This ranking is based on an algorithm that combines various factors, including the votes of our users and search trends on the internet.

List of Ian McDiarmid Movies: Ranked Best To Worst

1. Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983)
41
8
Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi
PG
41
8

The conclusion film of the original Star Wars trilogy, the movie sees the rebel heroes undertake a risky mission to save Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt before launching an attack to destroy the powerful mobile space station, Death Star, and ultimately defeat the evil empire. 

Directed By:
Richard Marquand
2. A Performance of Macbeth (1979)
8
2
A Performance of Macbeth
8
2
Starring:
Judi Dench, Ian McKellen, John Bown, Susan Dury, Judith Harte
Directed By:
Philip Casson
3. Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005)
31
9
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith
PG-13
31
9

Anakin Skywalker, now a Jedi Knight disillusioned with the crumbling order, is encouraged by Chancellor Palpatine to use the dark side to kill Count Dooku while rescuing the former with Obi-Wan Kenobi. When he gets visions of his pregnant wife Padmé Amidala dying in childbirth, Palpatine again lures him to the dark side, promising him powers to prevent death.

Role:
Supreme Chancellor Palpatine
Directed By:
4. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988)
9
3
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
PG
9
3

A successful con artist in Beaumont-sur-Mer is troubled when another swindler starts operating in the same locality. Fearing that the other man may scare away his targets, he makes a deal with him and decides that the first to con a young American heiress out of fifty thousand dollars can stay while the other must leave the town.

Starring:
Michael Caine, Steve Martin, Glenne Headly, Barbara Harris, Anton Rodgers
Directed By:
5. Sleepy Hollow (1999)
17
6
Sleepy Hollow
R
17
6

Sleepy Hollow is a thriller directed by Tim Burton set in the gothic town of the same name, where a detective tries to solve the murders committed by a local legend, the headless horseman. Johnny Depp stars as an eccentric New York detective who uncovers the secret of the murderer's penchant for killing his victims by decapitation of their heads.

Directed By:
6. Great Expectations (1999)
7
3
Great Expectations
7
3
Starring:
Ioan Gruffudd, Charlotte Rampling, Nicholas Blane, Justine Waddell
Directed By:
Julian Jarrold
7. Gorky Park (1983)
6
3
Gorky Park
R
6
3

Gorky Park is a mystery thriller film which revolves around Detective Renko, who is assigned to solve a triple murder that occurs in Gorky Park in Moscow. He soon suspects that there is a big political conspiracy behind the murder, and that the Russian government might be involved.

Starring:
Lee Marvin, Brian Dennehy, Alexei Sayle, William Hurt, Ian Bannen, Joanna Pacula
Directed By:
8. Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002)
23
12
Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones
PG
23
12

The second movie in Star Wars prequel trilogy has the former queen of Naboo, Padmé Amidala serving as the Senator in the Galactic Republic. When there is an assassination attempt on her, Obi-Wan Kenobi sets out to investigate the matter and discovers a massive army of clones. Meanwhile, Anakin Skywalker, while protecting Padme Amidala, falls in love with her.

Directed By:
9. The Likely Lads (1976)
6
3
The Likely Lads
6
3
Starring:
James Bolam, Rodney Bewes, Mary Tamm, Brigit Forsyth
Directed By:
Michael Tuchner
10. The Lost City of Z (2016)
8
4
The Lost City of Z
PG-13
8
4

Based on an eponymous novel, the film depicts the real life events surrounding the British explorer Percy Fawcett. He first learns about a mysterious city in the Amazon when he is sent to survey the boundary between Brazil and Bolivia and becomes intrigued by the tale he hears. Supported by his son and wife, he returns to the Amazon much later never to return. 

Starring:
Charlie Hunnam, Robert Pattinson, Sienna Rose Miller, Franco Nero, Sienna Miller, Tom Holland, Edward Ashley
Directed By:
James Gray
11. Dragonslayer (1981)
7
3
Dragonslayer
PG
7
3
Starring:
Ralph Richardson, John Hallam, Peter Eyre, Peter MacNicol
Directed By:
Matthew Robbins
12. Restoration (1995)
6
3
Restoration
R
6
3

Restoration is a biographical romantic drama film which tells the story of Merival, a physician who devotes himself to helping common people. His life takes a turn when he saves the life of someone close to the king, and becomes part of the King’s court. In order to hide the Queen’s suspicion, the King orders Merival to marry his mistress, but tells him not to fall in love with her. However, things get complicated when Merival starts developing feelings for his new wife.  

Starring:
Robert Downey Jr., Sam Neill, Hugh Grant, Ian McKellen, Meg Ryan, Polly Walker
Directed By:
Michael Hoffman
13. Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)
25
13
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace
PG
25
13

Two Jedi Knights sent to end a blockade organised by the evil Trade Federation find themselves in trouble and escape after rescuing Queen Amidala. Later, they meet Anakin Skywalker, a slave boy with strong natural powers of the Force. They now have to find a solution to trade blockade and also deal with the mysterious return of the Sith.

Role:
Senator Palpatine
Starring:
Liam Neeson, Ray Park, Keira Knightley, Brian Blessed, Sofia Coppola, Peter Serafinowicz, Jake Lloyd
Directed By:
14. Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker (2019)
17
9
Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker
PG-13
17
9

The movie finds Rey, Finn, and Poe leading the Resistance against Kylo Ren and the First Order. What follows is Kylo’s path to redemption and Rey discovering that she is the grandchild of the still-living Emperor Palpatine. The Resistance wins but Kylo ends up sacrificing himself to save Rey who then takes up the mantle of Skywalker. 

Role:
Emperor Palpatine
Starring:
Adam Driver, Dominic Monaghan, Daisy Ridley, Kevin Smith, Andy Serkis, Keri Russell, Oscar Isaac
Directed By:
J.J. Abrams
15. Sir Henry at Rawlinson End (1980)
6
3
Sir Henry at Rawlinson End
6
3

Sir Henry’s brother, Hubert, was accidentally killed while escaping without trouser from an illicit affair and now roams around trouserless in the corridors of Rawlinson End. The story revolves around Sir Henry’s attempt to exorcise his brother’s ghost with the help of his weird family members and old retainers. 

Starring:
Trevor Howard, Harry Fowler, Patrick Magee, Denise Coffey
Directed By:
Steve Roberts
16. Heart of Darkness (1993)
4
3
Heart of Darkness
4
3
Starring:
John Malkovich, Tim Roth, James Fox, Isaach De Bankolé, Morten Faldaas
Directed By:
Nicolas Roeg
17. Richard's Things (1980)
4
3
Richard's Things
R
4
3

A wife discovers and confronts her husband's lover after his death. Their mutual love, jealousy, pain and envy bring them close in an unanticipated physical and emotional relationship.

Starring:
Liv Ullmann, David Markham, Tim Pigott-Smith, Amanda Redman
Directed By:
Anthony Harvey
18. The Awakening (1980)
3
3
The Awakening
R
3
3
Starring:
Charlton Heston, Miriam Margolyes, Stephanie Zimbalist, Susannah York, Jill Townsend, Patrick Drury
Directed By:
Mike Newell
19. Hillsborough (1996)
8
2
Hillsborough
8
2
Starring:
Christopher Eccleston, Tracey Wilkinson, Kevin Knapman, Mark Womack
Directed By:
Charles McDougall
20. The Odds (2009)
8
2
The Odds
8
2
Starring:
Mark Strong
Directed By:
Paloma Baeza
21. Crime and Punishment (2002)
7
3
Crime and Punishment
7
3
Role:
Porfiry
Starring:
Geraldine James, John Simm, Shaun Dingwall, Kate Ashfield
Directed By:
Julian Jarrold
22. Our Hidden Lives (2005)
7
3
Our Hidden Lives
7
3
Role:
B. Charles
Starring:
Michael Fassbender, Richard Briers, Richard Dillane, Mathew Horne
Directed By:
Michael Samuels
23. Selected Exits (1993)
7
3
Selected Exits
7
3
Starring:
Anthony Hopkins, James Arlon, Gavin Ashcroft, John Grillo, Abigail Hopkins
Directed By:
Tristram Powell
24. All the King's Men (1999)
7
3
All the King's Men
7
3
Starring:
Maggie Smith, Phyllis Logan, David Jason, Stuart Bunce
Directed By:
Julian Jarrold
25. Margaret (2009)
6
3
Margaret
TV-14
6
3
Starring:
Elizabeth Bennett, Roger Allam, Roger Ashton-Griffiths, Charlotte Asprey
Directed By:
James Kent
26. Chernobyl: The Final Warning (1991)
5
3
Chernobyl: The Final Warning
5
3
Role:
Dr. Vatisenko
Starring:
Jason Robards, Jon Voight, Annette Crosbie, Sammi Davis
Directed By:
Anthony Page
27. Annie: A Royal Adventure! (1995)
3
3
Annie: A Royal Adventure!
G
3
3
Role:
Dr. Eli Eon
Starring:
Camilla Belle, Joan Collins, George Hearn, Ashley Johnson
Directed By:
Ian Toynton

Animation Movies

Star Wars: Rebels
12
3
Star Wars: Rebels
TV-Y7
12
3
Starring:
Forest Whitaker, Josh Gad, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Nathan Kress, Matt Lanter, Katee Sackhoff, Zachary Gordon
Directed By:
Dave Filoni, Justin Ridge, Steward Lee, Bosco Ng, Saul Ruiz

Special Appearance/Cameo

Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
14
2
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back
PG
14
2

Fleeing from a brutal imperial attack on the ice planet Hoth, Luke Skywalker and his R2-D2 crash-lands on Dagobah, where he trains under Master Yoda. Meanwhile, Han Solo and Princess Leia flee to Bespin, where they are captured by Darth Vader as baits to eventually lure in Luke, whom he plans to seduce to the dark side.

Role:
Emperor (2004 DVD version) (uncredited)
Starring:
Harrison Ford, James Earl Jones, Carrie Fisher, Frank Oz, John Ratzenberger, Alec Guinness, Deep Roy
Directed By:
Irvin Kershner

TV Shows

Star Wars: A Musical Journey (2005)
9
1
Star Wars: A Musical Journey
9
1
Role:
Host
Directed By:
Tippy Bushkin
Utopia
45
9
Utopia
TV-MA
45
9
Starring:
Kevin Eldon, Neil Maskell, Fiona O'Shaughnessy, Alexandra Roach
Spooks
21
4
Spooks
21
4
Role:
 Prof. Fred Roberts (uncredited) 1 episode, 2004
Starring:
Benedict Cumberbatch, Hugh Laurie, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Anupam Kher, David Oyelowo, Corin Redgrave, Owen Teale
Directed By:
Alrick Riley, Bharat Nalluri, Sam Miller, Omar Madha, Julian Holmes
Inspector Morse
17
4
Inspector Morse
TV-14
17
4
Starring:
Rachel Weisz, Elizabeth Hurley, Sean Bean, Noah Taylor, John Gielgud, Phyllis Logan, John Thaw
Directed By:
The Modern World: Ten Great Writers
8
2
The Modern World: Ten Great Writers
8
2
Starring:
Tim Roth, Eileen Atkins, Anthony Burgess, Douglas Hodge, Hermione Lee
Directed By:
David Thomas, Nigel Wattis
Karaoke
8
2
Karaoke
8
2
Starring:
Albert Finney, Julie Christie, Ewan McGregor, Roy Hudd, Richard E. Grant, Keeley Hawes
Directed By:
Renny Rye
The Professionals
10
2
The Professionals
10
2
Starring:
Pierce Brosnan, Tony Jay, Gordon Jackson, Martin Shaw, Lewis Collins
Directed By:
Elizabeth I
12
3
Elizabeth I
TV-MA
12
3
Role:
Lord Burghley (2 episodes, 2005)
Starring:
Eddie Redmayne, Jeremy Irons, Helen Mirren, Hugh Dancy, Toby Jones
Directed By:
Tom Hooper
Touching Evil
9
2
Touching Evil
9
2
Starring:
Andy Serkis, Michael Feast, Robson Green, Nicola Walker
Cold Lazarus
7
2
Cold Lazarus
7
2
Starring:
Diane Ladd, Rob Brydon, Albert Finney, Ciarán Hinds, Frances de la Tour, Grant Masters, Ganiat Kasumu
Directed By:
Renny Rye
City of Vice
7
2
City of Vice
7
2
Role:
Henry Fielding (5 episodes, 2008)
Starring:
Iain Glen, Alice O'Connell, Steve Speirs, Francis Magee
ITV Playhouse
6
2
ITV Playhouse
6
2
Starring:
John Hurt, Richard Beckinsale, Lorne Greene, Ian McShane, Derek Jacobi, Ian Holm, Chris Langham
An Unsuitable Job for a Woman
6
2
An Unsuitable Job for a Woman
6
2
Starring:
Gerard Butler, Phyllis Logan, Annette Crosbie, Struan Rodger, Helen Baxendale, Rosemary Leach
Directed By:
Ben Bolt, David Evans, Mary McMurray, John Strickland
The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles
11
4
The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles
11
4
Starring:
Joss Ackland, Jane Wyatt, Colin Baker, Terry Jones, Max von Sydow, Vanessa Redgrave, Douglas Henshall
Directed By:
The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones: Demons of Deception (1999)
7
2
The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones: Demons of Deception
7
2
Role:
Prof. Levi (archiveFootage)
Starring:
Sean Patrick Flanery, Ronny Coutteure, Domiziana Giordano, Kenneth Haigh,
Directed By:
René Manzor, Nicolas Roeg
Britannia
16
7
Britannia
TV-MA
16
7
Starring:
David Morrissey, Kelly Reilly, Nikolaj Lie Kaas, Stanley Weber
Summer Season
5
3
Summer Season
5
3
Starring:
Alan Rickman, Gary Oldman, Tim Roth, Tim Wylton, Marion Bailey, Charles Dale
Directed By:
Nicholas Renton, Kenneth Ives, Tom Kinninmont, Mike Vardy
The Nation's Health
5
3
The Nation's Health
5
3
Role:
Doctor Vernon Davis (4 episodes, 1983)
Starring:
P.H. Moriarty, Vivienne Ritchie, Julian Fox, Richard Leech