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Sir Patrick Stewart made commanding a starship look easy, gave the X-Men their moral compass and proved that even a classically trained Shakespearean actor could have impeccable comedic timing.
He had a remarkable range across genres, from blockbuster franchises and acclaimed dramas to ridiculous comedies. He died on Thursday, October 29, at the age of 86, and in his memory, we're looking back at some of his greatest screen performances.
If you’re looking to honor his life and work, look no further than these 10 films and TV shows (in no particular order).
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10 shows and films to watch in honor of the late Patrick Stewart:
1. Star Trek: The Next Generation
What is it? The much-beloved sci-fi show follows the crew of the USS Enterprise-D, a Starfleet starship led by Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Stewart), as they explore the galaxy, encounter alien civilizations and navigate political conflicts, moral dilemmas and threats to the Federation. It’s set in the 24th century, nearly 100 years after the original Star Trek series. It’s one of the franchise’s most celebrated installments, especially for Stewart's commanding performance as Picard. Some of the best episodes where his acting is at its peak include "The Inner Light," “The Measure of a Man,” “Tapestry” “Darmok” and “Chain of Command.” He’s also excellent in the movies: Star Trek: First Contact (1996), Star Trek: Insurrection (1998), Star Trek Generations (1994), Star Trek: Nemesis (2002).
Where to watch: Paramount+ and for free on Pluto TV
2. X-Men
What is it? If you ask anyone, chances are they’ll recognize Stewart from his role as Professor Charles Xavier in the Marvel Comic series, X-Men. If you don’t know, the X-Men films follow mutants born with extraordinary abilities trying to live in a world that discriminates against them. His role as the powerful telepath and founder of a school for gifted mutants, is one of compassion and strength, and his complicated friendship with Magneto (played by Ian McKellen) is one of the franchise's central throughlines. He’s played the character in X-Men (2000), X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) and Logan (2017).
Where to watch: Disney+
3. Green Room (2015)
What is it? Stewart eschews his usual good-guy facade for a villain in this horror thriller about a punk band that gets trapped inside an Oregon club when they witness a murder backstage. Stewart is Darcy Banker, the club’s owner hellbent on covering up the crime. His quieter, controlled performance is truly unsettling.
Where to watch: Netflix
4. I, Claudius (1976)
What is it? For those wanting to see Stewart as his game before Star Trek, this is one to watch. It’s a BBC historical drama about the Julio-Claudian dynasty in ancient Rome. Centering on the story of Emperor Claudius (Derek Jacobi), the film features Stewart as Sejanus, a commander of the Praetorian Guard who manipulates Emperor Tiberius in his plot for more power.
Where to watch: The Roku Channel
5. Extras (2005–2007)
What is it? Stewart could do comedy with the best of them. As a guest star in the sixth episode of this Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant TV series from the U.K., he portrays a caricature of himself that’s self-absorbed and exaggerated and shares an off-the-wall screenplay with Andy (Gervais).
Where to watch: Peacock and BritBox
6. Hamlet (2009)
What is it? Seeing Stewart in a Shakespeare production is an absolute must. It’s the material that he cut his teeth on and became widely respected for in the first place. Hamlet is a filmed performance by the Royal Shakespeare Company production, starring David Tennant as the Prince of Denmark and Stewart as Claudius, Hamlet's uncle, who has murdered the king and married his widow to claim the throne. Of course, Stewart pulls off the calculating but guilt-ridden ruler brilliantly—enough to win him the Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.
Where to watch: Rent or buy on Prime Video and on Fandango at Home
7. The Kid Who Would Be King (2019)
What is it? Like his friend Ian McKellan, Stewart would play a wizard … in a different capacity. Here, he plays Merlin, who guides a young boy named Alex (Louis Ashbourne Serkis) in his quest to save the world from an evil witch after discovering the mythical sword, Excalibur. Stewart’s ability to portray a larger-than-life, wise character is on display in this film.
Where to watch: Disney+
8. L.A. Story (1991)
What is it? Another comedic role for Stewart, his maître d' in L.A. Story doesn’t have much screentime, but it’s worth mentioning here. In romantic comedy film, Steve Martin is Harris K. Telemacher, a Los Angeles weatherman who falls for a journalist (Victoria Tennant)—but there’s talking signs that offer Telemacher romantic advice. Stewart’s pretentious maître d' at the upscale French restaurant, L'Idiot, grills prospective diners: “You think with a financial statement like zis, you can have ze duck?”
Where to watch: Rent or buy on Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango at Home
9. Match (2014)
What is it? Stewart’s theatrical chops really shine in this film about Tobi Powell, a renowned former dancer and ballet instructor in NYC, who is interviewed about the city’s dance scene in the 1960s. Starring Carla Gugino and Matthew Lillard as the married couple who interviews him, the conversation takes an uncomfortable turn. The film is an intimate, dialogue-heavy drama that lets Stewart show off his ability through the role of a charismatic, eccentric but guarded man.
Where to watch: Apple TV and AMC+
10. Lifeforce (1985)
What is it? A bit unexpected but not off the wall given his role in Star Trek, Stewart stars as a scientist investigating an alien encounter that threatens humanity in this sci-fi horror film by director Tobe Hooper (The Texas Chain Saw Massacre). It’s a fun and bizarre watch.
Where to watch: Prime Video, MGM+ and Tubi