Summary

  • Clint Eastwood's iconic roles in top-grossing films showcase his enduring box office appeal and versatility as an actor.
  • From Dirty Harry to emotional dramas like Million Dollar Baby, Eastwood's films resonate with audiences worldwide.
  • Eastwood's triple-threat talent as actor, director, and producer shines in box office hits like Gran Torino, captivating viewers.

Clint Eastwood's star power reliably attracts audiences, ensuring significant box office earnings. Though not every film he stars in rakes in huge profits, there are ten that stand out as the highest-grossing of his career. From Clint Eastwood’s iconic roles as the "Man With No Name" in Sergio Leone's Spaghetti Westerns to the uncompromising Inspector Harry Callahan in the Dirty Harry series, the actor has embodied a timeless brand of cinematic masculinity for over six decades.

His intelligent filmmaking and prolific acting have contributed to an impressive net worth and a collective worldwide gross of $3.8 billion for his films. While Eastwood is often associated with westerns and tough-guy roles, his filmography showcases an exceptional range and notable box office successes. These top-grossing films include Gran Torino, Million Dollar Baby, and In the Line of Fire, each demonstrating Eastwood's ability to captivate audiences with compelling storytelling and powerful performances. Exploring these box office triumphs offers a fascinating insight into the enduring appeal and impact of Clint Eastwood's remarkable career.

Movie Title

Release Year

Character

Domestic Box Office

Worldwide Box Office

Sudden Impact

1983

Harry Callahan

$67,642,693

$67,642,693

Any Which Way You Can

1980

Philo Beddoe

$104,268,727

$104,268,727

Every Which Way But Loose

1978

Philo Beddoe

$104,268,727

$104,268,727

Space Cowboys

2000

Frank Corvin

$90,454,043

$128,874,043

Unforgiven

1992

William Munny

$101,157,447

$159,157,447

The Mule

2018

Earl Stone

$103,804,407

$173,453,994

The Bridges of Madison County

1995

Robert Kincaid

$71,516,617

$175,516,617

In the Line of Fire

1993

Frank Horrigan

$102,243,874

$187,343,874

Million Dollar Baby

2004

Frankie Dunn

$100,492,203

$231,928,227

Gran Torino

2008

Walt Kowalski

$148,095,302

$274,543,085

10 Sudden Impact (1983)

Box Office: $67,642,693

Sudden Impact (1983)
R
Action
Crime
Thriller

Director
Clint Eastwood
Release Date
December 9, 1983
Writers
Harry Julian Fink , Rita M. Fink , Joseph Stinson , Earl E. Smith , Charles B. Pierce , Chuck Pfarrer , Dean Riesner
Cast
Clint Eastwood , Sondra Locke , Pat Hingle , Bradford Dillman , Paul Drake , Audrie Neenan , Jack Thibeau , Michael Currie
Runtime
117 Minutes

Raking in an impressive $67.6 million at the domestic box office, Sudden Impact stands as the highest-grossing installment in the Dirty Harry series. Directed by and starring Clint Eastwood, this neo-noir thriller showcases some of Clint Eastwood's iconic scenes as the uncompromising Inspector Harry Callahan. The film's gripping narrative revolves around a sexual assault survivor's quest for vengeance. With Callahan assigned to the case, the results are a tense and suspenseful pursuit.

Sudden Impact's enduring popularity can be attributed to its powerful performances, particularly Eastwood's commanding presence, as well as this iconic quote from the Dirty Harry franchise, "Go ahead, make my day." The film's opening weekend alone garnered $9.7 million in the US, a testament to its immediate appeal. While critical reception was mixed, Sudden Impact's box office success solidifies its status as a standout in Eastwood's filmography and a defining entry in the Dirty Harry franchise.

Rent or buy Sudden Impact on Prime Video.

9 Any Which Way You Can (1980)

Box Office: $70,687,344

Any Which Way You Can
PG
Action
Adventure
Comedy
Where to Watch

*Availability in US

  • stream
  • rent
  • buy

Not available

Director
Buddy Van Horn
Release Date
December 17, 1980
Writers
Jeremy Joe Kronsberg , Stanford Sherman
Cast
Clint Eastwood , Sondra Locke , Geoffrey Lewis , William Smith , Harry Guardino , Ruth Gordon
Runtime
116 minutes

With a domestic gross of $70.7 million against a $15 million budget, Any Which Way You Can secured its spot as the fifth highest-grossing film of the year in the United States and Canada. This sequel to the box office hit Every Which Way But Loose showcases Clint Eastwood's versatility as he shifts from his signature gritty cop roles to a more lighthearted portrayal of Philo Beddoe. Eastwood's easygoing charm and comedic timing shine as he faces off against a Mafia-backed opponent.

These elements were combined to create a winning formula that resonated with audiences, as evidenced by the film's strong opening weekend. Any Which Way You Can debuted at the top of the US box office with an $8 million gross, setting the stage for its overall impressive box office run. The film's successful opening weekend highlights its immediate popularity and contributes to its overall impressive box office performance.

8 Every Which Way But Loose (1978)

Box Office: $104,268,727