David Lean
DirectingAbout David Lean
Sir David Lean CBE (25 March 1908 – 16 April 1991) was an English film director, producer, screenwriter and editor. Widely considered one of the most important figures in British cinema, he is best remembered for adapting the works of Charles Dickens and Noël Coward, and for his large scale period epics such as The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957), Lawrence of Arabia (1962), Doctor Zhivago (1965), Ryan's Daughter (1970), and A Passage to India (1984). Acclaimed and praised by directors such as Steven Spielberg and Stanley Kubrick, Lean was voted 9th greatest film director of all time in the British Film Institute Sight & Sound "Directors Top Directors" poll 2002. Nominated seven times for the Academy Award for Best Director, winning twice for The Bridge on the River Kwai and Lawrence of Arabia, he has seven films in the British Film Institute's Top 100 British Films (with three of them being in the top five).
David Lean Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of David Lean reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 19 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of David Lean's work falls within the Documentary genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 26% of David Lean'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 The Making of Lawrence of Arabia, which stands out as a key performance.
Best David Lean Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from David Lean's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie David Lean has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
David Lean - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of David Lean?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring David Lean is "The Making of Lawrence of Arabia" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has David Lean acted in?
David Lean has been featured in at least 19 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by David Lean?
Other notable films include "Lawrence of Arabia", "E. M. Forster: His Longest Journey", and "Lost and Found: The Story of Cook's Anchor".