Ian McKellen’s Top 10 Highest Grossing Movies

Top 10 Highest Grossing Ian McKellen Movies
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Ian McKellen, a titan of both stage and screen, is renowned for his commanding presence, Shakespearean gravitas, and ability to disappear into diverse roles. While celebrated for his theatrical achievements, McKellen has also conquered the box office with appearances in some of the biggest film franchises in history. Let’s explore his top-grossing movies, adjusted for inflation, to reflect their impact in today’s terms.

Key Takeaways

  • Franchise King: McKellen’s portrayal of Gandalf in “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” trilogies cemented his status as a box office giant and introduced him to a new generation of fans.
  • Versatile Performer: His filmography extends beyond fantasy, encompassing superhero blockbusters, historical dramas, and even heartwarming animations, showcasing his impressive range.
  • Critical Darling: McKellen’s performances have garnered numerous awards and nominations, including an Academy Award nomination for his role in “Gods and Monsters,” highlighting his critical acclaim.

Top-Grossing Ian McKellen Movies

Here’s a breakdown of McKellen’s highest-grossing films, ranked from least to greatest, adjusted for inflation to reflect their value in today’s dollars:

10. X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)

Global Box Office: $459 Million

In this third installment of the X-Men franchise, Magneto leads the Brotherhood of Mutants in a showdown against the X-Men as a “cure” for mutation threatens to alter the balance of power.

 

9. X-Men 2 (2003)

Global Box Office: $480 Million

McKellen returns as Magneto, the powerful mutant who believes in mutant supremacy. His performance is both menacing and complex, exploring the character’s motivations and the ethical dilemmas of prejudice and power.

 

8. The Da Vinci Code (2006)

Global Box Office: $760 Million

This mystery thriller, based on Dan Brown’s best-selling novel, follows Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) as he unravels a conspiracy within the Catholic Church. McKellen plays Sir Leigh Teabing, a historian and Grail scholar who becomes entangled in the plot.

 

7. X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)

Global Box Office: $909 Million

In this time-traveling superhero film, McKellen plays an older Magneto who joins forces with his younger self (Michael Fassbender) and the X-Men to prevent a dystopian future.

 

6. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)

Global Box Office: $1.1 Billion

Gandalf’s journey continues in this second installment of “The Hobbit” trilogy, as he faces new dangers and unravels the mysteries surrounding the dragon Smaug.

 

5. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

Global Box Office: $1.2 Billion

McKellen’s iconic portrayal of Gandalf the Grey, the wise and enigmatic wizard who guides the Fellowship of the Ring, launched him into a new realm of stardom. His performance perfectly captures the character’s wisdom, humor, and strength blend.

 

4. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)

Global Box Office: $1.3 Billion

The second installment sees Gandalf return as Gandalf the White, wielding even more incredible power as he rallies the people of Middle-earth against the growing threat of Sauron.

 

3. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)

Global Box Office: $1.3 Billion

McKellen reprises his role as Gandalf in this prequel to “The Lord of the Rings,” guiding Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) and a company of dwarves to reclaim the Lonely Mountain.

 

2. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

Global Box Office: $1.5 Billion

In the epic conclusion to the Lord of the Rings trilogy, McKellen’s Gandalf the White guides the forces of good in their final confrontation with Sauron. His performance embodies wisdom, strength, and unwavering hope in darkness.

 

1. Beauty and the Beast (2017)

Global Box Office: $1.26 Billion

McKellen lends his voice to Cogsworth, the enchanted clock, in this live-action adaptation of the Disney animated classic. His vocal performance adds a touch of charm and wit to the beloved character.

Ian McKellen’s impact on the film industry is undeniable. His ability to embody a wide range of characters, from iconic wizards to complex villains and everything in between, has made him a beloved figure in Hollywood and beyond. His top-grossing films, spanning various genres and franchises, showcase his enduring appeal and ability to connect with worldwide audiences.

Ian McKellen’s Net Worth

Ian McKellen, a legendary figure in the acting world, has amassed a substantial net worth of $60 million throughout his illustrious career on stage and screen. This impressive financial standing reflects not only his remarkable talent but also his savvy business decisions.

McKellen’s earnings stem from a combination of lucrative acting contracts, notably for his iconic roles in major franchises like “The Lord of the Rings” and “X-Men,” and strategic endorsements with global brands such as Visa and Apple. His ability to command high salaries for his performances and his appeal as a brand ambassador have significantly contributed to the actor’s net worth.

Beyond his entertainment ventures, McKellen has also made wise investments in real estate, owning properties in prime locations like London, New York City, and Los Angeles. His ownership of The Grapes pub in London further diversifies his portfolio and highlights his business acumen.

McKellen’s career has been decorated with numerous awards and accolades, including a Tony Award, a Golden Globe Award, and six Olivier Awards. His contributions to the entertainment industry have solidified his status as a respected and celebrated actor.

Furthermore, McKellen is actively involved in philanthropy, championing LGBTQ+ rights and supporting organizations like Stonewall and the Terrence Higgins Trust. His commitment to social causes reflects his dedication to positively impacting the world.

In conclusion, Ian McKellen’s net worth of $60 million is a testament to his successful acting career, strategic endorsements, and philanthropic endeavors. His talent, dedication, and commitment to social causes have solidified his financial standing and legacy as a beloved entertainment industry figure.

Featured image used under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license. Background was removed. Original photo by Raph_PH.

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