James May - Actor Profile

James May

Acting
Freshness: Jan 19, 2026
50Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: Jan 16, 1963
Birth Place: Bristol - England - UK

About James May

James Daniel May (born 16 January 1963) is an English television presenter, journalist and writer. May is best known as co-presenter of the motoring programme Top Gear alongside Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond. May has presented a variety of other programmes on themes including science and technology, childhood toys, cars, food and drink, and the plight of manliness in modern times. In addition he has released a variety of DVDs and books with similar themes, and writes a weekly column for The Daily Telegraph's motoring section. On Top Gear, May has the nickname "Captain Slow", for his careful driving style, a love of small, underpowered cars and habit of getting lost and distracted whilst driving. In a February 2007 episode of Top Gear he carried out a successful top speed test drive of a Bugatti Veyron at the Ehra-Lessien Volkswagen test track, reaching 407 kilometres per hour (253 mph). In July 2010 he repeated the attempt in the updated Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, reaching the vehicle's top speed of 417.6 kilometres per hour (259.5 mph), confirming that it had retaken the title as the fastest road car in production.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of James May 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: Documentary

The majority of James May's filmography leans towards the Documentary 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), James May remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in James May's Toy Stories - Airfix, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best James May Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from James May's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of James May.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2024 Joan Rivers at the BBC Self (archive footage) Flop Similar →
2021 Top Gear: A Tribute to Sabine Schmitz Himself Super Hit Similar →
2019 Top Gear - Planes, Trains and Automobiles - Super Hit Similar →
2018 Top Gear: Winter Blunderland - Super Hit Similar →
2017 Top Gear: The Best of the Specials James May Super Hit Similar →
2015 James May's Cars of the People - Super Hit Similar →
2015 Top Gear: The Big Send Off Special - Super Hit Similar →
2015 Top Gear: Greatest Hits Himself Super Hit Similar →
2015 Top Gear: Australian Road Trip Himself Super Hit Similar →
2014 Top Gear: Patagonia Special - Super Hit Similar →
2014 Top Gear: The Burma Special Himself Super Hit Similar →
2013 Top Gear Festival: Sydney Self - Presenter Flop Similar →
2013 Top Gear: The Great African Adventure Himself Super Hit Similar →
2012 Top Gear: The Worst Car In the History of the World Self Hit Similar →
2012 Top Gear: Supercars Across Italy Himself Super Hit Similar →
2012 Top Gear: The Great Adventure 5 Himself Super Hit Similar →
2012 Top Gear: The Challenges 6 - Hit Similar →
2011 A Night with the Stars Self Super Hit Similar →
2011 Top Gear: At the Movies Himself Average Similar →
2011 The Interceptors James Steed Super Hit Similar →
2011 Top Gear: The Challenges 5 Himself Super Hit Similar →
2011 Top Gear: The Great Adventures 4 Himself Super Hit Similar →
2011 Top Gear: Cars with Soul Himself Super Hit Similar →
2011 Top Gear: The U.S. Special Himself Super Hit Similar →
2010 Top Gear: Apocalypse Himself Average Similar →
2010 Top Gear: The Challenges 4 - Super Hit Similar →
2010 Top Gear: The Great Adventures 3 - Super Hit Similar →
2010 Top Gear: Romania Special Himself Super Hit Similar →
2009 James May's Toy Stories - Airfix Self - Presenter Super Hit Similar →
2009 James May on the Moon Himself - Presenter Hit Similar →
2009 James May at the Edge of Space Himself Hit Similar →
2009 Top Gear: The Challenges 3 - Super Hit Similar →
2009 Top Gear: The Great Adventures 2 - Flop Similar →
2008 Top Gear: The Great Adventures 2 Self Super Hit Similar →
2008 Top Ground Gear Force - Super Hit Similar →
2008 Top Gear: The Great Adventures Vol. 1 - Super Hit Similar →
2008 Top Gear: US Special Self Super Hit Similar →
2008 Top Gear: The Challenges 2 Himself Super Hit Similar →
2008 Top Gear - Planes, Rockets & Automobiles Presenter Flop Similar →
2007 James May: My Sisters' Top Toys Himself - Presenter Average Similar →
2007 Top Gear: The Great Adventures 1 himself Flop Similar →
2007 Top Gear: Polar Special himself Super Hit Similar →
2007 Top Gear - Best of the Challenges - Flop Similar →
2007 Top Gear of the Pops Self Hit Similar →
2007 Top Gear: The Challenges Himself Super Hit Similar →
2006 Top Gear: The Races Himself Flop Similar →
2006 Top Gear: Winter Olympics Special Himself Hit Similar →
2006 Top Gear: Supercars Presenter Super Hit Similar →
2005 James May's Top Toys Himself - Presenter Average Similar →
2005 Top Gear: Revved Up Himself Super Hit Similar →

James May - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of James May?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring James May is "James May's Toy Stories - Airfix" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has James May acted in?

James May has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by James May?

Other notable films include "Top Gear: Australian Road Trip", "The Interceptors", and "Top Gear: Revved Up".