Sir Patrick Stewart, the acclaimed British actor best known for portraying Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men film franchise, died on October 28 at the age of 86. With a career spanning more than six decades, Stewart was an accomplished stage and screen actor whose work included the Royal Shakespeare Company, numerous Broadway productions, and films such as Excalibur, Dune, and Logan. Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2010 for his contributions to drama, Stewart leaves behind a remarkable legacy in theater, film, and television.
Although his portrayals of Picard and Professor X brought him international recognition, Stewart’s career extended well beyond those two franchises. He appeared in historical dramas, science fiction films, comedies, animated television series, and psychological thrillers, demonstrating a range that sometimes surprised audiences familiar with his more distinguished characters.
For those looking to revisit his work, we’ve compiled a selection of Stewart’s most notable film and television performances, including his celebrated franchise roles and several lesser-known appearances. Here’s where to find them on streaming services in the United States.
Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987–1994)
Where to watch: Paramount+; select episodes free on Pluto TV.
Stewart became a household name as Captain Jean-Luc Picard, commanding the USS Enterprise-D across seven seasons of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Unlike William Shatner’s more impulsive Captain James T. Kirk, Picard was a thoughtful diplomat who preferred reason and negotiation to confrontation. Stewart’s classical training brought a theatrical quality to the character that helped distinguish the series from its predecessor.
Among the show’s most memorable episodes is the fifth-season installment “The Inner Light,” which earned widespread acclaim for Stewart’s performance as Picard experiences an entire lifetime on a distant planet. Other notable episodes include “The Best of Both Worlds,” “Chain of Command,” and the series finale, “All Good Things…”
Star Trek: First Contact (1996)
Where to watch: Paramount+
Stewart reprised Picard in four theatrical films featuring the Next Generation cast, beginning with Star Trek Generations in 1994. Arguably the most successful of those outings was Star Trek: First Contact, which saw Picard and his crew travel back to the 21st century to prevent the Borg from altering Earth’s history.
The film gave Stewart an opportunity to explore a darker side of Picard, whose previous assimilation by the Borg left him with considerable psychological trauma. Directed by co-star Jonathan Frakes, First Contact remains one of the franchise’s most highly regarded theatrical installments.
Star Trek: Picard (2020–2023)
Where to watch: Paramount+
More than two decades after the conclusion of The Next Generation, Stewart returned to his signature role in Star Trek: Picard. The three-season series followed an older, retired Jean-Luc Picard as he confronted unresolved issues from his past while becoming involved in new adventures.
The third and final season reunited Stewart with much of the original Next Generation cast, including Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, LeVar Burton, Gates McFadden, Marina Sirtis, and Michael Dorn. The series concluded in 2023, providing another chapter in Stewart’s portrayal of the character.
X-Men (2000)
Where to watch: Disney+
Stewart introduced movie audiences to Professor Charles Xavier in Bryan Singer’s X-Men, the film that helped establish the modern era of superhero cinema. As the founder of Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters, Stewart portrayed a powerful telepath dedicated to peaceful coexistence between mutants and humanity.
His scenes opposite longtime friend Ian McKellen, who played Magneto, became a defining element of the franchise. Stewart subsequently reprised the role in X2, X-Men: The Last Stand, X-Men: Days of Future Past, and several other Marvel productions.
X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
Where to watch: Disney+
Stewart returned as Professor Xavier in this time-travel installment that brought together the original X-Men cast and the younger actors introduced in X-Men: First Class. The story follows Wolverine as he travels into the past to prevent a catastrophic future in which mutants face extinction.
One of the film’s most memorable moments features Stewart’s older Xavier communicating with his younger counterpart, portrayed by James McAvoy. The sequence gives both actors an opportunity to explore the character’s ideals, regrets, and determination to preserve hope for the future.
Logan (2017)
Where to watch: Disney+
Stewart delivered one of his most emotionally demanding performances in James Mangold’s Logan, appearing alongside Hugh Jackman in what was originally intended to serve as their farewell to the X-Men franchise. Set in a bleak future, the film depicts an aging Wolverine caring for a severely weakened Professor Xavier, whose deteriorating mental health has made his telepathic abilities increasingly dangerous.
The R-rated film departed from the conventional superhero formula, focusing on mortality, aging, and the relationship between its central characters. Stewart’s portrayal of a vulnerable Charles Xavier stands in sharp contrast to the confident mentor he introduced audiences to nearly two decades earlier.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
Where to watch: Disney+
Stewart made a surprise return as Professor Charles Xavier in Sam Raimi’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, marking his first appearance as the character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This version of Xavier was a member of the Illuminati, a secretive group of superheroes responsible for protecting their universe from extraordinary threats.
The appearance reunited Stewart with a character he had portrayed for more than 20 years, although the film presented an alternate-universe version rather than the Xavier seen in the earlier X-Men movies. Stewart was subsequently announced as part of the cast of Avengers: Doomsday, scheduled for theatrical release on December 18, 2026.
Dune (1984)
Where to watch: YouTube Free (with ads); rental or purchase through Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home.
Long before becoming Captain Picard, Stewart appeared in David Lynch’s adaptation of Frank Herbert’s science fiction novel Dune. He portrayed Gurney Halleck, a loyal military officer and weapons instructor serving House Atreides, alongside Kyle MacLachlan as Paul Atreides.
Although Lynch’s film received mixed reviews upon its original release, it developed a cult following over the years. Stewart’s role would later be played by Josh Brolin in Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation, introducing the character to a new generation of moviegoers.
Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993)
Where to watch: AMC+ through Roku, YouTube TV; rental or purchase through Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home.
Stewart showed off his comedic abilities with a brief but memorable appearance as King Richard I in Mel Brooks’ Robin Hood: Men in Tights. The parody stars Cary Elwes as Robin Hood, who returns to England to discover that Prince John and the Sheriff of Rottingham have been abusing their authority in King Richard’s absence.
Stewart appears near the conclusion of the film, bringing his familiar commanding presence to a deliberately ridiculous interpretation of the English monarch. His performance is one of several examples of the actor embracing comedy and parody rather than relying exclusively on the dramatic roles for which he was best known.
Jeffrey (1995)
Where to watch: Prime Video, Tubi, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, also available to rent or purchase through Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home
Stewart took on one of his more unconventional roles in Jeffrey, Christopher Ashley’s romantic comedy-drama adapted from Paul Rudnick’s stage play. The film stars Steven Weber as Jeffrey, a gay actor living in New York City who decides to give up sex because of his fear of contracting HIV, only to fall in love with an HIV-positive man played by Michael T. Weiss.
Stewart portrays Sterling, Jeffrey’s flamboyant and outspoken friend, in a performance that earned him an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Supporting Male. Released during the AIDS crisis, Jeffrey used humor and romance to address serious issues surrounding relationships, sexuality, and the stigma associated with HIV.
Conspiracy Theory (1997)
Where to watch: Tubi, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, Hoopla, Plex, Howdy, also available to rent or purchase through Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home
Stewart played a considerably more sinister character in Richard Donner’s psychological thriller Conspiracy Theory, starring Mel Gibson and Julia Roberts. Gibson portrays Jerry Fletcher, a New York City taxi driver obsessed with conspiracy theories who becomes convinced that one of his seemingly outlandish suspicions is actually true. Roberts plays Alice Sutton, a Justice Department attorney who becomes entangled in his investigation.
Stewart portrays Dr. Jonas, a former government psychiatrist connected to a clandestine mind-control program and Jerry’s troubled past. The role gave Stewart an opportunity to play a calculating antagonist, using the same commanding presence that made him famous as Picard and Professor Xavier to considerably more threatening effect.
Moby Dick (1998)
Where to watch: Tubi, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, and Shout! Factory TV (free with ads).
Stewart portrayed Captain Ahab in this two-part television adaptation of Herman Melville’s classic novel Moby-Dick. The miniseries follows the obsessive captain of the Pequod, whose determination to hunt down a massive white whale places his crew in increasing danger. The production also starred Henry Thomas as Ishmael and Gregory Peck as Father Mapple.
The role provided Stewart with an opportunity to portray one of literature’s most complicated figures, a man consumed by vengeance and willing to sacrifice everything in pursuit of his obsession. Peck, who played Ahab in the 1956 film adaptation, returned for a supporting role in the miniseries.
A Christmas Carol (1999)
Where to watch: Rental or purchase through Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home.
Stewart took on the role of Ebenezer Scrooge in this television adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, a story with which he had a longstanding personal and professional connection. Before appearing in the film, Stewart had performed a one-man theatrical adaptation of the novella, portraying its various characters himself.
His performance as Scrooge brought his extensive stage experience to the familiar holiday tale, portraying the miserly businessman whose encounters with three spirits force him to reconsider his life. The adaptation remains an example of Stewart’s work outside the science fiction and superhero genres.
The Prince of Egypt (1998)
Where to watch: Netflix
Stewart lent his distinctive voice to DreamWorks Animation’s The Prince of Egypt, portraying Pharaoh Seti, the adoptive father of Moses. The animated biblical epic featured an ensemble voice cast that included Val Kilmer, Ralph Fiennes, Michelle Pfeiffer, Sandra Bullock, and Jeff Goldblum.
The film offered Stewart another opportunity to draw upon his theatrical background, lending authority to a character whose decisions shape the story’s central conflict. The Prince of Egypt remains one of DreamWorks’ most acclaimed traditionally animated features.
Green Room (2015)
Where to watch: Netflix; free on JustWatch TV Free; also available to rent or purchase through Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home
In one of his more unexpected roles, Stewart portrayed Darcy Banker, the ruthless leader of a neo-Nazi organization, in Jeremy Saulnier’s horror thriller Green Room. The film follows a punk rock band that becomes trapped inside a remote music venue after witnessing a murder.
Stewart’s restrained, calculating performance made Darcy a particularly unsettling antagonist, demonstrating his ability to play characters far removed from the honorable figures for which he was best known. The film also stars Anton Yelchin, Imogen Poots, and Alia Shawkat.
Blunt Talk (2015–2016)
Where to watch: Available for digital purchase through Apple TV, Amazon Video, and Fandango at Home.
Stewart took on a rare leading role in a television comedy with Blunt Talk, a Starz sitcom created by Jonathan Ames and executive produced by Seth MacFarlane. He portrayed Walter Blunt, an eccentric British television journalist who relocates to Los Angeles to host an American cable news program, despite his own deeply troubled personal life.
The series allowed Stewart to embrace an intentionally outrageous character whose professional ambitions frequently clashed with his personal shortcomings. Running for two seasons, Blunt Talk featured an ensemble cast that included Jacki Weaver, Adrian Scarborough, and Timm Sharp.
American Dad! (2005–present)
Where to watch: Hulu and Disney+
Stewart demonstrated his comedic abilities as the voice of CIA Deputy Director Avery Bullock on Seth MacFarlane’s animated sitcom American Dad!. The character, Stan Smith’s eccentric and frequently inappropriate superior, allowed Stewart to parody the authoritative persona audiences had come to associate with his dramatic work.
His association with MacFarlane extended to appearances on Family Guy and narration work in the films Ted and Ted 2. For audiences primarily familiar with Stewart’s Shakespearean performances or his work in science fiction, American Dad! offers a considerably different side of his career.
Excalibur (1981)
Where to watch: Available for digital purchase through Apple TV, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home; YouTube (free with ads).
Stewart appeared in director John Boorman’s fantasy epic Excalibur, a retelling of the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. He portrayed King Leondegrance, the father of Guinevere, in an ensemble cast that included Nigel Terry, Helen Mirren, Nicol Williamson, and a young Liam Neeson.
The film was among Stewart’s early major theatrical appearances and provided an opportunity to bring his background in classical theater to a large-scale fantasy production. Its elaborate production design and distinctive visual style helped establish it as an enduring interpretation of Arthurian legend.
Stewart’s career encompassed far more than the films and television series listed here, including decades of acclaimed stage performances and appearances across nearly every major entertainment genre. Whether commanding the Enterprise, guiding the X-Men, portraying Shakespearean royalty, or embracing outrageous comedy, he demonstrated a versatility that extended well beyond the characters that made him famous.
His final scheduled film appearance will be in Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Doomsday, which arrives in theaters December 18, 2026. The film will feature Stewart’s return as Professor Charles Xavier alongside several actors from the original X-Men franchise.