Few actors in world cinema have commanded the screen as gracefully and powerfully as Omar Sharif. From his early days in Egyptian classics to Hollywood epics and European dramas, Sharif became a global icon. His work was not just about acting—it was about bridging cultures, languages, and audiences. In this list, we explore the top 25 Omar Sharif films ranked by IMDb, highlighting the movies that defined his legendary career and continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Omar Sharif Films That Shaped Cinema
25. The 13th Warrior (1999)
- Runtime: 102 min
- Starring: Antonio Banderas, Omar Sharif, Vladimir Kulich
- Director: John McTiernan
- Genre: Action, Adventure, History
- IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
In this Viking saga inspired by Michael Crichton’s novel, Omar Sharif plays a cultured courtier who assists the protagonist in navigating foreign lands. Though a smaller role, his presence grounds the film with authority and authenticity. His delivery in Arabic and English highlights his multilingual skills, reminding viewers of his versatility. This late-career appearance served as a farewell to major Hollywood productions, showing Sharif’s ability to add gravitas even in supporting roles.
24. Monsieur Ibrahim et les Fleurs du Coran (2003)
- Runtime: 95 min
- Starring: Omar Sharif, Pierre Boulanger
- Director: François Dupeyron
- Genre: Drama
- IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
This French drama cast Sharif as Monsieur Ibrahim, an elderly Muslim shopkeeper who befriends a young boy in Paris. His moving performance won him the César Award for Best Actor and rekindled global appreciation for his artistry. The film is intimate, warm, and full of philosophical depth. Sharif’s character embodies kindness and wisdom, proving that his impact went far beyond grand Hollywood epics. For many, this role was his most personal and heartfelt late in life.
23. The Burglars (1971)
- Runtime: 120 min
- Starring: Jean-Paul Belmondo, Omar Sharif
- Director: Henri Verneuil
- Genre: Crime, Thriller
- IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
A stylish European crime thriller, this film showcases Sharif as a calculating police inspector pursuing Belmondo’s jewel thief. The tension between the two leads is palpable, with Sharif exuding menace and intelligence. His portrayal of a morally ambiguous enforcer contrasts with his romantic or heroic roles, showing his adaptability. The film became a classic in French cinema, proving once more that Omar Sharif films could thrive in any language and cultural setting.
22. The Appointment (1969)
- Runtime: 115 min
- Starring: Omar Sharif, Anouk Aimée
- Director: Sidney Lumet
- Genre: Drama
- IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
Directed by Sidney Lumet, this psychological drama features Sharif as a lawyer whose obsessive jealousy unravels his marriage. Against chic European settings, Sharif’s performance blends sophistication with emotional fragility. His chemistry with Anouk Aimée adds tension, and his portrayal of spiraling paranoia reveals his ability to embody flawed, deeply human characters. While less famous than his epic works, the film demonstrates his commitment to challenging roles and nuanced storytelling.
21. Mayerling (1968)
- Runtime: 140 min
- Starring: Omar Sharif, Catherine Deneuve, James Mason
- Director: Terence Young
- Genre: Romance, Historical Drama
- IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
In this retelling of Austria’s tragic Mayerling affair, Sharif plays Crown Prince Rudolf opposite Catherine Deneuve. Their forbidden love and tragic end unfold with elegance and intensity. Sharif balances the grandeur of royalty with vulnerability, making the prince relatable. The lavish sets, strong supporting cast, and historical gravitas create a memorable period piece. Mayerling adds depth to Omar Sharif’s reputation for portraying both majestic and emotionally wounded characters.
Exploring More Timeless Omar Sharif Movies
20. More Than a Miracle (1967)
- Runtime: 103 min
- Starring: Omar Sharif, Sophia Loren
- Director: Francesco Rosi
- Genre: Fantasy, Romance
- IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
Starring alongside Sophia Loren, Sharif delivers a fairytale performance as a prince caught in magical circumstances. The film combines fantasy with classic romance, elevated by Sharif’s charisma and Loren’s charm. His princely dignity and romantic warmth shine, making the film a playful yet stylish entry in his career. It shows that Omar Sharif films were not confined to historical epics but extended into whimsical and enchanting narratives.
19. The Mamelukes (1965)
- Runtime: 118 min
- Starring: Omar Sharif, Nadia Lutfi
- Director: Shadi Abdel Salam
- Genre: Historical Drama
- IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
This Egyptian film allowed Sharif to honor his cultural heritage, portraying the struggles of Mameluke rulers. His commanding performance reflects his pride in Egyptian history and storytelling. The film is visually rich, and Sharif anchors the narrative with a presence that feels both authentic and regal. It reinforced his position as Egypt’s most prominent actor and strengthened his connection with audiences across the Arab world.
18. Marco the Magnificent (1965)
- Runtime: 120 min
- Starring: Omar Sharif, Anthony Quinn
- Director: Denys de La Patellière
- Genre: Adventure, Biography
- IMDb Rating: 6.1/10
As Marco Polo, Sharif carries this globe-trotting adventure that explores exploration and discovery. Surrounded by an international cast, he embraces the challenge of portraying one of history’s most famous travelers. His charm and intelligence add depth to the sweeping adventure, making it an engaging 1960s epic. It’s a reminder that Omar Sharif films captured the spirit of adventure, transporting audiences to distant times and places.
17. The Yellow Rolls-Royce (1964)
- Runtime: 122 min
- Starring: Ingrid Bergman, Rex Harrison, Omar Sharif
- Director: Anthony Asquith
- Genre: Drama, Romance
- IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
This anthology drama follows a Rolls-Royce as it changes hands through different owners, with Sharif starring in one of the key stories. His segment highlights his natural ability to bring passion and sophistication to romance. Against glamorous European backdrops, Sharif shares the screen with Ingrid Bergman, proving his compatibility with cinema’s greatest icons. The film reflects his seamless integration into Hollywood storytelling during the 1960s.
16. Che! (1969)
- Runtime: 96 min
- Starring: Omar Sharif, Jack Palance
- Director: Richard Fleischer
- Genre: Biography, Drama
- IMDb Rating: 4.9/10
Though controversial, Sharif’s portrayal of Che Guevara remains one of his most daring choices. The film faced criticism for historical liberties, yet Sharif delivered a bold performance that captured Guevara’s intensity and idealism. Even in divisive projects, Sharif demonstrated courage by taking on challenging roles. This film stands as an example of his risk-taking spirit, showing that Omar Sharif films were never limited to safe or conventional narratives.
15. Genghis Khan (1965)
- Runtime: 127 min
- Starring: Omar Sharif, Stephen Boyd, James Mason
- Director: Henry Levin
- Genre: Adventure, Biography, History
- IMDb Rating: 5.8/10
Sharif portrays the legendary conqueror Genghis Khan in this sweeping biopic. His commanding performance emphasizes charisma and leadership, qualities that defined his on-screen presence. Despite historical simplifications, Sharif imbues the role with intensity and humanity, making it memorable. It remains one of the boldest casting decisions of his career, highlighting the international trust placed in him to carry epic historical dramas.
14. The Fall of the Roman Empire (1964)
- Runtime: 188 min
- Starring: Sophia Loren, Stephen Boyd, Omar Sharif
- Director: Anthony Mann
- Genre: History, Drama, War
- IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
Sharif shines as Sohaemus, King of Armenia, in this grand Roman epic. Surrounded by a stellar cast, he provides dignity and authority to a film brimming with power struggles and political intrigue. His ability to balance spectacle with thoughtful acting made him stand out even in ensemble roles. The film epitomizes the grandeur of 1960s historical cinema, with Sharif’s presence anchoring its authenticity.
13. Funny Girl (1968)
- Runtime: 151 min
- Starring: Barbra Streisand, Omar Sharif
- Director: William Wyler
- Genre: Musical, Romance
- IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
Sharif stars as Nicky Arnstein opposite Barbra Streisand’s Fanny Brice in this celebrated musical. Their electric chemistry turned the film into a global hit, with Sharif’s suave performance perfectly complementing Streisand’s powerhouse vocals. His portrayal added charm and sophistication, making Arnstein a more layered character. Funny Girl proved Sharif’s versatility, showing he could shine in musicals as well as historical epics.
12. Mackenna’s Gold (1969)
- Runtime: 128 min
- Starring: Gregory Peck, Omar Sharif
- Director: J. Lee Thompson
- Genre: Western, Adventure
- IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
Sharif co-stars in this Western adventure about a fabled canyon of gold. His role as the determined outlaw Colorado sharpens the moral conflicts in the story. His intensity and physical presence matched Gregory Peck’s gravitas, giving the film dramatic weight. With action, suspense, and larger-than-life characters, Mackenna’s Gold added Western flair to Sharif’s diverse filmography.
11. The Night of the Generals (1967)
- Runtime: 148 min
- Starring: Omar Sharif, Peter O’Toole
- Director: Anatole Litvak
- Genre: War, Crime, Drama
- IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
In this WWII thriller, Sharif portrays Major Grau, an investigator determined to uncover the truth behind a string of murders committed by Nazi generals. His quiet intensity anchors the film’s moral questions. Sharing the screen with Peter O’Toole, Sharif once again demonstrated his ability to hold his own against towering stars. The result is a gripping story of power, corruption, and justice.
10. Behold a Pale Horse (1964)
- Runtime: 121 min
- Starring: Gregory Peck, Anthony Quinn, Omar Sharif
- Director: Fred Zinnemann
- Genre: Drama, War
- IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
Sharif plays a compassionate priest in this Franco-American drama about political fugitives in Spain. His subtle, heartfelt performance balances the intensity of Gregory Peck and Anthony Quinn. The film showcases his ability to radiate warmth and humanity, offering a contrast to his more commanding or romantic roles. It stands as one of his most underrated achievements, highlighting the breadth of Omar Sharif films.
9. War in the Land of Egypt (1991)
- Runtime: 115 min
- Starring: Omar Sharif, Salah Zulfikar
- Director: Salah Abu Seif
- Genre: Drama, War
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
This Egyptian film allowed Sharif to return to his homeland’s cinema, playing a pivotal role in a story about class, politics, and sacrifice. His performance is layered, reflecting decades of maturity and experience. The film remains one of the most acclaimed Egyptian productions of the era. For audiences, it reaffirmed Sharif’s loyalty to his roots and his relevance across generations.
8. Le Droit d’aimer (1970)
- Runtime: 105 min
- Starring: Omar Sharif
- Director: Tewfik Saleh
- Genre: Drama
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
This French-Egyptian collaboration gave Sharif space to explore social issues of love and morality. His performance blends intellectualism with emotional vulnerability, reinforcing his reputation as an actor unafraid of complex roles. It’s a testament to his ability to adapt to European arthouse cinema, while maintaining the star power that defined his Hollywood career.
7. Doctor Zhivago (1965)
- Runtime: 197 min
- Starring: Omar Sharif, Julie Christie, Geraldine Chaplin
- Director: David Lean
- Genre: Drama, Romance, War
- IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
As Yuri Zhivago, Sharif gave one of cinema’s most unforgettable performances. His portrayal of a poet-physician swept into love and revolution was tender, tragic, and profoundly human. David Lean’s breathtaking direction and Maurice Jarre’s music elevated the epic, but it was Sharif’s soulful eyes and emotional intensity that anchored the story. Doctor Zhivago cemented his place among the greatest actors of his generation and remains a cornerstone of Omar Sharif films.
6. The Beginning and the End (1960)
- Runtime: 120 min
- Starring: Omar Sharif, Sanaa Gamil
- Director: Salah Abu Seif
- Genre: Drama
- IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
This Egyptian drama, based on a novel by Naguib Mahfouz, gave Sharif one of his most powerful local roles. He portrays a man struggling to support his family amidst poverty and despair. His grounded, heartfelt acting connected deeply with Egyptian audiences, proving his strength in realistic, character-driven stories. It remains one of the greatest films of Egyptian cinema and a cornerstone in his career before global stardom.
5. A Rumor of Love (1960)
- Runtime: 95 min
- Starring: Omar Sharif, Soad Hosny
- Director: Fatin Abdel Wahab
- Genre: Comedy, Romance
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
This romantic comedy paired Sharif with Egypt’s beloved “Cinderella,” Soad Hosny. His charm and comedic timing shone through, delighting Egyptian audiences. The film showed his ability to balance light-hearted humor with genuine emotion. It became one of the most popular comedies in Egyptian cinema, further solidifying his domestic star power before Hollywood beckoned.
4. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
- Runtime: 222 min
- Starring: Peter O’Toole, Omar Sharif, Alec Guinness
- Director: David Lean
- Genre: Adventure, Biography, Drama
- IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Sharif’s breakthrough Hollywood role as Sherif Ali remains legendary. His first appearance, emerging from the desert mirage, is one of cinema’s most iconic introductions. With intensity, dignity, and charm, Sharif crafted a character that balanced tradition with friendship. The role earned him an Academy Award nomination and launched him into global superstardom. Lawrence of Arabia remains one of the greatest films ever made, with Sharif at its heart.
3. The Making of the Secret Scripture (2016)
- Runtime: 108 min
- Starring: Rooney Mara, Vanessa Redgrave, Omar Sharif
- Director: Jim Sheridan
- Genre: Drama
- IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
One of Sharif’s final appearances, this film reflects on memory, history, and hidden truths. Although his role is limited, his inclusion in the cast highlights his enduring legacy. The movie’s themes of resilience and human dignity resonate with Sharif’s career-long screen persona. It serves as a poignant farewell, connecting him once more to storytelling that transcends time and place.
2. War in the Land of Egypt (1991)
- Runtime: 115 min
- Starring: Omar Sharif, Salah Zulfikar
- Director: Salah Abu Seif
- Genre: Drama, War
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
This critically acclaimed Egyptian drama featured Sharif in one of his most profound roles. Returning home after decades in Hollywood, he delivered a performance full of gravity and emotional nuance. The story explores themes of class, corruption, and sacrifice, with Sharif embodying moral conflict at its core. For Egyptian audiences, it was a triumphant homecoming, proving that Omar Sharif films were not only global but deeply rooted in his homeland.
1. Doctor Zhivago (1965)
- Runtime: 197 min
- Starring: Omar Sharif, Julie Christie, Geraldine Chaplin
- Director: David Lean
- Genre: Drama, Romance, War
- IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
At the top of the list is Doctor Zhivago, the role that immortalized Omar Sharif as a global superstar. As Yuri Zhivago, he captured the essence of love, poetry, and humanity amidst revolution. His chemistry with Julie Christie defined one of cinema’s most enduring romances. With its epic scope and intimate emotion, the film remains a masterpiece of world cinema. For many, this is not just the best of Omar Sharif films—it is one of the greatest films ever made.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Omar Sharif Films
Omar Sharif’s journey from Egyptian cinema to Hollywood epics remains one of the most inspiring stories in film history. Whether as Sherif Ali in Lawrence of Arabia, Yuri Zhivago in Doctor Zhivago, or Monsieur Ibrahim in his later years, Sharif demonstrated that true artistry transcends borders. The top Omar Sharif films reveal a career filled with courage, versatility, and humanity. His legacy continues to influence actors and filmmakers, reminding us that cinema at its best is both universal and timeless.
