Joe Pesci’s 12 Highest-Grossing Movies – Adjusted for Inflation
Joe Pesci may not have the largest filmography, but what he does have is pure gold. From Oscar-winning gangster roles to slapstick holiday classics, Pesci has proven himself one of the most versatile and memorable actors of his generation. Here are his highest-grossing films, ranked by worldwide box office and adjusted for inflation.
12) Raging Bull (1980)
Martin Scorsese’s gritty boxing drama gave Joe Pesci his breakout role as Joey LaMotta, the brother and manager of Jake LaMotta (Robert De Niro). Pesci brought warmth and loyalty to a story otherwise consumed by rage and self-destruction, balancing the film’s intensity with humanity. Though its box office returns were modest, the film went on to become one of the most acclaimed movies of all time and put Pesci firmly on Hollywood’s radar.
Worldwide gross in 1980: $23,380,513
Adjusted for 2025: $90,977,313
11) Easy Money (1983)
In this Rodney Dangerfield comedy, Pesci played Nicky Cerone, providing his signature mix of sharp wit and scrappy energy. While not one of his best-known films, it was an early opportunity for Pesci to showcase his comedic chops, proving he could hold his own outside of Scorsese’s dramas. The film was a solid hit for its budget and continued to build Pesci’s versatility as both a comedic and dramatic actor.
Worldwide gross in 1983: $29,309,766
Adjusted for 2025: $94,353,778
10) GoodFellas (1990)
As Tommy DeVito, Pesci gave one of the most unforgettable performances in cinema history – volatile, violent, and yet darkly funny. His “funny how?” scene became legendary, embodying both the humor and horror of life in the mob. Pesci’s performance in Goodfellas won him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, and the film itself became a cultural touchstone that continues to influence filmmakers today.
Worldwide gross in 1990: $47,092,936
Adjusted for 2025: $115,527,789
9) My Cousin Vinny (1992)
Pesci took center stage as the fast-talking, inexperienced lawyer Vinny Gambini, who unexpectedly saves the day in this courtroom comedy. His blend of street smarts, humor, and charisma made the film an instant classic, while Marisa Tomei’s Oscar-winning performance as his girlfriend Mona Lisa Vito became iconic. The movie proved Pesci wasn’t only suited to mobster roles — he could lead a mainstream comedy to box office success.
Worldwide gross in 1992: $52,929,168
Adjusted for 2025: $120,960,529
8) The Good Shepherd (2006)
Pesci appeared in a smaller but memorable role as mob boss Joseph Palmi in Robert De Niro’s CIA espionage epic. His screen time may have been brief, but his presence was commanding, showing that even in later years, Pesci could still captivate audiences with just a few lines. While the film itself was more of a slow-burn drama, it performed well globally and demonstrated Pesci’s enduring appeal.
Worldwide gross in 2006: $100,378,271
Adjusted for 2025: $159,645,053
7) Casino (1995)
Reuniting with Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro, Pesci gave another powerhouse performance as Nicky Santoro, a violent enforcer whose brutality and paranoia drive much of the story. His performance was both terrifying and magnetic, earning acclaim even among critics who felt the film was overshadowed by comparisons to GoodFellas. With a strong box office haul, Casino solidified Pesci’s reputation as one of the greatest character actors in crime cinema.
Worldwide gross in 1995: $110,400,000
Adjusted for 2025: $232,268,539
6) JFK (1991)
Oliver Stone’s political thriller about the Kennedy assassination was packed with stars, but Pesci stood out as David Ferrie, a jittery, eccentric figure tied to the conspiracy. His high-energy performance was brief but memorable, adding to the film’s urgency and paranoia. JFK was a critical and commercial hit, showing once again how Pesci could make an impact even in an ensemble cast.
Worldwide gross in 1991: $205,400,000
Adjusted for 2025: $483,536,892
5) Lethal Weapon 4 (1998)
By the fourth film in the buddy cop series, Pesci’s Leo Getz had become an essential part of the franchise’s comedic energy. Teaming up once again with Mel Gibson and Danny Glover, Pesci’s antics added levity to the explosive action. While reviews were mixed, the movie was a global box office success, proving audiences still loved the chemistry of the core cast.
Worldwide gross in 1998: $285,400,000
Adjusted for 2025: $561,400,309
4) Lethal Weapon 2 (1989)
Pesci’s introduction as Leo Getz in the second Lethal Weapon film was a masterstroke, giving the series an injection of comic relief that balanced its gritty action. His chemistry with Gibson and Glover made him a fan favorite and a mainstay in the sequels. The movie was a massive hit, establishing the franchise as one of the biggest action series of its era.
Worldwide gross in 1989: $227,300,000
Adjusted for 2025: $587,738,356.3
3) Lethal Weapon 3 (1992)
Pesci returned as Leo Getz, bringing even more of his trademark fast-talking energy. By this point, audiences had fully embraced him as part of the Lethal Weapon family, and his banter with Gibson and Glover became a highlight of the series. The film was a huge commercial success, cementing the franchise as one of the ’90s’ biggest action juggernauts.
Worldwide gross in 1992: $319,700,000
Adjusted for 2025: $730,619,482
2) Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
Pesci reprised his role as Harry, one half of the bumbling “Sticky Bandits,” in the much-anticipated sequel. Though following up the original was no easy task, the film was a massive success, thanks in no small part to Pesci’s hilarious chemistry with Daniel Stern. For many, his turn as the hapless crook became just as memorable as his gangster roles.
Worldwide gross in 1992: $358,994,850
Adjusted for 2025: $820,421,118
1) Home Alone (1990)
Pesci’s most widely recognized role came as Harry, the determined burglar constantly outsmarted by young Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin). His slapstick timing and comedic frustration helped make Home Alone a holiday classic beloved by generations. Beyond its status as one of the greatest Christmas movies, it remains Pesci’s biggest financial hit by far.
Worldwide gross in 1990: $476,684,675
Adjusted for 2025: $1,169,396,759
From Oscar-winning crime dramas to beloved holiday comedies, Joe Pesci’s career may be selective, but every role he takes leaves an unforgettable mark — and often a hefty box office return.
