Here are some of his notable projects:
Movies:
* The Remains of the Day (1993): As Lord Darlington, the noble but misguided host of Darlington Hall.
* The English Patient (1996): As the enigmatic Count Laszlo de Almásy.
* Elizabeth (1998): As William Cecil, Lord Burghley.
* Gladiator (2000): As the Emperor Marcus Aurelius.
* The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001): As Gandalf the Grey (voice only, in the extended edition).
* The Phantom of the Opera (2004): As Monsieur Firmin.
* Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006): As Lord Cutler Beckett.
* The Other Boleyn Girl (2008): As Thomas Boleyn.
* The King's Speech (2010): As the Duke of York.
* Thor: The Dark World (2013): As Odin.
* The Imitation Game (2014): As Commander Denniston.
Television:
* The Jewel in the Crown (1984): As Ronny Bridges.
* The Little Drummer Girl (1984): As Martin Kurtz.
* A Very Peculiar Practice (1986-1988): As Dr. Richard "Dick" Davies.
* The Inspector Alleyn Mysteries (1990-1994): As Detective Chief Inspector Roderick Alleyn.
* House of Cards (1990-1995): As Francis Urquhart.
* Sharpe's Challenge (1993): As Colonel Sir Henry Simmerson.
* The Last of the Mohicans (1999): As Colonel Edmund Munro.
* The Forsyte Saga (2002): As Jolyon Forsyte.
* The Amazing Mrs. Pritchard (2006): As the Duke of Rochester.
* The Palace (2008): As the Duke of Buckingham.
* Poirot (2013): As Mr. Brown.
* Call the Midwife (2015-2016): As Dr. Reginald Turner.
* The Crown (2017-2019): As Lord Salisbury.
This is not an exhaustive list, but it highlights some of John Shrapnel's most notable roles. He has also appeared in many other films and television series, demonstrating his versatile acting abilities and consistent presence in the entertainment industry.