Omar Sharif was an Egyptian actor who was known for his charismatic screen presence and captivating performances. He gained international recognition for his roles in classic films like “Lawrence of Arabia” and “Doctor Zhivago.”
Best Omar Sharif Movies
Sharif’s talent and charm made him a beloved actor, and his films continue to be watched and admired by audiences around the world. In this series, we will explore some of the best Omar Sharif movies and what makes them worth watching.
1. Doctor Zhivago (1965)
“Doctor Zhivago” is a 1965 epic romantic drama film directed by David Lean and starring Omar Sharif, Julie Christie, and Geraldine Chaplin.
The movie is based on the novel of the same name by Boris Pasternak and follows the story of a young doctor and poet named Yuri Zhivago (Omar Sharif) and his love affair with a beautiful and enigmatic woman named Lara (Julie Christie)
During the tumultuous years of the Russian Revolution.
The film explores themes of love, passion, and political upheaval as the characters navigate their way through the shifting landscapes of history.
Sharif’s performance as Zhivago is considered one of his best, as he brings a depth of emotion and vulnerability to the role that captures the complexity and turmoil of the character’s journey.
The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Original Score, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Art Direction, and is widely regarded as a cinematic masterpiece.
Overall, “Doctor Zhivago” is a sweeping and epic film that offers a compelling and emotional story of love and revolution in a tumultuous time in history.
Sharif’s performance is a standout, and his chemistry with Julie Christie is electric. The film is a must-watch for fans of historical dramas and classic cinema.
![Doctor Zhivago (1965) [DVD] (2009)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/5115qMGyL7L.jpg)
2. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
“Lawrence of Arabia” is a 1962 epic historical drama film directed by David Lean and starring Peter O’Toole, Alec Guinness, and Omar Sharif.
The movie is based on the life of T.E. Lawrence, a British soldier and adventurer who became a key figure in the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire during World War I.
Sharif plays the role of Sherif Ali, a Bedouin warrior who becomes Lawrence’s friend and ally in his quest to unite the Arab tribes against the Ottoman Turks.
Sharif’s performance as Ali is widely regarded as one of his best, as he brings a sense of grace, dignity, and nobility to the character that elevates the film to another level.
The film won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Score.
It is widely regarded as a masterpiece of cinema, with its sweeping landscapes, epic battle scenes, and powerful performances. Sharif’s portrayal of Sherif Ali is a highlight of the film and a testament to his skill as an actor.
Overall, “Lawrence of Arabia” is a cinematic masterpiece that offers a thrilling and emotional journey through history. Sharif’s performance as Sherif Ali is a standout and a testament to his talent and charisma. The film is a must-watch for fans of historical dramas and epic cinema.
![Lawrence of Arabia (Restored Version) [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/4113z3R3KnL.jpg)
- Factory sealed DVD
- Peter O'Toole, Arthur Kennedy, Jose Ferrer (Actors)
- David Lean (Director) - David Lean (Producer)
- Arabic, Dutch, English, French, Japanese (Subtitles)
- English (Publication Language)
3. Behold a Pale Horse (1964)
“Behold a Pale Horse” is a 1964 drama film directed by Fred Zinnemann and starring Gregory Peck, Anthony Quinn, and Omar Sharif.
The movie is set in post-Civil War Spain and follows the story of a former Republican guerrilla fighter named Manuel Artiguez (Peck), who is hunted by a vengeful police inspector named Vinolas (Quinn), with Sharif playing the role of a priest who tries to help Artiguez evade capture.
If you like Omar Sharif’s performances, on our sister site AuteurGraph we have a profile page, a visual film timeline, and a ratings page that gives a tonne of info and data about their career in a visualized form.
Sharif’s performance as the sympathetic and conflicted priest is considered one of the film’s highlights, as he brings a sense of depth and nuance to the character that elevates the film beyond a simple cat-and-mouse thriller.
The film is a tense and atmospheric drama that explores themes of political conflict, vengeance, and redemption. It received mixed reviews from critics upon its release but has since gained a cult following and is considered an underrated gem of cinema.
Overall, “Behold a Pale Horse” is a gripping and emotionally charged film that showcases Sharif’s talent as an actor. His performance as the conflicted priest adds depth and complexity to the story, making it a must-watch for fans of Sharif and classic drama films.
![Behold a Pale Horse [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51lejwKV0tL.jpg)
- Gregory Peck, Anthony Quinn, Omar Sharif (Actors)
- Korean, Spanish, English (Subtitles)
- Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
4. The Night of the Generals (1967)
“The Night of the Generals” is a 1967 war drama film directed by Anatole Litvak and starring Peter O’Toole, Omar Sharif, and Tom Courtenay.
The movie is set in Nazi-occupied Warsaw during World War II and follows the investigation of a serial killer who is targeting women in the city.
Sharif plays the role of Major Grau, a German army investigator who is tasked with finding the killer, while O’Toole plays the role of General Tanz, a high-ranking Nazi officer who becomes a suspect in the case.
Sharif’s performance as Major Grau is considered one of his best, as he brings a sense of intelligence, sophistication, and determination to the character that adds depth and nuance to the film.
The film is also notable for its powerful anti-war message and its exploration of the corruption and brutality of the Nazi regime.
Overall, “The Night of the Generals” is a gripping and thought-provoking film that showcases Sharif’s talent as an actor. His performance as Major Grau is a standout and adds complexity and depth to the film.
The movie is a must-watch for fans of war dramas and classic cinema.
![The Night Of The Generals [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51tYNdv4OQL.jpg)
- Arabic, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French (Subtitles)
5. Mackenna’s Gold (1969)
Mackenna’s Gold is a western adventure film released in 1969, directed by J. Lee Thompson and starring Gregory Peck, Omar Sharif, Telly Savalas, and Camilla Sparv. The film is based on a novel of the same name by Heck Allen.
The plot revolves around a group of people searching for a legendary canyon in the western United States, said to be filled with gold. Mackenna (played by Peck) is a U.S. Marshal who is taken captive by a group of Apache Indians led by the fierce Chato (played by Sharif).
Chato forces Mackenna to lead him and his men to the hidden canyon, where they hope to claim the gold for themselves.
Along the way, Mackenna encounters a variety of characters, including the treacherous outlaw Colorado (played by Savalas) and a beautiful woman named Inga (played by Sparv), who also seeks the treasure.
As they journey deeper into the desert, they face a series of obstacles, including treacherous terrain and deadly traps, as well as conflict with each other.
The film received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising its action and adventure elements, while others criticized its plot and character development.
Despite this, it remains a popular entry in the western genre and is remembered for its all-star cast and grand set pieces.
6. Funny Girl (1968)
Funny Girl is a musical comedy-drama film released in 1968, directed by William Wyler and starring Barbra Streisand in her film debut, alongside Omar Sharif, Kay Medford, and Walter Pidgeon.
The film is based on the stage musical of the same name, with music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Bob Merrill.
The plot of the film follows the rise of Fanny Brice (played by Streisand), a vaudeville performer who dreams of becoming a star.
Despite her unconventional looks and quirky personality, Fanny catches the eye of suave gambler Nick Arnstein (played by Sharif) and the two begin a tumultuous romance.
As Fanny’s career takes off and she becomes a household name, Nick’s gambling problems threaten to tear them apart. Despite the challenges they face, Fanny and Nick struggle to make their relationship work, even as the world around them changes.
The film was a critical and commercial success, with Streisand’s performance earning her an Academy Award for Best Actress.
The film’s iconic musical numbers, including “People” and “Don’t Rain on My Parade,” have become classics of the genre. The film also helped to launch Streisand’s career as a major star in both the film and music industries.
- Spanish, English, French, German, Polish (Subtitles)
- Spanish (Publication Language)
- Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
3 Reasons To Watch Omar Sharif Movies
Iconic Performances: Omar Sharif was a legendary actor known for his captivating performances on the big screen. He starred in some of the most iconic films of all time, including “Lawrence of Arabia,” “Doctor Zhivago,” and “Funny Girl,” to name just a few.
His talent and on-screen presence made him one of the most beloved actors of his time, and his performances are still highly regarded by film lovers today.
Cultural Significance: Sharif’s films are not only famous for their entertainment value but also for their cultural significance. He played important roles in films that explored important historical events and issues, such as the Arab-Israeli conflict and the Russian Revolution.
His performances helped to raise awareness about these issues and sparked important conversations about cultural and political conflicts.
Timeless Appeal: Omar Sharif’s films have a timeless appeal that continues to attract audiences of all ages.
His performances are just as powerful and captivating today as they were when they were first released, and his films have become classics that are beloved by generations of movie lovers.
Watching an Omar Sharif movie is not just a chance to enjoy a great film, but also an opportunity to experience a part of cinematic history.
Best Omar Sharif Movies – Wrap Up
Omar Sharif had a long and illustrious career in the film industry, starring in numerous critically acclaimed and commercially successful movies. Here are some of his best movies:
Lawrence of Arabia (1962) – Sharif’s breakout role as Prince Feisal in this epic film earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Doctor Zhivago (1965) – Sharif played the lead role of Yuri Zhivago in this romantic drama set during the Russian Revolution, earning a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Drama.
Funny Girl (1968) – Sharif played the dashing Nick Arnstein opposite Barbra Streisand in this musical biopic, which earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
The Fall of the Roman Empire (1964) – Sharif played the character Sohamus in this historical epic film about the decline of the Roman Empire.
Hidalgo (2004) – Sharif had a supporting role in this adventure film, playing the character Sheikh Riyadh.
These movies showcase Omar Sharif’s incredible talent and range as an actor, and are a testament to his enduring legacy in the film industry
