Til Schweiger is a name that’s become synonymous with versatility in the world of cinema—actor, director, producer, and writer all rolled into one. While he’s long been a household figure in Germany, many U.S. audiences first took notice of Til Schweiger when he brought explosive charisma to the role of Sgt. Hugo Stiglitz in Quentin Tarantino’s wildly imaginative World War II film Inglourious Basterds. That performance, bold and unforgettable, really put Til Schweiger on the map for international viewers.
But long before that breakout moment, Til Schweiger was already carving out a strong career back home. He started acting in the early 1990s, appearing in both German films like Manta, Manta and TV series such as Lindenstrasse. Then came 1997—a turning point. That’s when Til Schweiger not only starred in but also wrote Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door, a crime comedy that skyrocketed him to stardom in Germany. From there, he began branching out internationally, taking on roles in English-language projects like Judas Kiss, alongside Emma Thompson and Alan Rickman, the cult favorite SLC Punk, and the action-packed The Replacement Killers with Mira Sorvino and Chow Yun-fat.
As his reputation grew, so did the range of his work. Til Schweiger effortlessly balanced German productions with indie gems—such as Alan Rudolph’s Investigating Sex—and major Hollywood blockbusters like Driven (starring Sylvester Stallone), Antoine Fuqua’s King Arthur, and Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life. It wasn’t just in front of the camera that Til Schweiger shined. In 2005, he stepped behind it to write, direct, and star in the romantic comedy Barfuss, marking the beginning of a successful second act as a filmmaker.
Since then, Til Schweiger has continued to impress, especially with hits like 2007’s Keinohrhasen, a charming romcom that not only showcased his knack for storytelling but also featured all four of his children in key roles. The film was both a critical and commercial triumph, earning multiple awards and further cementing Til Schweiger’s status as a creative force in European cinema.
After the global attention from Inglourious Basterds, Til Schweiger made a return to American projects, portraying the enigmatic Cagliostro in The Three Musketeers and joining an all-star cast in the feel-good romantic comedy New Year’s Eve. Whether working in Germany or crossing over into Hollywood, Til Schweiger consistently brings depth, charm, and authenticity to every project he touches—proving time and again why he remains one of the most enduring figures in modern filmmaking.
When it comes to Til Schweiger’s film career, one standout performance comes from his role in Inglourious Basterds (2009), which is widely regarded as Til Schweiger’s highest-rated movie. The film, directed by Quentin Tarantino, received critical acclaim and helped solidify Til Schweiger’s presence on the international stage. On the other hand, Head Full of Honey (2018) tends to be viewed as the lower point in his filmography—making it Til Schweiger’s lowest-rated film to date. While opinions may vary, these two titles mark the high and low points when evaluating Til Schweiger’s work in cinema.