Ian McKellen’s Best Roles
Sir Ian McKellen is a true titan of stage and screen whose distinguished career is a testament to his profound talent and versatility. He first earned legendary status in the British theatre as one of the foremost classical actors of his generation. For decades audiences witnessed his commanding presence in classic roles before he became a global film star relatively late in his career. He brings a deep sense of intelligence gravitas and humanity to every character he embodies.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s he achieved a new level of international fame by starring in two of the biggest film franchises of all time. These iconic roles made him a beloved figure to a new generation of fans around the world. Whether playing a powerful wizard a complex villain or a historical figure he delivers performances that are both masterful and memorable. He remains one of the most respected and cherished actors working today.
‘Six Degrees of Separation’ (1993)
In this thought provoking drama Ian McKellen plays Geoffrey Miller a wealthy South African art dealer living in New York. He and his wife are prominent figures in the city’s high society. Their comfortable lives are turned upside down when they are conned by a charming young man who claims to be the son of a famous actor.
His character is part of the affluent liberal elite whose worldview is challenged by the charismatic impostor. The film explores themes of identity class and the surprising connections that link people together. McKellen’s performance captures the character’s initial fascination and his eventual disillusionment as the elaborate deception unravels.
‘Apt Pupil’ (1998)
He delivers a chilling performance as Kurt Dussander an elderly war criminal hiding in a quiet American suburb. His dark past is discovered by a bright high school student who becomes obsessed with the horrors of his history. The student blackmails Dussander into revealing his monstrous secrets creating a toxic psychological battle between them.
The film is a dark and disturbing thriller that explores the nature of evil. McKellen’s portrayal of the hidden monster is terrifying and complex. He shows a man who is both a frail old neighbor and an unrepentant killer and the relationship he forges with the young boy is deeply unsettling.
‘Mr. Holmes’ (2015)
McKellen plays a 93 year old version of a famous detective living in quiet retirement. His character is facing the challenges of old age including a failing memory. He becomes determined to recount the true story of his final case a mystery that his friend Dr. Watson sensationalized in his writings years ago.
This role offered a unique and poignant look at a well known character. McKellen portrays him not as a brilliant detective in his prime but as a frail and vulnerable man confronting his own mortality. His performance is a touching exploration of memory regret and the process of aging.
‘Beauty and the Beast’ (2017)
In this live action musical fantasy he provides the voice and motion capture performance for Cogsworth. He is the loyal but perpetually stressed head of the household staff for a cursed prince. When the curse transforms him into a tightly wound mantel clock he anxiously tries to maintain order in the enchanted castle.
He brought considerable wit and charm to the famous enchanted clock. His performance added a layer of comedic fussiness and genuine warmth making Cogsworth a memorable part of the film’s enchanted ensemble. His on screen chemistry with the other cursed objects provided many delightful moments.
‘The Dresser’ (2015)
He stars as Norman the devoted and long suffering dresser to an aging and tyrannical actor. The story is set in a regional English theatre during the Second World War. His character must manage the star’s erratic behavior and failing health to ensure that the evening’s performance of a classic tragedy goes on as scheduled.
This television film is a powerful showcase for two great actors. McKellen’s performance captures the complex mix of love resentment and duty that defines his character’s relationship with his famous employer. The film is a moving tribute to the world of theatre and the people who dedicate their lives to it.
‘Richard III’ (1995)
He delivers a commanding performance as a notorious historical villain. This unique film reimagines the story in a fictionalized 1930s Britain with fascist overtones. His character is a brilliant and malevolent strategist who manipulates and murders his way to the throne.
McKellen co-wrote the screenplay and brought a celebrated interpretation of the character to the screen. He famously breaks the fourth wall speaking his sinister thoughts directly to the camera and making the audience his co-conspirators. His portrayal is charismatic and utterly terrifying creating one of the great screen villains.
‘X-Men’ (2000)
He first appeared as the iconic supervillain Magneto in this groundbreaking superhero film. His character Erik Lehnsherr is a powerful mutant with the ability to control magnetic fields. As a survivor of a prison camp he believes that humanity will always fear and persecute mutants leading him to wage a war against them for mutant supremacy.
His portrayal of Magneto added immense depth and tragedy to the character. He presented the villain not as a simple megalomaniac but as a complex revolutionary shaped by profound trauma. His complicated friendship and ideological rivalry with Professor Charles Xavier became the central conflict of the entire series.
‘X2’ (2003)
McKellen returns as the master of magnetism in this acclaimed sequel. After escaping from a plastic prison he is forced to form an uneasy alliance with his rivals the X-Men. They must work together to stop a military official who has a plan to eliminate every mutant on the planet.
This film allowed for a deeper exploration of his character’s motivations. The temporary truce highlights the shared history and mutual respect between him and his longtime friend and foe Charles Xavier. Even as an ally his methods remain ruthless and his presence is as intimidating as ever.
‘Gods and Monsters’ (1998)
He portrays a Hollywood director famous for his classic 1930s horror films. The movie imagines the director’s final days after he has retired and suffered a series of strokes. He forms an unlikely and complicated friendship with his handsome young gardener leading him to reflect on his past fame and his experiences as an openly gay man in old Hollywood.
His performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. He brilliantly captured the wit charm and inner turmoil of the aging artist. The role was a deeply moving and nuanced portrait of a man confronting his legacy his memories and his own mortality.
‘And the Band Played On’ (1993)
In this impactful television film he plays Bill Kraus a dedicated activist. The story chronicles the beginning of a major public health crisis in the United States. His character works tirelessly to raise awareness and demand government action while facing widespread fear prejudice and political inaction.
He delivered a passionate and powerful performance as a key figure in a turbulent time. The film was one of the first major productions to tackle a difficult subject. His character represents the frustration and determination of those who fought to save lives at the beginning of a devastating epidemic.
‘The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey’ (2012)
He reprised his famous role as Gandalf the Grey for this new trilogy of films. Set sixty years before his previous adventures the story follows the wizard as he persuades a young hobbit to join a group of dwarves. Their quest is to reclaim their mountain home from a fearsome dragon.
McKellen slipped back into the role of the beloved wizard with ease. He perfectly recaptured the character’s familiar blend of warmth wisdom and grandfatherly charm. His performance provided a crucial link between the two epic sagas and was a welcome return for audiences everywhere.
‘X-Men: Days of Future Past’ (2014)
He plays the older version of Magneto in a dark dystopian future. In this timeline mutants have been nearly exterminated by an army of unstoppable robotic sentinels. In a last desperate act he joins forces with his old friend Professor Xavier to send a mutant’s consciousness back to the 1970s to change history and prevent their grim reality.
This film brought together actors from both the original and prequel series. McKellen’s portrayal of a weary and battle-hardened Magneto showed a man who has seen his worst fears realized. His final collaboration with his lifelong rival is a poignant and powerful part of the story.
‘The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers’ (2002)
After a dramatic fall in the previous film his character makes a triumphant return. He is transformed into Gandalf the White a more powerful and radiant version of the wizard. He reappears at a critical moment to rally the forces of good and becomes a key leader in the war against the dark lord Sauron.
His character’s rebirth is a major turning point in the epic saga. As Gandalf the White he has a more serious and commanding presence reflecting his enhanced power and singular focus on defeating the enemy. His arrival on horseback at the Battle of Helm’s Deep is one of the most iconic moments in the entire series.
‘The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring’ (2001)
He first embodied the wise and powerful wizard Gandalf the Grey in this epic fantasy adventure. He is a friend to the hobbits of the Shire and the one who discovers that a simple ring is actually an object of immense evil. He assembles a diverse fellowship to embark on a perilous quest to destroy the ring and save the world.
This performance earned him an Academy Award nomination and made him a global star. He perfectly captured every aspect of the iconic character from his playful affection for hobbits to his terrifying authority when confronting evil. His portrayal of Gandalf became the definitive interpretation for millions of fans.
‘The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King’ (2003)
In the epic conclusion to the trilogy his character acts as a key military strategist and a beacon of hope. Now known as Gandalf the White he organizes the defenses of the great city of Minas Tirith against an overwhelming assault. He rallies the armies of men and guides them through their darkest hour as the final battle for Middle-earth begins.
He provides a performance filled with immense authority and gravitas. His portrayal of Gandalf as a resolute commander and a wise counselor is central to the film’s triumphant finale. The role cemented his legacy as the face of one of the most beloved characters in film history.
Which of Sir Ian McKellen’s many roles is your absolute favorite?
