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Philip Glenister

Philip Glenister

Actor · Born February 10, 1963 (63) · Harrow, Middlesex, England, UK

Philip Haywood Glenister is an English actor, known for his role as DCI Gene Hunt in British television series Life On Mars and its sequel Ashes To Ashes. He also played DCI William Bell in State of Play (2003) and Reverend Anderson in Outcast (2016–2018). Glenister was born on 10 February 1963 in Harrow, Middlesex, and grew up in Hatch End. He is the son of director John Glenister and Joan Fry Lewis, and the younger brother of fellow actor Robert Glenister. He attended Hatch End High School. In his early career, he worked as a runner for the Robert Stigwood Organisation. Following this, he worked until the age of 23 as a film publicist, but developed an interest in acting after watching his brother perform in a student play about the Sex Pistols. With the encouragement of his then-sister-in-law, Amanda Redman, he pursued acting and attended the Central School of Speech and Drama. In the early 1990s, Glenister appeared in various TV series including Minder, The Ruth Rendell Mysteries, Heartbeat, The Chief, Dressing for Breakfast and Silent Witness. In 1997, he appeared in Sharpe's Justice as Richard Sharpe's half-brother Matt Truman. He played William Dobbin in the 1998 mini-series Vanity Fair. From 1998 to 1999, Glenister co-starred as a mini-cab driver who aspires to be a rock star in the series Roger Roger. He also played factory boss Mack Mackintosh in the first three series of Clocking Off from 2000 to 2002. In 2001, he appeared in two of the Hornblower TV films as Horatio's antagonist Gunner Hobbs. Glenister played the photographer who took nude photos for a Women's Institute fundraising calendar in the 2003 feature film Calendar Girls. Also in 2003, he appeared in the mini-series State of Play. Glenister played the German commandant, Baron Heinrich von Rheingarten, in the 2004 mini-series Island at War about the Occupation of the Channel Islands during World War II. In April 2006, Glenister read the Bedtime Story for the BBC's children's channel, CBeebies. He returned to the slot in February/March 2007. Glenister played social reformer and estate manager Mr Carter in the 2007 BBC costume drama Cranford, as part of a cast including Judi Dench and Francesca Annis. Glenister is probably best known for his role as DCI Gene Hunt in Life on Mars (2006–07), co-starring with John Simm as Sam Tyler, and its sequel Ashes to Ashes (2008–10), with Keeley Hawes as Alex Drake. Glenister also worked with Simm on State of Play and Clocking Off and the 2008 crime film Tuesday. Upon announcement of the film, Glenister joked that he and Simm were contractually obliged to work with each other once a year. Glenister starred as demon hunter Rupert Galvin in the 2009 ITV drama Demons. He used an American accent for the role, which received some criticism from reviewers. After the series was cancelled, he said he had problems with the role and felt that he may have been miscast. In 2010, Glenister had a small role (credited as 'Poker Friend') in Woody Allen's You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger, and he played Charles Forestier in a 2011 feature film of Guy de Maupassant's Bel Ami. He starred in the 2011 conspiracy thriller Hidden on BBC One.

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Biography from TMDB.

Born
February 10, 1963 (63)
From
Harrow, Middlesex, England, UK
Works as
Actor
Titles
34 on MovieCove · 79 credits in all
Links
IMDb (opens in a new tab)TMDB (opens in a new tab)Official site (opens in a new tab)Wikidata (opens in a new tab)

Known for

TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Up 43% in 30 days

What are Philip Glenister's films like?

Across their 21 MovieCove titles with a thematic analysis, their films lean Morality and Self.

Themes

share of theme weight
Morality
24%
Self
19%
Bonds
17%
Power
14%
Survival
12%
Society
10%
Ideas
4%
Justice8 titles, browse their movies with this themeFamily bonds4 titles, browse their movies with this themeCommunity5 titles, browse their movies with this themeSurvival3 titles, browse their movies with this themeIdentity3 titles, browse their movies with this themeClass3 titles, browse their movies with this themeFriendship2 titles, browse their movies with this themePurpose2 titles, browse their movies with this theme

What they feel like to watch

their average across 6 films
ToneFeelDemandtheir average · filled zone: the category
Stylized: How far its world departs from everyday reality. Browse their stylized movies.
Tone · Style
naturalisticheightened

Grounded 2 · Stylized 4 · Heightened 0

Charged: How hard the emotional peaks hit while you watch. Browse their charged movies.
Feel · Intensity
gentleintense

Gentle 1 · Charged 3 · Intense 2

Shifting: How much it swings between very different feelings. Browse their shifting movies.
Feel · Swings
steadyswings

Steady 3 · Shifting 3 · Whiplash 0

Straight-faced: How much of the runtime is played for laughs. Browse their straight-faced movies.
Feel · Humor
noneconstant

Straight-faced 5 · Some laughs 0 · Funny 1

Even-paced: How fast it moves from scene to scene. Browse their even-paced movies.
Demand · Pace
slowrelentless

Slow burn 2 · Even-paced 4 · Relentless 0

Engaged: How much focus it asks of you — look away and lose the thread? Browse their engaged movies.
Demand · Attention
casualfull focus

Casual 2 · Engaged 2 · Full focus 2

Resolved: How much is left for you to interpret. Browse their resolved movies.
Demand · Resolution
resolvedambiguous

Resolved 4 · Open-ended 1 · Ambiguous 1

Roles they play

13 analyzed roles

Usually the Shadow: 4 of 13 analyzed roles.

Shadow
4 of 13
Hero
4 of 13
Mentor
3 of 13
Threshold guardian
1 of 13
Ally
1 of 13
Show the 13 roles

Moods and endings

endings are an aggregate; no title is named

Dominant moods · mentions across their titles

Tense
15
Melancholic
10
Bittersweet
7
Contemplative
8
Dread
4
Other
12

How their films linger

Bittersweet8 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteThought-provoking8 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteUnsettling8 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteHaunting5 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteFeel-good4 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteHopeful4 titles, browse their movies with this aftertaste

How their films end · 4 with a twist

  • Happy2
  • Bittersweet7
  • Tragic3
  • Ambiguous9

AI-generated from each title's plot synopsis and cast list, with extra plot summaries, reviews and Parents Guide notes for titles the model may not know, and the model's own knowledge of the ones it recognizes. Only analyzed titles count, so this covers part of the filmography; the feel axes count films only for now.

Where can I watch Philip Glenister's films?

As of October 24, 2026, 25 of their 34 MovieCove titles stream on a subscription or free service, most on BritBox (14).

Also on these channels

Subscription and free streaming for Philip Glenister's titles on MovieCove; rent and buy are not counted. Titles are listed by Midcredits score, highest first, at most 12 per service; a dashed chip is a producer credit or a minor one, such as a thanks. A service opens the browse page, which counts movies only, so its number can differ.

Filmography

79 credits, 34 with a MovieCove page; 18 appearances as themselves are hidden until asked for.

  • The Lady(2026)

    Show 4 episodes · as DCI Jim Dickie

    Midcredits score: 27th percentile of all shows

  • Bergerac(2025)

    Show 6 episodes · as Arthur Wakefield

    Midcredits score: 35th percentile of all shows

  • After the Flood(2024)

    Show 12 episodes · as Jack Radcliffe

    Midcredits score: 34th percentile of all shows

  • Steeltown Murders(2023)

    Show 4 episodes · as DCI Paul Bethell

    Midcredits score: 57th percentile of all shows

  • Sheene (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2023)

    as Narrator (voice)

  • Carthago (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2022)

    Show 11 episodes · as Lord James Davidson

  • Just in Case (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2021)

    as Mark

  • Foundation(2021)

    Show 1 episode · as Commdor Argo

    Midcredits score: 71st percentile of all shows

  • Belgravia(2020)

    Show 6 episodes · as James Trenchard

    Midcredits score: 74th percentile of all shows

  • The Rubbish World of Dave Spud(2019)

    Show 104 episodes · as Betty Spud

    Midcredits score: 55th percentile of all shows

  • Mamma Mia! Here We Go Yet Again (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2019)

    as Pierce Brosnan

  • Living the Dream(2017)

    Show 12 episodes · as Mal Pemberton

    Midcredits score: 49th percentile of all shows

  • Urban Myths (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2017)

    Show 1 episode · as Kev Wells

  • The Level(2016)

    Show 6 episodes · as Frank Le Saux

    Midcredits score: 38th percentile of all shows

  • Outcast(2016)

    Show 20 episodes · as Reverend Anderson

    Midcredits score: 64th percentile of all shows

  • From There to Here (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2014)

    Show 3 episodes · as Daniel

  • Prey(2014)

    Show 3 episodes · as David Murdoch

    Midcredits score: 61st percentile of all shows

  • For the Love of Cars (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2014)

    Show 15 episodes · Presenter · as Self - Presenter

  • Duck Quacks Don't Echo (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2014)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • Inside No. 9(2014)

    Show 1 episode · as Craig

    Midcredits score: 97th percentile of all shows

  • Big School (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2013)

    Show 12 episodes · as Mr Gunn

  • Spying on Hitler’s Army: The Secret Recordings (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2013)

    as Narrator

  • The Hollow Crown(2012)

    Show 1 episode · as Talbot

    Midcredits score: 89th percentile of all shows

  • Bel Ami(2012)

    as Charles Forestier

    Midcredits score: 23rd percentile of all films

  • Treasure Island (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2012)

    Show 2 episodes · as Captain Smollett

  • Pavlopetri: The City Beneath the Waves (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2011)

    Executive Producer · as Narrator

  • Hidden(2011)

    Show 4 episodes · as Harry Venn

    Midcredits score: 32nd percentile of all shows

  • Mad Dogs(2011)

    Show 14 episodes · as Quinn

    Midcredits score: 73rd percentile of all shows

  • The Secret Life of the National Grid (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2010)

    Show 3 episodes · as Narrator (Voice)

  • You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger(2010)

    as Poker Friend

    Midcredits score: 44th percentile of all films

  • Eyewitness (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2010)

    Show 3 episodes · Actor

  • The Secret Life of the Airport (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2009)

    Show 3 episodes · as Narrator

  • Demons (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2009)

    as Rupert Galvin

  • Demons (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2009)

    Show 6 episodes · as Rupert Galvin

  • Tu£sday (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2008)

    as Earp

  • Ashes to Ashes(2008)

    Show 24 episodes · as Gene Hunt

    Midcredits score: 91st percentile of all shows

  • Cranford(2007)

    Show 7 episodes · as Mr Carter

    Midcredits score: 96th percentile of all shows

  • The Secret Life of the motorway (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2007)

    Show 3 episodes · as Narrator (Voice)

  • Life on Mars (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2006)

    Show 16 episodes · as Gene Hunt

  • Vincent(2005)

    Show 3 episodes · Actor

    Midcredits score: 59th percentile of all shows

  • Kingdom of Heaven(2005)

    as Squire

    Midcredits score: 89th percentile of all films

  • Last Rights (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2005)

    Show 3 episodes · as John Speers

  • The Walk(2005)

    as Eddie

    Midcredits score: 58th percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • The Stepfather (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2005)

    Show 2 episodes · as Dougie Molloy

  • Island at War(2004)

    Show 6 episodes · as Oberst Heinrich Baron Von Rheingarten

    Midcredits score: 82nd percentile of all shows

  • Byron(2003)

    as William Fletcher

    Midcredits score: 69th percentile of all films

  • Calendar Girls(2003)

    as Lawrence Sertain

    Midcredits score: 77th percentile of all films

  • Lloyd & Hill (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2003)

    as Daniel Lloyd

  • State of Play (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2003)

    Show 6 episodes · as DCI William Bell

  • The Other Boleyn Girl(2003)

    as William Strafford

    Midcredits score: 57th percentile of all films

  • Hornblower: Retribution (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2001)

    as Gunner Hobbs

  • Hornblower: Mutiny(2001)

    as Hobbs

    Midcredits score: 97th percentile of all films

  • The Hunt (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2001)

    as Rob Campbell

  • Clocking Off (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2000)

    Show 18 episodes · as James 'Mack' Mackintosh

  • The Vice(1999)

    Show 1 episode · as Jason Grant

    Midcredits score: 64th percentile of all shows

  • The Perfect Blue (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1998)

    as Tom

  • Vanity Fair (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1998)

    Show 6 episodes · as William Dobbin

  • Hornblower (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1998)

    Show 2 episodes · as Gunner Hobbs

  • Roger Roger (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1998)

    Show 18 episodes · as Phil

  • Sharpe: The Legend(1997)

    as Truman

    Midcredits score: 91st percentile of all films

  • Sharpe's Justice (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1997)

    as Matt Truman

  • Frontiers (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1996)

    Show 6 episodes · as DS Danny Curtis

  • My Wonderful Life (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1996)

    Show 17 episodes · as Phil

  • True Love (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1996)

    as Phil

  • Silent Witness(1996)

    Show 2 episodes · Actor

    Midcredits score: 87th percentile of all shows

  • Loved Up (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1995)

    as Ray

  • I.D. (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1995)

    as Charlie

  • Law and Disorder (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1994)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • The Detectives (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1993)

    Show 1 episode · as Uniformed Officer

  • Blue Heaven (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1992)

    Show 1 episode · as Paul Twice

  • A Fatal Inversion (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1992)

    as Young Detective

  • Heartbeat(1992)

    Show 1 episode · as Julian Cantley

    Midcredits score: 51st percentile of all shows

  • London Kills Me(1991)

    as Suited Man

    Midcredits score: 52nd percentile of all films

  • In Suspicious Circumstances (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1991)

    Show 1 episode · as Herbert Bennett

  • Drop the Dead Donkey (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1990)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • The Chief (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1990)

    Show 1 episode · as Angus Shadwell

  • Poirot(1989)

    Show 1 episode · as Sir William Boyd Carrington

    Midcredits score: 98th percentile of all shows

  • The Ruth Rendell Mysteries(1987)

    Show 3 episodes · as Brian Gregson

    Midcredits score: 41st percentile of all shows

  • Minder (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    Show 1 episode · as Greg Hunter

Career shape

Star power in the 97th percentile of 239,109 people with a billed film role, over a full career of 79 titles from 1979 to 2026; peak year 2002.

Biggest box office

Calendar Girls (2003)

$93M worldwide

Highest rated

Hornblower: Mutiny (2001)

Midcredits 97th

Most popular right now

Outcast (2016)

Film career

MilestoneBreakout
19792026

Peak 2002 · steadily prominent in film for years. Top draw in 4 MovieCove titles. Film roles by billing, audience size and rating; 25+ votes. A show carries a single first-air date, so shows are not on the curve.

By role

only this rolewith another role
Acting78 of 79: 77 only acting, 1 with another role · typical Midcredits score63rdProducing1 of 79: 0 only producing, 1 with another roleOther crew1 of 79: 1 only other crew, 0 with another role

By decade

1970s1 · acting1980s2 · acting1990s22 · acting2000s23 · acting2010s22 · 21 acting · 2 crew2020s9 · acting

Billing

usually 6th · top billed in 0% of 9 roles

Counts from TMDB across their full career, self appearances out; a title counts in every role they held on it. The ring is the typical Midcredits score (the median percentile) of the role's titles that are on MovieCove, shown from 5 scored. Billing is TMDB cast order for roles with 25+ votes, billed in the top 30.

How do Philip Glenister's films land?

Their typical MovieCove film has a Midcredits score in the 64th percentile, the median of all 10; across their 6 films with reception data, the typical film sits in the 60th percentile for acclaim.

Acclaim · how much people like their films

60thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 6

Approval · how many liked their films

68thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 6

Reach · how many have seen their films

65thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 6

Midcredits score across 34 titles, by percentile

  • 75th and up11
  • 50th to 74th14
  • 25th to 49th8
  • Below 25th1

Shape of the crowd

15 of their 34 titles are Crowd Pleasers.

  • Universally Loved6
  • Cult Classic1
  • Crowd Pleaser15
  • Broadly Agreed4
  • Mixed8

Most divisive · actor

The Rubbish World of Dave Spud (2019)

81st percentile spread · 21% rated it 4 or lower

Most loved · actor

Hornblower: Mutiny (2001)

Midcredits 97th · 90% liked

Reviewers score the acting 73/100 in their films, across 5 reviewed titles; fans 82, detractors 44. The element that speaks to their work as an actor.

Percentiles are each film's standing among all films on MovieCove; the typical film is the median, so one outlier cannot drag it. Percentiles and reviewer scores count the films IMDb credits them on, for now; the Midcredits score bands, the shape of the crowd and the two cards count their MovieCove titles, shows included (a show ranked among shows), appearances as themselves left out. A descriptor is the shape of a title's IMDb rating distribution against the catalog; "most divisive" needs a spread wider than half of all titles, and a card names only a principal credit: a craft role, and on a show a crew role or a run of episodes, never a courtesy credit or a one-off guest spot.

Is Philip Glenister's work okay for kids?

Across up to 5 MovieCove titles with content scores, sex & nudity runs heavier than most films.

Their medianMedian of all filmsMiddle 80% of their titles
Violence & Gore3 titlesmedian 33 · mildMedian of all films: 44
Sex & Nudity5 titles32–59 · median 52 · moderateheavier than most filmsMedian of all films: 32
Profanity3 titlesmedian 40 · moderateMedian of all films: 36

Severity 0–100 from the Content Guide. Categories with under 10 votes on a title are not counted. The band's colour is the severity of their median, named beside it.

Who does Philip Glenister work with?

People who share at least 2 of Philip Glenister's MovieCove titles, grouped by what they did on them; Andy Harries shares the most, 4.

Directors

Writers

Actors

Composers and cinematographers

Producers