Cast: Ian McKellen

Top movies, series, and documentaries starring Ian McKellen. Uncover the most acclaimed works, loved by fans and praised by critics.


Direction Peter Jackson

Cast Elijah Wood · Viggo Mortensen · Ian McKellen · Sean Astin

Synopsis The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) sees the dark lord Sauron's armies besieging Minas Tirith, the capital of Gondor, aiming to eradicate the human race. The once-mighty kingdom, now overseen by a weary steward, urgently...

Max

8.2

182K votes

8.2

182K votes

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

2002 · Movie · 179 min. · New Zealand

Direction Peter Jackson

Cast Elijah Wood · Viggo Mortensen · Ian McKellen · Sean Astin

Synopsis The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002) commences in the rugged terrain of Emyn Muil, where the wandering Hobbits Frodo (Elijah Wood) and Sam (Sean Astin) realize they are being trailed by the enigmatic Gollum (Andy Serkis). This...

Max

8.0

167K votes

8.0

167K votes

Direction Peter Jackson

Cast Elijah Wood · Ian McKellen · Viggo Mortensen · Sean Astin

Synopsis The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) follows the journey of a young Hobbit named Frodo Baggins, who inherits a ring with immense power. This ring, known as the One Ring, was forged by the dark...

Max

8.0

189K votes

8.0

189K votes

The Five(ish) Doctors Reboot

2013 · Documentary · 31 min. · United Kingdom

Direction Peter Davison

Cast Peter Davison · Colin Baker · Sylvester McCoy · Steven Moffat

Synopsis The Five(ish) Doctors Reboot (2013) presents a humorous and nostalgic journey as fans eagerly anticipate the 50th anniversary special of "Doctor Who." The documentary captures the excitement and anticipation surrounding the potential appearances of classic Doctors Peter Davison, Colin Baker,...

7.3

129 votes

7.3

129 votes

Hating Peter Tatchell

2021 · Documentary · 91 min. · Australia

Direction Christopher Amos

Cast Ian McKellen · Stephen Fry · Peter Tatchell

Synopsis Hating Peter Tatchell (2021) delves into the extraordinary journey of a polarizing human rights advocate, whose daring acts of civil disobedience challenged the status quo, reshaped societal views on homosexuality, and unveiled oppressive regimes in the pursuit of equality.

7.3

28 votes

7.3

28 votes

McKellen: Playing the Part

2017 · Documentary · 96 min. · United Kingdom

Direction Joe Stephenson

Cast Ian McKellen · Scott Chambers · Luke Evans · Milo Parker

Synopsis McKellen: Playing the Part (2017) is an in-depth feature documentary that delves into the extraordinary life and prolific career of the renowned actor Sir Ian McKellen. The film offers an intimate look at McKellen's journey, from his early days in...

7.2

103 votes

7.2

103 votes

Gods and Monsters

1998 · Movie · 105 min. · United States

Direction Bill Condon

Cast Ian McKellen · Brendan Fraser · Lynn Redgrave · Lolita Davidovich

Synopsis Gods and Monsters (1998) is a poignant and semi-fictional exploration of the final days of legendary director James Whale, portrayed masterfully by Sir Ian McKellen. Set in 1957, the narrative unfolds in Southern California, where Whale resides in relative isolation...

7.2

8K votes

7.2

8K votes

Doctor Who: The Snowmen (TV)

2012 · Movie · 60 min. · United Kingdom

Direction Saul Metzstein

Cast Matt Smith · Jenna Coleman · Tom Ward · Richard E. Grant

Synopsis Doctor Who: The Snowmen (TV) (2012) is a festive adventure set on Christmas Eve in 1892, where the enchanting snowfall takes a sinister turn. A young governess named Clara, known for her unconventional methods, seeks the Doctor's assistance as a...

Max

7.1

840 votes

7.1

840 votes

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

2012 · Movie · 170 min. · New Zealand

Direction Peter Jackson

Cast Martin Freeman · Ian McKellen · Richard Armitage · Ken Stott

Synopsis The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012) follows the adventure of Bilbo Baggins, a peaceful hobbit who embarks on an unforgettable expedition to the Lonely Mountain, guided by the wise wizard Gandalf the Grey. Bilbo joins a band of thirteen dwarves,...

Max

7.0

83K votes

7.0

83K votes

X-Men: Days of Future Past

2014 · Movie · 130 min. · United States

Direction Bryan Singer

Cast Hugh Jackman · James McAvoy · Michael Fassbender · Jennifer Lawrence

Synopsis X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) presents a thrilling narrative where a formidable group of mutants engages in a pivotal struggle for their species' survival, spanning two distinct eras. In this cinematic adventure, the beloved characters from the initial X-Men...

6.9

45K votes

6.9

45K votes

Vicious (TV Series)

2013 · Series · 22 min. · United Kingdom

Direction Mark Ravenhill · Ed Bye

Cast Derek Jacobi · Ian McKellen · Iwan Rheon · Frances de la Tour

Synopsis Vicious (TV Series) (2013) is a British sitcom that aired from 2013 to 2016, spanning two seasons and 14 episodes. The show centers around Freddie and Stuart, a long-time couple who, despite their enduring relationship, engage in constant bickering. Their...

6.9

307 votes

6.9

307 votes

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

2013 · Movie · 160 min. · New Zealand

Direction Peter Jackson

Cast Martin Freeman · Richard Armitage · Ian McKellen · Aidan Turner

Synopsis The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013) follows the adventures of Thorin and his company as they navigate the treacherous Mirkwood Forest and arrive at the bustling Lake-town. Here, the hobbit Bilbo Baggins is tasked with honoring his agreement with...

Max

6.7

62K votes

6.7

62K votes

Bent

1997 · Movie · 105 min. · United Kingdom

Direction Sean Mathias

Cast Clive Owen · Lothaire Bluteau · Ian McKellen · Mick Jagger

Synopsis Bent (1997) is a film directed by Sean Mathias, based on Martin Sherman's acclaimed play, which delves into the horrific persecution of homosexuals by the Nazis during World War II. Set in Germany, the narrative unfolds as the Nazi regime...

6.6

916 votes

6.6

916 votes

X-Men

2000 · Movie · 96 min. · United States

Direction Bryan Singer

Cast Hugh Jackman · Patrick Stewart · Ian McKellen · Anna Paquin

Synopsis X-Men (2000) unfolds in a near-future world where some humans are developing extraordinary abilities, becoming mutants. In the Canadian wilderness, a young mutant named Rogue (Anna Paquin) and Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), a grumpy mutant with retractable metal claws and rapid...

6.5

112K votes

6.5

112K votes

6.5

334 votes

Richard III

1995 · Movie · 107 min. · United Kingdom

Direction Richard Loncraine

Cast Ian McKellen · Annette Bening · Kristin Scott Thomas · Jim Broadbent

Synopsis Richard III (1995) is a cinematic interpretation of a renowned stage production of Shakespeare's historical play, featuring Ian McKellen in the lead role. The narrative unfolds in a stylized 1930s London, blending elements of art deco, Third Reich aesthetics, and...

6.5

1K votes

6.5

1K votes

And the Band Played On (TV)

1993 · Movie · 140 min. · United States

Direction Roger Spottiswoode

Cast Matthew Modine · Alan Alda · Richard Gere · Phil Collins

Synopsis And the Band Played On (TV) (1993) delves into the early years of the AIDS crisis in the United States, highlighting three pivotal aspects. Dr. Don Francis, an immunologist renowned for his work on smallpox and Ebola, joins the Centers...

Max

6.5

1K votes

6.5

1K votes

Beauty and the Beast

2017 · Movie · 123 min. · United States

Direction Bill Condon

Cast Emma Watson · Dan Stevens · Luke Evans · Kevin Kline

Synopsis Beauty and the Beast (2017) follows the journey of Belle (Emma Watson), a bright young woman residing in a quaint French village with her devoted father, Maurice (Kevin Kline). When Maurice's horse returns home without him, Belle embarks on a...

6.4

24K votes

6.4

24K votes

Apt Pupil

1998 · Movie · 111 min. · United States

Direction Bryan Singer

Cast Brad Renfro · Ian McKellen · Bruce Davison · Elias Koteas

Synopsis Apt Pupil (1998) follows the chilling tale of a high school student who becomes deeply engrossed in the horrors of the Nazi regime during World War II. This fascination leads him to suspect that his seemingly ordinary neighbor was once...

6.4

7K votes

6.4

7K votes

X2

2003 · Movie · 125 min. · United States

Direction Bryan Singer

Cast Hugh Jackman · Ian McKellen · Patrick Stewart · Brian Cox

Synopsis X2 (2003) begins with a tense scene at the White House, where a potential assassin threatens the president. Concurrently, Wolverine embarks on a quest to uncover the enigmatic details of his past. At Xavier's Institute for Higher Learning, Professor Xavier...

6.4

77K votes

6.4

77K votes