Stephen Hawking Media Library: Films, TV & Documentaries

Stephen Hawking was one of the most filmed scientists in history, appearing in documentaries, presenting his own television series, and being portrayed by acclaimed actors. This is a guide to the major screen works, drawn from the record maintained by the Hawking Estate. For where to watch the dramatisations specifically, see TV and film appearances and the documentaries page.

Films and dramatisations

A Brief History of Time (1991), directed by Errol Morris. A documentary film, based on the bestselling book, blending Hawking's science with his life story. A landmark in science documentary.

Hawking (2004), directed by Philip Martin. A BBC television film dramatising Hawking's early years at Cambridge and his diagnosis, with Benedict Cumberbatch in the title role, an early standout performance.

The Theory of Everything (2014), directed by James Marsh. The acclaimed feature film based on Jane Hawking's memoir, with Eddie Redmayne winning the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal. Covered in full on its own page.

Hawking: Can You Hear Me? (2021), directed by Oliver Twinch. A documentary offering an intimate portrait of the man behind the science.

Television series he presented

Hawking did not only feature in films; he created and presented several ambitious television series that brought cosmology to a mass audience:

• Stephen Hawking's Universe (PBS) revisited the whole cosmos, from the Big Bang to the end of time, his first major series after A Brief History of Time.
• Into the Universe with Stephen Hawking (Discovery Channel) was an epic, computer-animated cosmology series often described as a "Planet Earth of the heavens."
• Stephen Hawking's Grand Design (Discovery Channel) tackled the biggest questions: did God create the universe, and why does it exist at all?
• Brave New World with Stephen Hawking (Channel 4) explored the scientific breakthroughs transforming modern life.
• Master of the Universe: Stephen Hawking (Channel 4) charted his quest for a theory of everything.

His lectures and talks

Beyond film and television, many of his lectures are available to watch, including his BBC Reith Lectures and his TED talk. These are gathered on the page of notable speeches and lectures.

His famous cameos

Hawking had a notable sense of humour about his fame and made memorable guest appearances as himself in popular shows including Star Trek: The Next Generation, The Simpsons, and The Big Bang Theory. These pop-culture appearances did as much as anything to cement his status as a cultural icon, and are discussed under TV and film appearances.

Where to watch

Availability changes over time and by region, so we do not list streaming links here. The dramatisations are widely available to rent or buy, his documentaries appear on various science and streaming platforms, and his lectures remain accessible through the BBC and TED archives. For the authoritative record of his screen work, see the official estate listing.