James Mangold, the acclaimed director known for films such as Girl, Interrupted, The Wolverine, and Logan, has recently garnered attention for his box office successes. Having received his first Oscar nomination for Best Director with the musical biopic A Complete Unknown, featuring Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan, Mangold’s achievements continue to resonate in the film industry as the Oscars 2025 approach. Let’s delve into the director’s top five highest-grossing films worldwide.
Born in New York City to artists Robert Mangold and Sylvia Plimack Mangold, James Mangold pursued a career in film by attending the California Institute of the Arts Film/Video program. He initially started directing promotional documentaries, including a project for Disney and General Motors called Future View. His directing career began in earnest with his debut film Heavy in 1995, which paved the way for notable projects like Cop Land, Girl, Interrupted, and Identity. His collaboration with Hugh Jackman on The Wolverine and Logan further cemented his reputation, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay.
According to The Numbers, James Mangold has directed thirteen films, accumulating a staggering $2.51 billion in worldwide box office revenue. His work as an executive producer on The Greatest Showman also highlights his ongoing collaboration with Hugh Jackman across multiple projects, showcasing his versatility in the industry.
Here’s a look at James Mangold’s top five highest-grossing films:
5. Ford V Ferrari (2019) – $226.29 Million
4. Knight and Day (2010) – $261.9 Million
3. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023) – $383.96 million
2. The Wolverine (2013) – $414.8 Million
1. Logan (2017) – $619.1 Million
Leading the list, Logan stands out with over 173.5% more collections than the least-grossing film on this list. Set in the 1960s, the film follows an unknown 19-year-old Bob Dylan arriving in New York City, forging connections with musical icons as he catapults to fame. Logan had a solid opening weekend, collecting $11.65 million, and it has since amassed an impressive $619.1 million globally.
The recent release, A Complete Unknown, has also made waves with multiple nominations heading into the Oscars 2025. Released on December 25, 2024, the film reached $67.03 million in total collections, with expectations for its cume to continue rising.
James Mangold’s box office achievements illustrate his storytelling prowess and ability to connect with diverse audiences. The potential future successes of his upcoming projects may only enhance his already impressive legacy, leaving fans eager for more cinematic achievements.
