based on the television series Doctor Who.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Peter Cushing reveals a career defined by exceptional commercial consistency. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Horror
The majority of Peter Cushing's filmography leans towards the Horror 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 78% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Peter Cushing remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Peter Cushing: A One Way Ticket to Hollywood, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Peter Cushing Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Peter Cushing's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Peter Cushing.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters | Self (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2020 | Peter Cushing: In His Own Words | Himself | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2014 | Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films | Sebastian Grisbane (archive footage) (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2008 | Fanex Files: Hammer Films | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 2007 | Famous Monster: Forrest J Ackerman | Self (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2004 | The Story of Star Wars | Grand Moff Tarkin (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | Dalekmania | Doctor Who (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1994 | Flesh and Blood: The Hammer Heritage of Horror | Narrator (voice) / Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 1993 | Frankenstein Reborn | Victor's Grandfather (photo) (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1989 | Peter Cushing: A One Way Ticket to Hollywood | Himself | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1987 | Hammer: The Studio That Dripped Blood | Self | Average | Similar → |
| 1985 | The Many Faces of Sherlock Holmes | Sherlock Holmes (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1984 | Top Secret! | Bookstore Proprietor | Hit | Similar → |
| 1984 | Helen Keller: The Miracle Continues | Professor Charles Copeland | Hit | Similar → |
| 1983 | House of the Long Shadows | Sebastian Grisbane | Average | Similar → |
| 1977 | Star Wars | Grand Moff Tarkin | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1976 | Trial by Combat | Sir Edward Gifford | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1974 | From Beyond the Grave | The Proprietor | Hit | Similar → |
| 1972 | Horror Express | Dr. Wells | Average | Similar → |
| 1972 | Dr. Phibes Rises Again | Ship's Captain | Average | Similar → |
| 1972 | Tales from the Crypt | Arthur Edward Grimsdyke | Hit | Similar → |
| 1971 | Twins of Evil | Gustav Weil | Hit | Similar → |
| 1971 | The House That Dripped Blood | Philip Grayson (segment 2 "Waxworks") | Average | Similar → |
| 1970 | The Vampire Lovers | General von Spielsdorf | Average | Similar → |
| 1969 | Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed | Baron Victor Frankenstein | Average | Similar → |
| 1967 | Frankenstein Created Woman | Baron Frankenstein | Average | Similar → |
| 1966 | Dracula: Prince of Darkness | Doctor Van Helsing (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1965 | Dr Terror's House of Horrors | Dr. Sandor Schreck aka "Dr. Terror" | Average | Similar → |
| 1964 | The Gorgon | Dr. Namaroff | Average | Similar → |
| 1962 | Lolita | John Banning (archive footage) (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1962 | Captain Clegg | Reverend Dr. Blyss | Average | Similar → |
| 1961 | Cash on Demand | Harry Fordyce | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1960 | Suspect | Professor Sewell | Hit | Similar → |
| 1960 | The Brides of Dracula | Dr. J. Van Helsing | Hit | Similar → |
| 1960 | Cone of Silence | Capt. Clive Judd | Hit | Similar → |
| 1960 | The Flesh and the Fiends | Dr. Robert Knox | Hit | Similar → |
| 1959 | The Mummy | John Banning | Hit | Similar → |
| 1959 | The Hound of the Baskervilles | Sherlock Holmes | Hit | Similar → |
| 1958 | The Revenge of Frankenstein | Dr. Victor Stein | Hit | Similar → |
| 1958 | Dracula | Doctor Van Helsing | Hit | Similar → |
| 1958 | Violent Playground | Father Laidlaw | Hit | Similar → |
| 1957 | The Curse of Frankenstein | Baron Victor Frankenstein | Hit | Similar → |
| 1957 | Time Without Pity | Jeremy Clayton | Hit | Similar → |
| 1954 | Nineteen Eighty-Four | Winston Smith | Hit | Similar → |
| 1952 | Moulin Rouge | Marcel de la Voisier | Hit | Similar → |
| 1948 | Hamlet | Osric | Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | The Woman in the House | Man Waking Up (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | The Howards of Virginia | Leslie Stephens | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | A Chump at Oxford | Student | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | The Man in the Iron Mask | Second Officer | Hit | Similar → |
Peter Cushing - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Peter Cushing?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Peter Cushing is "Peter Cushing: A One Way Ticket to Hollywood" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has Peter Cushing acted in?
Peter Cushing has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Peter Cushing?
Other notable films include "Frankenstein Reborn", "Famous Monster: Forrest J Ackerman", and "Star Wars".