Sir Ian McKellen’s 16 Highest-Grossing Movies – Adjusted for Inflation
Few actors can claim to have embodied as many iconic roles as Sir Ian McKellen. From wielding Gandalf’s staff in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit to commanding as Magneto in the X-Men franchise, McKellen has left a mark on generations of moviegoers. He’s also stepped into animated adventures and even surprising live-action musicals. Let’s explore his highest-grossing films, ranked by global box office and adjusted for 2025 inflation.
16) Cats (2019)
One of cinema’s most infamous musicals, Cats saw McKellen play Gus the Theatre Cat alongside Judi Dench, James Corden, and Taylor Swift. While critically panned, it managed to claw its way to box office attention thanks to its star-studded cast and cult curiosity.
Worldwide gross in 2019: $75,486,351
Adjusted for 2025: $94,671,014
15) Flushed Away (2006)
In this Aardman animated film, McKellen voiced the villainous Toad opposite Hugh Jackman and Kate Winslet. With witty humor and charming visuals, it found a family audience and became a sleeper hit in animation.
Worldwide gross in 2006: $179,357,126
Adjusted for 2025: $285,255,740
14) Last Action Hero (1993)
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s meta-action comedy featured McKellen in a brief but memorable cameo as Death, stepping straight out of Ingmar Bergman’s The Seventh Seal. Even with its divisive reception, the film has since grown into a cult favorite.
Worldwide gross in 1993: $137,298,489
Adjusted for 2025: $304,652,113
13) X-Men (2000)
McKellen first donned the mantle of Magneto in Bryan Singer’s X-Men, opposite Patrick Stewart’s Professor Xavier and Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine. The film revived the superhero genre and paved the way for modern comic book blockbusters.
Worldwide gross in 2000: $296,872,367
Adjusted for 2025: $552,768,023
12) The Wolverine (2013)
Though not the lead, McKellen reprised his role as Magneto in flashbacks and visions in Hugh Jackman’s solo adventure. His presence tied the spinoff back to the broader X-Men saga.
Worldwide gross in 2013: $416,456,852
Adjusted for 2025: $573,192,541
11) X-Men 2 (2003)
Widely considered the strongest of the original trilogy, X2 gave McKellen more room to explore Magneto’s shifting alliances. His uneasy truce with Xavier (Patrick Stewart) against Stryker’s forces became a fan favorite storyline.
Worldwide gross in 2003: $406,348,630
Adjusted for 2025: $708,088,042
10) X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
The trilogy concluded with Magneto leading an all-out war against humanity, while still sparring with his old friend Xavier. Despite mixed reviews, McKellen’s commanding presence remained a highlight.
Worldwide gross in 2006: $459,260,946
Adjusted for 2025: $730,424,399
9) X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
McKellen returned as the older Magneto, alongside Patrick Stewart, in this time-traveling epic that linked the original cast with younger counterparts like Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy. The crossover made it one of the most ambitious X-Men entries.
Worldwide gross in 2014: $747,862,775
Adjusted for 2025: $1,012,893,758
8) The Da Vinci Code (2006)
Teaming with Tom Hanks and Audrey Tautou, McKellen played Sir Leigh Teabing, a historian with hidden motives. Adapted from Dan Brown’s bestseller, the film became a global phenomenon despite critical divides.
Worldwide gross in 2006: $767,820,459
Adjusted for 2025: $1,221,168,057
7) The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014)
McKellen reprised Gandalf as the saga reached its epic conclusion. Surrounded by Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, and Luke Evans, the finale delivered spectacle and emotion.
Worldwide gross in 2014: $943,328,905
Adjusted for 2025: $1,277,630,057
6) The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
Facing Benedict Cumberbatch’s fiery dragon, McKellen’s Gandalf guided the company of dwarves through peril. The middle chapter may have been a setup, but McKellen’s gravitas anchored the fantasy journey.
Worldwide gross in 2013: $960,238,087
Adjusted for 2025: $1,321,628,656
5) The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)
Reprising Gandalf for the prequel trilogy, McKellen reunited with director Peter Jackson and co-star Martin Freeman. His return carried the film with warmth and familiarity, making it a global smash.
Worldwide gross in 2012: $1,017,003,568
Adjusted for 2025: $1,420,224,095
4) The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
The beginning of the epic trilogy introduced audiences to McKellen’s Gandalf, a role that earned him an Oscar nomination. Alongside Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, and Cate Blanchett, he became the beating heart of Middle-earth.
Worldwide gross in 2001: $887,176,824
Adjusted for 2025: $1,606,193,671
3) The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
As Gandalf the White, McKellen returned with even more power and gravitas, leading the fight at Helm’s Deep with Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen). The film elevated the trilogy to epic proportions.
Worldwide gross in 2002: $919,148,764
Adjusted for 2025: $1,638,177,391
2) Beauty and the Beast (2017)
In Disney’s lavish live-action remake, McKellen voiced Cogsworth the clock, alongside Emma Watson and Dan Stevens. Nostalgia and spectacle carried the film to staggering success.
Worldwide gross in 2017: $1,255,080,655
Adjusted for 2025: $1,641,720,311
1) The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
The Oscar-sweeping finale of Peter Jackson’s trilogy saw McKellen lead the charge at Minas Tirith and stand by Frodo in Middle-earth’s darkest hour. With an ensemble including Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, and Liv Tyler, the film became both a critical and commercial triumph.
Worldwide gross in 2003: $1,120,224,046
Adjusted for 2025: $1,952,060,849
From Gandalf to Magneto, from fantasy epics to animated villains, Ian McKellen has shown that his versatility and commanding screen presence transcend genres. His films have enchanted audiences for decades, proving that great acting can elevate even the biggest blockbusters.
