Heath Ledger’s 12 Highest-Grossing Movies

Heath Ledger’s career may have been tragically short, but his impact on cinema was monumental. From charming teen comedies to sweeping dramas and his iconic Oscar-winning performance as the Joker, Ledger left behind a filmography filled with unforgettable roles. Here are his highest-grossing movies, ranked by worldwide box office and adjusted for inflation.

12) I’m Not There (2007)

In Todd Haynes’s unconventional Bob Dylan biopic, Ledger was one of several actors portraying different facets of the music legend. While more arthouse than mainstream, it added to his reputation for versatility.

Worldwide gross in 2007: $11,792,542

Adjusted for 2025: $18,697,306

11) Lords of Dogtown (2005)

Ledger transformed himself into Skip Engblom, the eccentric mentor of a generation of skateboarders. The gritty drama didn’t break records but became a cult favorite.

Worldwide gross in 2005: $13,411,957

Adjusted for 2025: $22,341,456

10) The Four Feathers (2002)

This period war drama cast Ledger as a British officer grappling with loyalty and honor. Though critically mixed, it added to his growing profile as a serious actor.

Worldwide gross in 2002: $29,882,645

Adjusted for 2025: $53,259,140

9) Casanova (2005)

In a lighter romantic role, Ledger played the legendary lover himself. While it underperformed at the box office, it showcased his effortless charm and range.

Worldwide gross in 2005: $36,204,403

Adjusted for 2025: $59,438,170

8) Monster’s Ball (2001)

In this powerful drama, Ledger played Hank Grotowski, son of Billy Bob Thornton’s character. Though his role was brief, the Oscar-winning film cemented his association with prestige cinema.

Worldwide gross in 2001: $43,766,463

Adjusted for 2025: $79,237,209

7) The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009)

Ledger’s final film, left incomplete at the time of his death, was finished with Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell stepping in to play alternate versions of his character. Its whimsical, surreal tone gave fans one last look at his brilliance.

Worldwide gross in 2009: $64,352,607

Adjusted for 2025: $96,193,368

6) 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

Ledger’s breakthrough role as the rebellious but charming Patrick Verona in this teen rom-com catapulted him to stardom. The film remains a beloved ’90s classic.

Worldwide gross in 1999: $60,413,950

Adjusted for 2025: $116,270,226

5) The Brothers Grimm (2005)

Teaming up with Matt Damon, Ledger played one half of the famous fairy tale duo in this fantastical Terry Gilliam adventure. Though uneven, its visuals and star power attracted audiences worldwide.

Worldwide gross in 2005: $105,299,638

Adjusted for 2025: $172,874,492

4) A Knight’s Tale (2001)

Ledger charmed audiences as William Thatcher, a peasant who disguises himself as a knight in this medieval adventure filled with rock music and romance. It became a cult hit and cemented his leading-man status.

Worldwide gross in 2001: $100,622,586

Adjusted for 2025: $182,172,658

3) Brokeback Mountain (2005)

Ledger delivered one of his greatest performances as Ennis Del Mar, a ranch hand in a forbidden love story with Jake Gyllenhaal’s Jack Twist. The film was a cultural landmark and earned Ledger his first Oscar nomination.

Worldwide gross in 2005: $176,980,863

Adjusted for 2025: $290,556,335

2) The Patriot (2000)

Alongside Mel Gibson, Ledger played Gabriel Martin in this Revolutionary War epic. His performance as Gibson’s idealistic son gave the historical drama emotional weight and box office strength.

Worldwide gross in 2000: $215,300,000

Adjusted for 2025: $400,882,562

1) The Dark Knight (2008)

Ledger’s unforgettable performance as the Joker in The Dark Knight redefined comic book villains and won him a posthumous Academy Award. Christopher Nolan’s masterpiece became one of the biggest films of all time and a landmark in modern cinema.

Worldwide gross in 2008: $999,046,281

Adjusted for 2025: $1,487,811,328

Heath Ledger’s filmography may be short, but his impact remains immeasurable – from teen heartthrob to Oscar-winning legend, his legacy endures through some of cinema’s most iconic roles.