A David Bowie watchlist

The Hunger (1983)

This 1983 blood-soaked fever dream features David Bowie as a cellist who is in love with Miriam (Catherine Deneuve), an ageless vampire. For fellow musician Stevie Nicks, this was one of her all-time favourite Bowie roles. She called it “creepy and strange and amazingly beautiful.” It’s the kind of film that’s made to be seen in the hazy late hours, so we’re showing it as part of our Creatures of the Night strand on Sat 17 Jan at 22:30. You can book tickets here.

The Snowman (1982)

In a much more wholesome role, Bowie got to introduce an animation he loved, The Snowman, for a special TV broadcast. Although an incredibly different part to the erotic horror, The Hunger, his involvement in The Snowman may have come about thanks to his connection with The Hunger’s musical director Howard Blake, who was also The Snowman’s soundtrack composer.

Labyrinth (1986)

Labyrinth saw two of our heroes working together – Jim Henson and David Bowie. Henson gave Bowie free rein to work on the soundtrack for the film, as well as casting him as the Goblin King.

The Man Who Fell To Earth (1976)

The otherworldly Starman was the perfect person to play the extraterrestrial Thomas Jerome Newton in sci-fi cult classic The Man Who Fell To Earth. But did you know he also wrote a whole soundtrack for the film, which was rejected? Thankfully, he kept working on lots of the material, some of which went on to evolve into one of our favourite albums, Low.

Christiane F. (1981)

This 1981 German indie film is based on the real experiences of Christiane Felscherinow between the ages of 13-15, dealing with drug addiction. Bowie’s music features heavily in the soundtrack, and the man himself gives a cameo performance of ‘Station to Station’.

Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence (1983)

Music icons Bowie and Ryuichi Sakamoto both play important roles in this war film, and we love the soundtrack by Sakamoto.

The Prestige (2006)

Bowie initially rejected Christopher Nolan’s offer for him to play the part of historical inventor Nikola Tesla, but Nolan went on to beg him as he couldn’t imagine anyone more perfect for the role.

Just A Gigolo (1978)

Bowie was mainly drawn to working on this film for the chance to act alongside Marlene Dietrich. In a 1980 interview with the NME, he expressed his disappointment at the film’s reception and referred to it as “my 32 Elvis Presley movies rolled into one.”

Moonage Daydream (2022)

This kaleidoscopic documentary is a must-watch for any Bowie fans.

Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1979)

This concert film is an excellent opportunity to witness the theatrical, androgynous, sci-fi-inspired Ziggy persona on stage for those of us who missed the chance in real life.

Zoolander (2001)

Who better to be a walk-off judge than fashion icon David Bowie? That’s exactly what Ben Stiller thought and why he approached Bowie to cameo in his 2001 comedy. 'Let's Dance' also features in the film.

Clueless (1995)

Fashion is a major part of this teen classic, so although Bowie doesn’t act in the film, it would have been a crime for his song ‘Fashion’ not to feature. His song ‘All the Young Dudes’ also makes a crucial appearance.

The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)

Bowie fans will be delighted by how much of his music features in Wes Anderson’s wonderfully stylish aquatic comedy. There are plenty of Bowie originals as well as Portuguese covers by Seu Jorge throughout. Bowie himself was a fan and said Jorge’s covers imbued them with a “new level of beauty”.

Frances Ha (2012)

Greta Gerwig’s Frances Ha is one of our favourite films, and it features a joyous dance scene where the main character runs and dances in the street to the tune of Bowie’s highly danceable ‘Modern Love’.

Mauvais Sang (1986)

But don’t worry, the excellent ‘Modern Love’ scenes don’t end there. This Frances Ha scene is actually a homage to another brilliant ‘Modern Love’ sequence from Mauvais Sang.

Twin Peaks (1992-2017)

Fellow David (Lynch) cast Bowie as FBI agent Phillip Jeffries in his cult series Twin Peaks. You may be wondering how he still features in 2017 after his death the previous year. Well, he appears as a white glowing orb emitted by a kettle-shaped machine.

The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)

Bowie gives a convincing and moving performance as Pontius Pilate in Martin Scorsese’s adaptation of Nikos Kazantzakis’ novel.

The Linguini Incident (1991)

The sometimes-forgotten Linguini Incident is a highly entertaining New York crime-comedy starring Bowie alongside Rosanna Arquette.

Absolute Beginners (1986)

Bowie wrote his song ‘Absolute Beginners’ as the theme for his friend Julien Temple’s film of the same name, and he plays the part of Vendice Partners in the film.

Cat People (1982)

Bowie and Giorgio Moroder co-wrote the haunting title track ‘Cat People’ for Paul Schrader’s 1982 erotic horror.

More feature films starring Bowie:

• Basquiat (1996)
• Arthur and the Invisibles (2006)
• Mr Rice's Secret (1999)
• Everybody Loves Sunshine (1999)
• Gunslinger's Revenge (1998)
• Into The Night (1985)

More documentaries about Bowie:

• David Bowie: Five Years (2013)
• A Reality Tour (2004)
• David Bowie: The Last Five Years (2017)
• David Bowie: Out of This World (2021)
• David Bowie: The Final Act (2025)

Documentaries featuring Bowie:

• 20 Feet From Stardom (2013)
• The Velvet Underground (2021)
• Scott Walker: 30 Century Man (2006)
• Mayor of Sunset Strip (2003)
• Beside Bowie - Mick Ronson Story (2017)
• The Ten Commandments of Creativity (2000)
• Glastonbury (2006)
• Lou Reed: Rock & Roll Heart (1998)
• The Rutles 2: Can't Buy Me Lunch (2003)
• The Love We Make (2011)
• Clockwork Orange County (2012)
• Freddie Mercury: The Final Act (2021)
• AngelHeaded Hipster: The Songs of Marc Bolan & T. Rex (2022) 

Featuring Bowie's music:

• The Falcon and the Snowman (1985)
• Aftersun (2022)
• The Lovers on the Bridge (1991)
• Se7en (1995)
• Lost Highway (1997)
• Moulin Rouge! (2001)
• Radio On (1979)
• Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
• The Martian (2015)
• Inglourious Basterds (2009)
• Jojo Rabbit (2019)
• The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

Explore our current David Bowie season here.