Christoph Waltz’s 12 Highest-Grossing Movies – Adjusted for Inflation
From his Oscar-winning turns in Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds and Django Unchained to major blockbuster roles in Spectre, and Alita: Battle Angel, Christoph Waltz has proven himself a versatile actor who thrives in both arthouse cinema and mainstream hits. Here are his highest-grossing films, ranked by worldwide box office (adjusted for inflation).
12) Downsizing (2017)
In Alexander Payne’s quirky sci-fi dramedy, starring Matt Damon, Waltz played Dusan Mirkovic, a playboy neighbor in a world where people shrink themselves to conserve resources. While not a huge commercial hit, it showcased his ability to bring humor and eccentricity to unusual roles.
Worldwide gross in 2017: $54,462,971
Adjusted for 2025: $71,240,813
11) Horrible Bosses 2 (2014)
This comedy sequel featured Waltz as a ruthless businessman, bringing a sinister edge to the otherwise goofy tone. His role proved he could handle comedic villainy just as well as dramatic.
Worldwide gross in 2014: $105,945,357
Adjusted for 2025: $143,490,750
10) Water for Elephants (2011)
Waltz starred alongside Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson as the cruel circus ringmaster August. His intense performance elevated the romantic drama, which found box office success worldwide.
Worldwide gross in 2011: $116,809,717
Adjusted for 2025: $166,531,272
9) The Three Musketeers (2011)
Waltz took on the role of Cardinal Richelieu in this action-packed reimagining of the classic tale. His presence brought gravitas to the swashbuckling adventure, which became a respectable global hit.
Worldwide gross in 2011: $139,877,913
Adjusted for 2025: $199,418,742
8) The Green Hornet (2011)
As the flamboyant villain Chudnofsky, Waltz brought both menace and comedy to this superhero comedy starring Seth Rogen. His performance was a highlight of the film’s quirky tone.
Worldwide gross in 2011: $229,155,503
Adjusted for 2025: $326,698,484
7) Epic (2013)
Waltz voiced the evil Mandrake in Blue Sky Studios’ animated fantasy adventure. His commanding voice was a perfect fit for the villain, and the film was a solid box office success among families.
Worldwide gross in 2013: $262,794,441
Adjusted for 2025: $361,698,488
6) The Legend of Tarzan (2016)
Playing Captain Rom, Waltz once again excelled as a ruthless antagonist. Though the film had mixed reviews, it performed well globally and gave Waltz another memorable blockbuster villain role.
Worldwide gross in 2016: $348,902,025
Adjusted for 2025: $466,107,257
5) Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Waltz’s breakout Hollywood role as SS Colonel Hans Landa earned him his first Oscar. Acting opposite Brad Pitt, Waltz’s chilling yet oddly charismatic performance anchored Tarantino’s WWII epic and remains one of his most iconic roles.
Worldwide gross in 2009: $316,915,264
Adjusted for 2025: $473,720,462
4) Alita: Battle Angel (2019)
Waltz played Dr. Dyson Ido, a scientist and father figure to the cyborg Alita in this manga adaptation. His grounded performance balanced the film’s over-the-top action and CGI spectacle, helping it succeed at the box office.
Worldwide gross in 2019: $401,900,040
Adjusted for 2025: $504,041,905
3) Django Unchained (2012)
In another Tarantino collaboration, Waltz played Dr. King Schultz, a witty bounty hunter who teams up with Jamie Foxx’s Django. The role earned him his second Oscar and cemented his place in Hollywood as a master of sharp dialogue.
Worldwide gross in 2012: $449,841,566
Adjusted for 2025: $628,194,287
2) No Time to Die (2021)
Reprising his role as Ernst Stavro Blofeld, Waltz returned in Daniel Craig’s final James Bond outing. Though his screen time was limited, his chilling presence left an impact. The film became one of the highest-grossing movies of the pandemic era.
Worldwide gross in 2021: $774,153,007
Adjusted for 2025: $916,034,599
1) Spectre (2015)
Waltz’s first turn as Blofeld brought him firmly into Bond villain history. Though the film was divisive, it still pulled in massive global numbers and showcased Waltz’s ability to dominate the screen even in blockbuster franchises.
Worldwide gross in 2015: $879,500,760
Adjusted for 2025: $1,189,769,977
Christoph Waltz has proven time and again that whether he’s delivering Tarantino’s razor-sharp dialogue, embodying iconic villains, or lending his voice to animation, he always leaves a lasting impression. His filmography is as versatile as it is commercially successful.
