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.
Peter Cushing Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Peter Cushing reflects exceptional commercial consistency. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Peter Cushing's work falls within the Horror genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 82% of Peter Cushing'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 Peter Cushing: A One Way Ticket to Hollywood, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Peter Cushing Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Peter Cushing's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Peter Cushing has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| 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 → |
| 1992 | Dracula in the Movies | - | 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) | Super 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" | Hit | Similar → |
| 1964 | The Gorgon | Dr. Namaroff | Average | Similar → |
| 1962 | Lolita | John Banning (archive footage) (uncredited) | Hit | 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", "Dracula in the Movies", and "Famous Monster: Forrest J Ackerman".