Skip To...
When it comes to versatility, few actors come close to the range of Ewan McGregor. Since the ’90s, Ewan has made a huge splash in the Hollywood scene, and he doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. He has returned to arguably his most iconic role in a highly anticipated Disney+ show. In anticipation, now is the perfect time to look back on Ewan’s illustrious career. From Jedi master to psychic to messiah, here are Ewan McGregor’s top ten best roles.
10. Rodney Copperbottom – Robots
Robots is an animated film set in a world filled with robots. The almost steampunk-esque world is colorful and filled with various types of machinery, from the inhabitants to the buildings. Ewan McGregor plays the role of Rodney, a young inventor looking to invent for Bigweld. He soon discovered Bigweld was talked into retirement, and an evil business bot named Phineas T. Ratchet takes his place. Now, Rodney and his new friends must find Bigweld and stop Phineas from taking over the city. Rodney is full of life and hope, a role Ewan fits well. The movie also features the likes of Robin Williams, Mel Brooks, and Jennifer Coolidge. With such a stacked cast, Ewan still manages to steal the show.
9. Roman Sionis – Birds Of Prey
Roman Sionis, aka The Black Mask, is one of the more underrated Batman villains. The character is a ruthless gangster, and he dons a chilling black skull mask. Ewan McGregor brought him to life through this role in the DCEU film Birds of Prey and has split fans. While perhaps not entirely comic accurate, Ewan makes the performance his own. More important than this, he is clearly having the time of his life. The actor chews every scene he is in in the best way possible. While not the hardened criminal he is in the comics, he is flamboyant and ruthless in his own way. Ewan isn’t afraid to share the spotlight either, as he doesn’t overshadow the likes of Harley Quinn in their scenes together. Some may not care for the film as a whole, but it is clear why this is one of his best roles.
8. Jesus/The Devil – Last Days In The Desert
There is a popular internet meme about sharing a picture of Obi-Wan claiming it is actually Jesus. This isn’t too far off, as in 2015, Ewan McGregor did play Jesus. Last Days in the Desert is a film version of the biblical tale involving Jesus spending forty days alone in the desert. What makes this film so fascinating is that for much of the run time, it is just McGregor. He even plays a dual role as The Devil. Seeing Ewan act off of himself is a real treat and is a true testament to his skill. He couldn’t play the two characters differently, and each role is unique. Regardless of one’s beliefs, this is one film that any fan of McGregor should check out.
7. Phillip Morris – I Love You, Phillip Morris
I Love You, Phillip Morris is a dark comedy that shows what someone will go through for love. Jim Carrey plays Steven, a conman who has recently come out of the closest in an attempt to be true to himself. In one of his escapades, he meets Phillip Morris, played by McGregor. Steven is willing to do anything to be with Morris, including a convoluted plan to break him out of prison. Both actors shine in the film. Ewan truly acts in one of his best roles here. Phillip is a likable man that audiences just want to see be happy. The movie allows both leads to show off their comedy skills as well as their dramatic acting chops.
6. Edward Bloom – Big Fish
A reporter named William has an estranged relationship with his father, Edward, mainly because Edward has the knack for overly exaggerating his stories. While Edward is on his deathbed, William sets out to discover the truth about his father, and the truth is far more incredible than he thought. Ewan McGregor plays the young Edward in the film’s flashbacks, and he does a tremendous job. Ewan fits right in with other Tim Burton characters in a whimsical and fantastical world. The performance here is filled with wonder and will make any viewer want to tap into their own imagination. This is one of Burton’s best films, due in no small part to McGregor’s performance.
5. Dan Torrance – Doctor Sleep
Making a sequel to Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of Stephen King’s The Shining is no small task. King wrote Doctor Sleep as a sequel to his iconic novel, and the film adaptation chose to follow the classic film. Even though there were huge blood-soaked shoes to fill, the film excelled on all fronts. Ewan plays a now-adult, Dan Torrance. After the tragedy he endured at The Overlook as a young child, he has turned to the bottle, much like his father. While attempting to sober up, he uses his special gift to ease dying patients in their final moments. Someone is looking for his power, and this leads him back to the Overlook. Ewan is nothing short of phenomenal here. His desperation and pain drive the role. Saying more will spoil one of the best roles in horror history.
4. Christopher Robin – Christopher Robin
Ewan has had a great track record when it comes to reinventing classic characters. His role as an adult Christopher Robin is no different. In the film of the same name, Christopher is an adult living in London and has long since given up on his imagination. When he is at his lowest point, his old friend Pooh returns to lend him a helping hand. Anyone who grew up with the tales of Winnie the Pooh is sure to shed more than a few tears at this heartwarming story. Ewan plays the classic character with grace and care and will remind anyone what it was like to be a child once more.
3. Christian – Moulin Rouge!
It shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone that Ewan Mcgregor’s talent also includes singing. Moulin Rouge! is a jukebox musical set in Paris in 1899. Ewan plays the role of Christian, a young man who falls in love with the singer of the illustrious Moulin Rouge. The film is filled with new renditions of classic songs, with more than a few sung by Ewan himself. As is typical with his performances, Ewan can outact some huge stars. This movie is one of the greatest movie musicals of the 2000s, and it is no surprise given who the leading man is.
2. Renton – Trainspotting
This is the film that helped put Ewan on the maps of many. Renton is a heroin addict looking to kick his habit. This is made increasingly difficult because of the company he keeps. Ewan shows every emotion with perfect ease in this role. The film is as dark as a comedy can get and still be funny, and it nails it. The heart of the film is the cast, and at its core, it is a tale of friendship. Ewan once again stands out among his co-stars and steals every scene. The movie’s nihilistic tone perfectly represents Gen-X, and this role exemplified it.
1. Obi-Wan Kenobi – Star Wars
In what is a surprise to no one, Ewan McGregor’s most iconic role is Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Star Wars saga. Ewan had the impossible task of playing the role of young Obi-Wan, played by Alec Guinness. He not only succeeded, but he also made the role his own. To many, Ewan is more Obi-Wan than Alec is. Ewan’s performances exemplify what it means to be a Jedi. He is wise, compassionate, and willing to fight if need be. Obi-Wan is the character who has arguably gone through the most suffering in the Star Wars, and nobody other than Ewan can pull him off the way he has. After 17 years, he has reprised the role in the Disney+ series, and it looks as if this will be the best performance yet.
