The Best David Bowie Movies, Ranked

Ranker Film
Updated August 11, 2023 4.4K votes 1.1K voters 63.8K views
Over 1.1K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best David Bowie Movies, Ranked
Voting Rules
Vote for your favorite David Bowie movies, regardless of critic reviews or how big the role was.

More than 1,100 movie fans have come together to cast their votes for the best David Bowie movies. His influence on popular culture is undeniable, and his many memorable films are beloved by music lovers around the world. From his iconic turn as Jareth in Labyrinth to his unforgettable performance in The Man Who Fell To Earth, David Bowie's films leave a lasting impression like no other.

Bowie was an artist who could move effortlessly between genres, so it's no wonder why he appeared in such diverse roles throughout his career. Whether playing a rock star or a goblin king, Bowie brought unique flair and style to each role with remarkable poise and charm. His performances were always larger-than-life but never lacked authenticity; they spoke volumes about Bowie’s own life experiences as well as our collective understanding of artistry and fame.

So take a look at this list of the best David Bowie movies – ranked by over a thousand voters – that showcase not only his talent but also everything we love about him as an icon of creativity and self-expression. Be sure to vote up your favorite films featuring the one-of-a-kind superstar himself.

Ranked by
  • Labyrinth
    1

    Labyrinth

    David Bowie, Jennifer Connelly, Toby Froud
    450 votes
    • Released: 1986
    • Directed by: Jim Henson
    In Labyrinth, a teenage girl named Sarah (Jennifer Connelly) is thrust into a maze-like dimension after wishing her baby brother away to the Goblin King, Jareth (David Bowie). The film combines elements of fantasy and adventure as Sarah embarks on a quest to rescue her brother from the whimsically treacherous world. Navigating through an intricate labyrinth filled with peculiar creatures and unpredictable challenges, she must rely on her wits to solve riddles and puzzles. This 1986 cult classic, directed by Jim Henson and produced by George Lucas, is noted for its imaginative storyline, distinctive puppetry, and memorable musical score. Despite not winning any major awards, Labyrinth has remained a fan favorite and continues to captivate audiences with its blend of fairy tale magic and coming-of-age drama.

    Available On:

    subscription

    free

  • The Man Who Fell to Earth
    2

    The Man Who Fell to Earth

    David Bowie, Candy Clark, Buck Henry
    277 votes
    • Released: 1976
    • Directed by: Nicolas Roeg
    Thomas Jerome Newton (David Bowie) is an alien who has come to Earth in search of water to save his home planet. Aided by lawyer Oliver Farnsworth (Buck Henry), Thomas uses his knowledge of advanced technology to create profitable inventions. While developing a method to transport water, Thomas meets Mary-Lou (Candy Clark), a quiet hotel clerk, and begins to fall in love with her. Just as he is ready to leave Earth, Thomas is intercepted by the U.S. government, and his entire plan is threatened.

    Available On:

    subscription

  • Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
    3
    • Released: 1973
    • Directed by: D.A. Pennebaker
    Documentarian D.A. Pennebaker focuses his lens on a 1973 concert by David Bowie, who performs under the moniker Ziggy Stardust with his glam-rock backing band, the Spiders From Mars. While some backstage footage of the theatrical singer-songwriter is featured, the majority of the film is devoted to the music played onstage, which includes hits, album cuts and covers of Rolling Stones and Velvet Underground songs. Bowie also shocks fans by announcing his intention to drop the Stardust persona.

    Available On:

  • The Prestige
    4

    The Prestige

    Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Michael Caine
    176 votes
    • Released: 2006
    • Directed by: Christopher Nolan
    In the dark thriller, The Prestige, Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman) and Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) are rival stage magicians in London at the end of the 19th century. Obsessed with creating the best stage illusion, they engage in competitive one-upmanship, with tragic results. The film, directed by Christopher Nolan, delves into themes of obsession, secrecy, and sacrifice. Twisted turns abound as both men vie for supremacy in their craft. A tense narrative filled with surprises, The Prestige is a cinematic magic trick in itself.

    Available On:

    subscription

  • The Linguini Incident
    5

    The Linguini Incident

    David Bowie, Rosanna Arquette, Marlee Matlin
    87 votes
    • Released: 1991
    • Directed by: Richard Shepard
    The Linguini Incident is a 1991 American comedic film set in New York starring David Bowie and Rosanna Arquette. The film was directed by Richard Shepard, who co-wrote the script with Tamar Brott.
  • The Last Temptation of Christ
    6

    The Last Temptation of Christ

    Willem Dafoe, Harvey Keitel, Barbara Hershey
    102 votes
    • Released: 1988
    • Directed by: Martin Scorsese
    Jesus (Willem Dafoe), a humble Judean carpenter beginning to see that he is the son of God, is drawn into revolutionary action against the Roman occupiers by Judas (Harvey Keitel) -- despite his protestations that love, not violence, is the path to salvation. The burden of being the savior of mankind torments Jesus throughout his life, leading him to doubt. As he is put to death on the cross, Jesus is tempted by visions of an ordinary life married to Mary Magdalene (Barbara Hershey).

    Available On:

    subscription