The name Maurice Joseph Micklewhite Jr. isn’t one that automatically leaps out as possessing any kind of public or cultural significance. When boarding flights or going through rigorous airport security, Maurice would regularly receive befuddled looks as he passed over his passport to perplexed check-in staff, many occupied by the same thought processes—a fraudster perhaps, a case of stolen identity, or he just really looks like that actor.
It was for that exact reason that Maurice Joseph Micklewhite Jr. legally changed his name to that of his famous alias,Michael Caine. This change actually came recently, in 2016, after the Great British actor had been facing the same inquisition from airport security for 55 years. Translating this into movie terms, that’s 160 films, six Oscar nominations with two wins, and an $80 million net worth. Suffice it to say, Caine’s career in the film industry has had quite the innings.
Update August 12, 2025: With the news that Michael Caine may soon be retiring, this article has been updated by Callum Jones with more great roles from the legendary actor.
Viewed as a national treasure in the UK and widely accepted as an industry icon, Caine is one of the finest actors to have graced the silver screen. TheZulustar’s career has spanned over seven decades, making him one of the longest-working actors in the profession. He is one of an elite group of actors to have been nominated for an Oscar in five different decades: Jack Nicholson, Paul Newman, and Laurence Olivier being his esteemed company. Late last year, Caine seemingly announced his retirement from acting after his role in Lina Roessler’sBest Sellersbut followed it upwith the self-referential statement, “I haven’t retired, and not a lot of people know that.” With Caine having turned 90 years old earlier this year and with the starrecently teasing his retirement, now seems like a good time to look back at the legendary actor’s best films.
15Little Voice (1998)
Based on the stage playThe Rise and Fall of Little Voice, the1998 musical filmLittle Voicefollows a shy and reclusive young woman with a talent for singing who becomes exploited by her own mother and a sleazy talent agent. Caine plays said sleazy talent agent, Ray, alongside Jane Horrocks, Brenda Blethyn, Ewan McGregor, and Jim Broadbent. Though it isn’t as well known as some of Caine’s other films,Little Voicereceived positive reviews when it was released in cinemas and earned six BAFTA nominations, including Best Actor in a Leading Role for Caine. A decent film in its own right, it also serves as a good showcase of Caine’s ability to play more villainous roles.
14The Prestige (2006)
Over Caine’s formative years, he’s had the propensity to take on less demanding roles, with several appearances of varying prominence in films such asDunkirk, Interstellar, andInception(albeit not a bad selection of films to have a part in). That same can be said of his part in Christopher Nolan’s underrated masterpiece,The Prestige.
Related:15 Best Christopher Nolan Movie Characters, Ranked
In the film, Caine plays John Cutter, a stage engineer who helps to develop magic tricks for two warring magicians played by Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale. The role is not a particularly big one; in fact, we learn very little about the character over the course of the film. However, it is an important one. Among other things, Caine delivers a key bit of narration at the start and end of the film that explains the film’s title to the audience. Even when he has less to do, Caine still manages to be memorable.
13Sleuth (1972)
Caine’s highly successful career has seen him nominated for an Academy Award on six occasions. One of those times was for the 1972 mystery thrillerSleuth.An adaptation of the Tony Award-winning play of the same name, the film follows a renowned crime writer (Laurence Olivier) who engages in a battle of wits with his wife’s lover, played by Caine. With twist after twist,Sleuthis essentially about two men trying to get one over on each other in the most elaborate and ridiculous ways. Clever, original, and unpredictable, it serves as a neat spin on the mystery genre and features brilliant performances by both its leads.A 2007 remake, which saw Caine playing Oliver’s part and Jude Law playing Caine’s character, was not so well received.
12Batman Begins (2005)
LikeThe Prestige,each film in Christopher Nolan’sThe Dark Knighttrilogy is an example of Caine taking on a less demanding but, nevertheless, memorable role. In the series' first entry,Batman Begins,Caine thrives as Bruce Wayne’s highly-regarded butler, Alfred, who had taken care of the orphaned Batman when his parents were killed. In this installment, Alfred assists Wayne with undertaking his missions through both invaluable intel and state-of-the-art gadgets, as well as being Batman’s closest confidant. Caine is the emotional backback one of the movie and the entire franchise.
11Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988)
Dirty Rotten Scoundrelsfollows the hilarious story of two con men, Lawrence Jamieson (Caine) and Freddy Benson (Steve Martin). Due to the pair operating in the same vicinity on the French Riviera, the fraudsters elect to settle their areal dispute via a wager. Caine plays the smooth-talking, masterly, professional British crook to expert effect. The combination of Caine’s suave and upper-class persona and Steve Martin’s jovial, comical genius works a treat. This movie is a barrel of fun.
10The Italian Job (1969)
“You’re only supposed to blow the bloody doors off” is arguably one of Caine’s most famous lines in cinema, coming in the form of the British heist movieThe Italian Job, not to be mistaken for the lightweight 2003 remake starring Mark Wahlberg and Jason Statham. Caine stars as a Cockney cheeky-chappy ex-convict and gangster, Charlie Croker, who orchestrates a gold-bullion heist in Turin. The late, great Sir Noel Coward also makes an appearance as a crime boss, Mr. Bridger.
This film is emblazoned with patriotic British quirks, from the Cockney rhyming slang used in Quincy Jones’ “Self-Preservation Society” to the getaway cars of choice, mini-coopers, sporting the colors of the Union Jack, of course. WhileThe Italian Jobmay not possess the right foundations for substantial character development and plot depth, it thoroughly embraces its power as a form of entertainment, escapism, and amusement.
9The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Over the course of his 70+ year film career, Caine hasn’t been afraid to dip his toe into the world of family films. Though he is best known for his parts in gritty dramas and Award-winning features, the actor has found himself taking on roles inCars 2,Gnomeo and Juliet,andFour Kids and It.However, the family film that he is most associated with has to be 1992’sThe Muppet Christmas Carol.
For many people,The Muppet Christmas Carolis thedefinitive adaptation of Charles Dickens’s famous novel, and with lots of gags, catchy songs, and a big helping of heart, it’s easy to see why. Caine plays Christmas-hating miser Ebeneezer Scrooge, who gets visited by three ghosts and starts to change his ways. Equally good at playing Scrooge at his most grumpy, and as a newly reformed man, it’s hard to imagine anyone else playing the part better.
8Zulu (1964)
Here’s anotherthrowback cinematic classic.Zulutakes place in 1879 when the nation hands colonial British forces a resounding defeat in battle. A nearby regiment of the British Army takes over a station run by a missionary (Jack Hawkins) and his daughter (Ulla Jacobsson) as a supply depot and hospital under the command of Lieutenant John Chard (Stanley Baker) and his subordinate (Caine).
Related:Michael Caine’s 20 Best Movies, Ranked by Rotten Tomatoes
Unable to abandon their wounded soldiers even in dire circumstances, the regiment defends their station against the Zulu warriors. The film is a visual treat and was praised for its historical accuracy. Caine is dynamite in this heroic persona, which he has continued to perfect in the years since.
7Alfie (1966)
Lewis Gilbert’sAlfiewas the film that made Caine’s career and cemented his status as an international star. It is more than the story of Alfie Elkins (Caine), a charming and self-centered womanizer who leads a selfish lifestyle. Speaking directly to the camera andbreaking the fourth wall, Caine’s Alfie poses questions and challenges the audience to think about the inner sadness of his character. For the role of this aimless Don Juan, the actor received the first of his six Oscar nominations.
6Youth (2015)
Written and directed byItalian filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino,Youthcontains one of Caine’s most recent best roles. In this melancholy comedy-drama, the actor plays Fred Ballinger, an elderly composer spending time at a Swiss luxury spa/resort with his old best friend (Harvey Keitel). As Fred reflects on his life and thinks about aging, he receives an invitation from Queen Elizabeth II to perform one last concert. It is an Oscar-worthy performance. Caine is at once unbearably sad, tender, and funny.
