Michael Sheen is a distinguished Welsh actor known for his remarkable versatility across both historical dramas and fantasy genres. His journey began at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, where he honed his craft. Prior to entering the film industry, Sheen dedicated nearly a decade to stage performances in London. It wasn’t until the early 2000s that he transitioned into film, making notable appearances in Mary Reilly (1996) and The Four Feathers (2002). However, his significant breakthrough came with the 2003 action-horror hit Underworld, which marked the start of his ascent in Hollywood.
Sheen’s ability to capture complex characters was exemplified in films like Frost/Nixon, where he delivered a stage-like performance that garnered critical acclaim. Additionally, his role as Aziraphale in the popular streaming series Good Omens showcased his talent in the fantasy genre. In recent years, Sheen has returned to stage performance without losing his touch as a prominent figure in film and television, ensuring that audiences eagerly anticipate his projects.
10 The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 (2012)
Aro
While not traditionally regarded as high art, the Twilight Saga has captivated a generation of fans. The series chronicles the tumultuous romance between Edward (Robert Pattinson) and Bella (Kristen Stewart). The finale, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2, stands out as the most action-packed and memorable, featuring shocking plot twists and significant character deaths.
Michael Sheen’s portrayal of Aro, one of the authoritative figures within the Volturi coven, played a pivotal role during the climactic battle scenes. This installment became the franchise’s highest-grossing film, raking in an impressive $829 million, thus elevating the entire series’ profits to over $3.3 billion, while also earning critical praise.
9 Prodigal Son (2019-2021)
Dr. Martin Whitly
In 2019, Sheen featured prominently in the procedural drama Prodigal Son, alongside Tom Payne, who portrayed Malcolm Bright—a troubled former FBI profiler. Sheen played the role of Malcolm’s father, Martin Whitly, an incarcerated serial killer known as The Surgeon, which provided a thrilling dynamic as Malcolm grapples with his potential hereditary darkness.
The narrative artfully intertwines Malcolm’s challenging police cases with his fraught relationship with his father, as Martin seeks to reestablish their connection after a decade of silence. This series maintained a two-season run and while it received mixed reviews, critics often noted that Sheen’s performance could have been more significantly featured.
8 Underworld (2003)
Lucien
Sheen’s star power was firmly established with the release of Underworld, a horror-action film that, while receiving varying reviews, proved to be a notable success and birthed an extensive franchise. Set in a dark world of vampires and werewolves, Sheen embodies Lucian, the leader of the Lycans, who leads a rebellion against vampire oppression.
Although Lucian’s character met his end in this film, Sheen’s compelling portrayal led to his return in the prequel Underworld: Rise of the Lycans, which delved into his character’s contentious history with vampires. This role solidified Sheen’s status as a fan favorite, contributing significantly to the franchise’s popularity.
7 Apostle (2018)
Malcolm Howe
Apostle, a film released on Netflix in 2018, is a chilling horror story that often flew under the radar. Following Thomas Richardson (Dan Stevens) as he ventures to a secluded Welsh island to rescue his kidnapped sister from a sinister cult, Sheen portrays Malcolm Howe, the cult’s leader and antagonist.
This film shares thematic elements with classic horror like The Wicker Man, while incorporating a fresh perspective on cult dynamics and human sacrifice. Critics praised the film’s atmospheric storytelling and Sheen’s nuanced performance, which highlighted the character’s complexities amid a landscape filled with peril.
6 Midnight In Paris (2011)
Paul
In Woody Allen’s whimsical film Midnight in Paris, Sheen appears in a significant supporting role as Paul Bates, a friend of the protagonist’s fiancée. While his character’s portrayal of French history often leads to comedic frustration for Gil (Owen Wilson), Sheen’s performance is critical in propelling Gil’s character development throughout the narrative.
This film, which allows viewers to reminisce about the artistic brilliance of the 1920s, garnered four Oscar nominations, including a win for Allen’s Best Original Screenplay, solidifying its place among Allen’s late-career triumphs.
5 The Queen (2006)
Tony Blair
The Queen, directed by Stephen Frears, captures the public and political turmoil following Princess Diana’s death in 1997. Sheen stepped into the role of Prime Minister Tony Blair, navigating the tension between the royal family’s indifference and public outrage. His first portrayal of Blair came in the television film The Deal, with a subsequent performance in The Special Relationship.
Sheen’s chemistry with Helen Mirren, who played Queen Elizabeth II, was particularly lauded, reflecting both characters’ contrasting perspectives during a moment of national tragedy. The film achieved critical acclaim with a 97% Rotten Tomatoes score and widespread recognition during awards season, celebrating both Sheen’s and Mirren’s stellar performances.
4 Masters Of Sex (2013-2016)
William H. Masters
One of Sheen’s standout television performances was in the Showtime series Masters of Sex, which aired from 2013 to 2016 and chronicled the groundbreaking research of sexologists William Masters (Sheen) and Virginia Johnson (Lizzy Caplan). This show depicted their authentic partnership and personal lives during the transformative years of the 1950s and 1960s.
The show garnered positive reviews overall, especially for Sheen’s portrayal, which earned him a Golden Globe nomination in 2014 for Best Actor in a Drama Series. The series navigated complex themes of human behavior, further solidifying Sheen’s prowess as a leading actor in high-quality television dramas.
3 The Damned United (2009)
Brian Clough
The Damned United gave Sheen a rare opportunity to showcase his talent as a solo lead. Set during his controversial 44-day stint as Leeds United’s manager, Sheen portrays the football legend Brian Clough. The film, inspired by David Peace’s novel, melds fact with fiction, offering a thrilling glimpse into Clough’s tumultuous reign.
The film received commendations for its storytelling and performances, particularly Sheen’s, who effectively portrayed Clough’s complicated character. Despite initial criticisms of historical inaccuracies, it achieved a commendable 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, highlighting Sheen’s significant contribution to the film’s impact.
2 Good Omens (2019-)
Aziraphale
Good Omens, a fantasy series on Prime Video, features Sheen as Aziraphale, an angel with a long history since the creation of humanity. Teaming up with the demon Crowley (David Tennant), the duo attempts to prevent an impending apocalypse orchestrated by the higher-ups in Heaven and Hell. The series expertly combines humor with meaningful themes of friendship and morality.
With two successful seasons comprising 12 episodes, the series left a lasting impression and is set to culminate in an upcoming film. Critics praised the series, resulting in multiple award nominations, and Sheen’s performance was recognized with nominations for a Saturn Award and several other honors.
1 Frost/Nixon (2008)
David Frost
In a career-defining role, Sheen embodied journalist David Frost in Frost/Nixon, directed by Ron Howard. The film, reminiscent of a theatrical experience, recounts the tense interviews conducted by Frost with president Richard Nixon following the Watergate scandal. Sheen brought nuance to the role, immersing himself in the complexities of the political landscape of the era.
The film featured an ensemble cast, including Frank Langella as Nixon, and achieved five Oscar nominations. Although Sheen did not receive individual accolades, the film’s critical reception remained laudable, evidenced by a 93% Rotten Tomatoes score—a testament to the remarkable talent and dedication he brought to the role.