Brian De Palma - Actor Profile

Brian De Palma

Directing
Updated: Apr 10, 2026
32Total Films
8.7 Highest Rated
Born: Sep 11, 1940
Birth Place: Newark, New Jersey, USA

About Brian De Palma

Brian Russell De Palma is an American film director and writer. In a career spanning over forty years, he is probably best known for his suspense and crime thriller films. De Palma was a leading member of the New Hollywood generation of film directors. His direction often makes use of quotations from other films or cinematic styles, and bears the influence of filmmakers such as Alfred Hitchcock, Jean-Luc Godard, and Michelangelo Antonioni. His work has been criticized for its violence and sexual content, but has also been championed by American critics such as Roger Ebert and Pauline Kael.

Known For: DirectingIndustry Veteran

Brian De Palma Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of Brian De Palma reflects a strong mix of popular and critically appreciated roles. Across 32 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.

Dominant Genre

A large portion of Brian De Palma's work falls within the Documentary genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.

Success Ratio

Approximately 53% of Brian De Palma's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.

One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Femme Fatale: Dream Within a Dream, which stands out as a key performance.

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Best Brian De Palma Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Brian De Palma's career based on audience ratings.

★8.7
Femme Fatale: Dream Within a Dream (2003) movie poster
★8.7

Femme Fatale: Dream Within a Dream: A documentary about Brian de Palma's "Femme Fatale."

Femme Fatale: Dream Within a Dream

2003•Documentary
★8.4
Hitchcock: Shadow of a Genius (1999) movie poster
★8.4

Hitchcock: Shadow of a Genius: This documentary is a fascinating look at the cinematic genius of Alfred Hitchcock. Briefly covering much of his early B

Hitchcock: Shadow of a Genius

1999•Documentary
★8.3
Ennio (2022) movie poster
★8.3

Ennio: A portrait of Ennio Morricone, the most popular and prolific film composer of the 20th century, the one most loved by th

Ennio

2022•Documentary
★8.0
Black Dahlia Confidential (2004) movie poster
★8.0

Black Dahlia Confidential: The murder of a young Hollywood actress Elizabeth Short in 1947 is the oldest unsolved murder case in Los Angeles. New i

Black Dahlia Confidential

2004•Documentary
★7.9
The Making of 'Scarface' (1998) movie poster
★7.9

The Making of 'Scarface': A 52-minute documentary on "Scarface," both the making of the film and its reception.

The Making of 'Scarface'

1998•Documentary

Full Filmography

Every movie Brian De Palma has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2023 Desperate Souls, Dark City and the Legend of Midnight Cowboy Self Average Similar →
2022 Brian De Palma par Brian De Palma Leçon de cinéma Brian De Palma Flop Similar →
2022 Ennio Self Super Hit Similar →
2017 Spielberg Self Super Hit Similar →
2016 De Palma Self Hit Similar →
2011 The 'Scarface' Phenomenon Self Hit Similar →
2010 Godard Made in USA Self Flop Similar →
2006 The Black Dahlia Elizabeth's Screen Test Director (voice) (uncredited) Average Similar →
2006 Paradise Regained: Brian de Palma's 'Phantom of the Paradise' Himself Average Similar →
2005 Gangland: Bullets over Hollywood - Hit Similar →
2004 The Autopsy Self Flop Similar →
2004 Black Dahlia Confidential - Super Hit Similar →
2004 The Untouchables: The Script, the Cast Self Hit Similar →
2004 The Untouchables: Production Stories Self Hit Similar →
2004 The Untouchables: Re-Inventing the Genre Self Average Similar →
2004 The Untouchables: The Classic Self Average Similar →
2003 The Making of 'Carlito's Way' Self Average Similar →
2003 Femme Fatale: Dream Within a Dream Self Super Hit Similar →
2002 Brian De Palma : Les Années 60 - Flop Similar →
2001 The Making of 'Casualties of War' Self Hit Similar →
2001 Acting 'Carrie' Self Hit Similar →
2001 The Making of 'Dressed to Kill' Self Hit Similar →
2001 Visualizing 'Carrie' Self Average Similar →
2001 'Obsession' Revisited Self Average Similar →
2001 Slashing 'Dressed to Kill' Self Hit Similar →
1999 Hitchcock: Shadow of a Genius Self Super Hit Similar →
1998 The Making of 'Scarface' Self Super Hit Similar →
1995 Ennio Morricone Self Hit Similar →
1994 Rotwang Must Go! Famous American Movie Director Flop Similar →
1994 Quentin Tarantino: Hollywood's Boy Wonder Self Average Similar →
1990 The Scorsese Machine Self Hit Similar →
1988 Movies Are My Life Self Average Similar →

Brian De Palma - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Brian De Palma?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Brian De Palma is "Femme Fatale: Dream Within a Dream" with a rating of 8.7/10.

How many movies has Brian De Palma acted in?

Brian De Palma has been featured in at least 32 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Brian De Palma?

Other notable films include "Hitchcock: Shadow of a Genius", "Ennio", and "Black Dahlia Confidential".

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