Robert Donat - Actor Profile

Robert Donat

Acting
Freshness: Jan 19, 2026
29Total Films
7.5 Highest Rated
Born: Mar 18, 1905
Birth Place: Withington, Manchester, England, UK

About Robert Donat

Robert Donat (born Friedrich Robert Donat) was a star English film and stage actor. He is best remembered for his roles in The 39 Steps (1935) and Goodbye, Mr. Chips (1939), the latter which earned him a Best Actor Academy Award.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Robert Donat reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 29 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of Robert Donat'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 55% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Robert Donat remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in 1939: Hollywood's Greatest Year, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Robert Donat Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Robert Donat's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Robert Donat.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2009 1939: Hollywood's Greatest Year Self (archive footage) Super Hit Similar →
2001 A Profile of Hitchcock: The Early Years Self (archive footage) Hit Similar →
1983 Hollywood Out-takes and Rare Footage Self (archive footage) (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1976 That's Entertainment, Part II (archive footage) Hit Similar →
1973 The Men Who Made the Movies: King Vidor Self (archive footage) Average Similar →
1972 Hollywood: The Dream Factory Self (archive footage) Average Similar →
1958 The Inn of the Sixth Happiness The Mandarin of Yang Cheng Hit Similar →
1954 Lease of Life Rev William Thorne Hit Similar →
1952 The Magic Box William Friese-Greene Average Similar →
1949 The Cure for Love Sergeant Jack Hardacre Average Similar →
1948 The Winslow Boy Sir Robert Morton Hit Similar →
1947 Captain Boycott Charles Stewart Parnell Hit Similar →
1945 Perfect Strangers Robert Wilson Hit Similar →
1944 Twenty Years After (archive footage) Average Similar →
1943 The Adventures of Tartu Captain Terence Stevenson, aka Jan Tartu Average Similar →
1943 The New Lot Actor Flop Similar →
1942 The Young Mr. Pitt William Pitt / The Earl of Chatham Average Similar →
1940 A New Romance of Celluloid: The Miracle of Sound Self Hit Similar →
1940 Cavalcade of the Academy Awards Self (archive footage) Hit Similar →
1939 Goodbye, Mr. Chips Charles Edward Chipping aka 'Mr. Chips' Hit Similar →
1938 The Citadel Dr. Andrew Manson Hit Similar →
1937 Knight Without Armour Ainsley J. Fothergill / Peter Ouronov Average Similar →
1935 The Ghost Goes West Murdoch Glourie / Donald Glourie Hit Similar →
1935 The 39 Steps Richard Hannay Hit Similar →
1934 The Count of Monte Cristo Edmond Dantes Hit Similar →
1933 Cash Paul Martin Flop Similar →
1933 The Private Life of Henry VIII Thomas Culpeper Average Similar →
1932 Men of Tomorrow Julian Angell Flop Similar →
1932 That Night in London Dick Warren Flop Similar →

Robert Donat - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Robert Donat?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Robert Donat is "1939: Hollywood's Greatest Year" with a rating of 7.5/10.

How many movies has Robert Donat acted in?

Robert Donat has been featured in at least 29 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Robert Donat?

Other notable films include "Goodbye, Mr. Chips", "Lease of Life", and "The 39 Steps".