17
Nijinsky

Nijinsky
Alan Bates delivered a remarkable performance as Sergei Diaghilev, Nijinsky's domineering mentor and possessive lover. After Nijinsky got married to Romola de Pulszky, Sergei Diaghilev moved out of his life.

16
The Running Man

The Running Man
Alan Bates portrayed the character Stephen Maddox in the 1963 film 'The Running Man.' He plays an insurance company's investigator, who initially fails to uncover the fraud committed by Stella Black and her husband, Rex.

15
The Return of the Soldier

The Return of the Soldier
Sir Alan Bates (1934–2003) starred in the 1982 drama The Return of the Soldier, directed by Alan Bridges. He played the lead role of Christopher Baldry, a shell-shocked World War I veteran struggling to come to terms with his traumatic experience and to re-adjust to life in his family's country estate. 

14
Hamlet

Hamlet
Alan Bates played the character King Claudius in the 1990 film 'Hamlet.' His portrayal of Claudius as a drunken, buffoonish, craven schemer in Franco Zeffirelli's film adaptation of Hamlet was well-appreciated. 

13
Butley

Butley
Alan Bates stars as Prof. Benjamin Butley, a dishevelled, disorganized college lecturer who faces an ongoing mid-life crisis. He struggles to hold his life together while dealing with personal and professional setbacks.

12
The Rose

The Rose
Sir Alan Bates acted in The Rose, a 1979 romantic drama film starring Bette Midler. Bates played the role of Rudge Campbell, a sleazy music promoter.

11
An Unmarried Woman

An Unmarried Woman
Bates plays a psychiatrist who helps the protagonist, Jill Clayburgh, cope with her divorce and navigate the dating world.

10
Women in Love

Women in Love
Sir Alan Bates starred as Rupert Birkin in the 1969 British drama film, Women in Love. The film, directed by Ken Russell, is an adaptation of the novel of the same name by D. H. Lawrence. Bates received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in the film.

9
The Caretaker

The Caretaker
Sir Alan Bates was an English actor who starred in the 1960 play, The Caretaker. He played the role of Mick, a tramp who is taken in by a paranoid man, Aston, who is played by Robert Shaw. Bates' performance was praised for its realism and subtlety. He was able to convey the loneliness and desperation of Mick's character in a subtle yet powerful way. His performance in The Caretaker is widely considered to be one of his best works and earned him numerous awards, including an Obie Award and a Tony nomination. His portrayal of Mick has become an iconic piece of British theatre and Bates himself was widely considered to be one of the great British actors of his generation.

8
The Go-Between

The Go-Between
Sir Alan Bates (1934-2003) starred as Leo Colston in the 1971 British drama film The Go-Between. The film is based on the novel of the same name by L.P. Hartley and was directed by Joseph Losey. Bates won a BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in 1972 for his performance in the film.

7
Dr. Fischer of Geneva

Dr. Fischer of Geneva
Sir Alan Bates starred as the titular character, Dr. Philipp Fischer, in the 1985 film adaptation of Jack Higgins’ novel, Dr. Fischer of Geneva. The film follows the story of a Swiss banker, Dr. Fischer, who holds a secret power over the world’s largest banks. He uses his power to manipulate the financial markets and pits the world’s most powerful forces against each other in a bid for global domination.

6
Far from the Madding Crowd

Far from the Madding Crowd
Sir Alan Bates was a British actor who is best known for his role as Sergeant Francis Troy in the 1967 film adaptation of Thomas Hardy's novel Far from the Madding Crowd. The film follows the story of a young woman, Bathsheba Everdene, and her relationships with three suitors: the stolid farmer Gabriel Oak, the reckless Sergeant Troy, and the wealthy but unassuming William Boldwood. Bates' portrayal of the charismatic but ultimately destructive Sergeant Troy is a highlight of the film, showcasing his ability to bring a character to life and make him both sympathetic and dangerous at the same time. His performance in this role earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Throughout his career, Bates was known for his versatility, appearing in a wide variety of films, including classics like Zorba the Greek and The Go-Between. His performances were always heartfelt and nuanced, and he was widely respected and beloved in the acting community.

5
A Voyage Round My Father

A Voyage Round My Father
Sir Alan Bates starred as the title character in the 1982 television adaptation of John Mortimer's play A Voyage Round My Father. He also appeared in the 1971 film adaptation.

4
King of Hearts

King of Hearts
Sir Alan Bates starred as Pvt. Plumpick in the 1970 comedy-drama King of Hearts. The film follows Pvt. Plumpick, who is sent to a small French town during World War I to defuse a bomb that had been left by the retreating German army. Bates' performance in the film earned him a BAFTA Award nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role.

3
An Englishman Abroad

Sir Alan Bates (1934–2003) starred as the British spy Guy Burgess in the 1983 BBC television drama An Englishman Abroad. The drama was written by Alan Bennett and directed by John Schlesinger. The drama tells the story of Burgess' meeting with the actress Coral Browne, who traveled to Moscow to meet him. Bates was nominated for a BAFTA Award for his performance in the drama.

2
Separate Tables

Sir Alan Bates was an English actor who starred in the 1958 British drama film Separate Tables. The movie follows the lives of two residents of a British seaside resort, who happen to be former lovers. Bates plays Major David Angus Pollock, a former army officer who is facing public humiliation after being exposed for his inappropriate behavior. He is lonely and isolated, but is able to find some solace in the kindness of a fellow resident, played by Deborah Kerr. The film showcases Bates' talent for creating an emotionally complex character, portraying a man struggling with his own inner demons. Separate Tables earned Bates an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, and was a critical and commercial success. Bates' performance in the film is remembered as one of his most impressive onscreen roles and a highlight of his career.

1
Zorba the Greek

Zorba the Greek
Sir Alan Bates starred as Nikos in the 1964 film adaptation of Zorba the Greek. He was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance.