British movie icon Sir Michael Caine has confirmed he has retired from acting after the release of his latest film.

Sir Michael has appeared in more than 160 films - including The Italian Job and the Batman/Dark Knight franchise - spanning across seven decades, but The Great Escaper, which was released on October 6, was his last.

The Great Escaper sees the 90-year-old movie star take on the role of real-life World War II veteran Bernie Jordan who escaped from a care home to attend D-Day celebrations in France.

He stars alongside Glenda Jackson, who died in June after the completion of the film.

Sir Michael said he had turned the film down three times before accepting the role as he considered himself retired.

Sir Michael Caine confirms retirement

Sir Michael, 90, throughout his extensive acting career, has won Oscars, Golden Globes and Bafta awards and worked alongside some of Hollywood's biggest names.

He said he had been saying for some time he was going to retire but this time it was final. 

Sir Michael, speaking to the BBC, said: “I keep saying I’m going to retire. Well I am now.”

“I’ve figured, I’ve had a picture where I’ve played the lead and had incredible reviews… What am I going to do that will beat this?"

He added: "The only parts I’m liable to get now are 90-year-old men. Or maybe 85.

“They’re not going to be the lead. You don’t have leading men at 90, you’re going to have young handsome boys and girls. So I thought, I might as well leave with all this.”

His retirement from acting comes just months before Sir Michael becomes a published author with his novel Deadly Game scheduled for release soon.

The novel follows the adventures of DCI Harry Taylor, a detective with no respect for red tape or political reputations.

Somerset County Gazette: Sir Michael Caine (left) featured in more than 160 movies throughout his career including a number with the late Sir Michael Gambon (right).Sir Michael Caine (left) featured in more than 160 movies throughout his career including a number with the late Sir Michael Gambon (right). (Image: PA)

Sir Michael, earlier this year, said: “It’s been my ambition for years to write a thriller. It’s the genre I most love to read and I’ve really got a buzz out of working on Deadly Game and teaming up with Hodder once again to publish it.

“I hope readers enjoy getting to know Harry Taylor as much as I did.”

Sir Michael Caine movies

Sir Michael has appeared in more than 160 movies across seven decades, so it is likely most people will have seen him feature in at least one film in their lifetime. 

Some of Sir Michael Caine's movies include:

  • The Italian Job
  • The Batman/Dark Knight franchise
  • Kingsman: The Secret Service
  • The Prestige
  • Now You See Me
  • Inception
  • Interstellar
  • The Muppet Christmas Carol
  • Zulu
  • Miss Congeniality
  • A Bridge Too Far
  • Educating Rita
  • Jaws: The Revenge
  • Jekyll & Hyde
  • Children of Men
  • Dunkirk

You can see Sir Michael Caine in his final movie - The Great Escaper in UK cinemas now.