Will Ferrellis a household name. He’s given comedy some of the best content, both from his recurring role onSaturday Night Liveas well as his movies. He began his work on screen in the mid-’90s and progressed through the first bit of his career in both television and film, eventually earning him enough to be within the top 100 paid actors. His many roles in comedy have granted him a place in Hollywood’s classof leading comedy actors, the Frat Pack. The group consists of actors like Steve Carrell, Vince Vaughn, and Paul Rudd.
Ferrell’s energy on screen is never to be missed. He’s known for his hysterical commentary and aloof mischievousness. From movie to movie, he never misses the mark on making viewers laugh. His comedies likeAnchormanandTalladega Nightsdisplay Ferrell’s talent excellently. Though he rarely breaks a smile, he usually has the funniest dialogue on screen, and he delivers his dry humor with perfection every time.
Ferrell’s breakout role in film was the 2003 holiday comedyElf.He continued with movies likeOld Schoolalongside Vince Vaughn and Luke Wilson as well asBlades of Glorywith Amy Poehler. Though he has taken many roles in film, most of his highest-grossing movies at the box office might be a surprise.
Let’s take a look at Ferrell’s highest-grossing roles in film.
15’Blades of Glory' (2006)
Blades Of Glory
Ferrell was in top comedic form when he portrayed a washed up, sex-addicted ex-professional figure skater in the star-studded farceBlades of Glory,which focuses on the debauchery-loving Chazz Michael Michaels as he and his former sworn enemy Jimmy MacElroy (Jon Heder) discover a loophole that would allow the now-banned skaters to compete as partners in the sport they used to dominate. With the help of a determined coach, the mismatched duo duke it out against both each other and their components on the ice rink.
Ferrell Let’s Loose on the Rink
Featuring the additional talents of famous faces like Will Arnett, Amy Poehler,and Craig T. Nelson,Blades of Glorycontinued a string of box office success for Ferrell, who had previously appeared in films includingTalladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky BobbyandStranger than Fiction,with the comedy topping its competition its opening weekend and ultimately grossing $145.7 million. Ferrell’s completely uninhibited performance was singled out by fans and critics and he earned an MTV Movie & TV Award nod for Best Comedic Performance.
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
Ferrell andJohn C. Reillygave audiences a taste of the delightful chaos they would bring inStep Brotherswhen they joined forces forTalladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, following theSNLalum as he unforgettably appeared as the larger-than-life titular NASCAR driver who finds his reign as the auto racing world’s king compromised with the arrival of the charismatic French driver Jean Girard (Sacha Baron Cohen). After losing it all, Ricky must embrace his fighting spirit once more and reclaim his legacy.
Ferrell & Reilly Make Movie Magic
The phenomenal chemistry between Ferrell and Reilly (who played Ricky’s best friend and teammate Cal) is undeniably one of the greatest aspects ofTalladega Nights,and the comedy brilliantly blends satire, humor, and fearless performances by its colorful cast. The endlessly quotable flick gave Ferrell the largest film opening of his career at the time (grossing $47 million its first week) and bowed out at the box office with $163.4 million, effectively becoming a beloved hit in the comedian’s dazzling repertoire.
13’Starsky & Hutch' (2004)
Starsky and Hutch
Though his role is uncredited inStarsky & Hutch, there seems to be a theme in Ferrell’s featured roles where he ends up stealing the show with his iconic hilarity. To make this action comedy come alive, Ferrell stars alongside comedians Vince Vaughn, Owen Wilson, and Ben Stiller. Wilson and Stiller are the lead detectives who are drug-busting officers.
Ferrell’s Side-Splitting Cameo
Ferrell’s role as Big Earl Drennan features him as an incarcerated criminal who the lead detectives attempt to question while he’s locked up. He doesn’t offer any information until he’s allowed to see the belly button of Detective Hutch, played by Wilson. The film earned $170 million with a $60 million budget, making this remake of the original series worth the watch.
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12’The Other Guys' (2010)
The Other Guys
If there was a movie where Ferrell’s dry humor was epitomized to the tee,The Other Guyswould be it. The film was released in 2010 and made $170.9 million at the box office with a $85 million budget. Having produced the film as well, Ferrell played a huge role in how his character as Detective Allen “Gator” Gamble would be received by an audience.
Ferrell & Wahlberg’s Winning Chemistry
He starred alongside Mark Wahlberg as Detective Terry Hoitz. Together, the two were known as the underdogs of the precinct who rarely ever left the desk. But when they take a low-level case, they uncover a much bigger problem. Plenty of chaos is had, however, Gator and Hoitz end up solving an embezzlement case and find more crime than they set up for, making their efforts successful in the end.
11’Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues' (2013)
Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues
Anchorman 2: The Legend Continuesis one of, if not the best, representations of Ferrell’s comedic side. The cast made up of Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, David Koechner, Kristen Wiig, and more, make for hilarious supporting actors and add to the great success of the film. The plot revolves around Burgundy’s news crew who get fired and rehired due to obscene reporting antics.
Burgundy Is Back for More Hilarious Hijinks
Ferrell’srole as Ron Burgundywas reprised from the first film of the franchise,Anchorman.Not only does Ferrell appear alongside an all-star cast, but he also wrote and executive produced the film as well. It grossed $173.6 million at the box office with a $50 million budget, making the film a solid success for all of Ferrell’s work he put into it.
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10’Daddy’s Home 2' (2017)
Daddy’s Home 2
After previously starring alongside Mark Wahlberg in bothThe Other GuysandDaddy’s Home,Ferrell looked to capitalize on their amusing on-screen camaraderie by reuniting for the aptly namedDaddy’s Home 2,centering on reformed fathers Brad Whitaker (Ferrell) and Dusty Mayron (Wahlberg) as they continue to try and peacefully co-parent their two kids while preparing for their own fathers to visit for Christmas. John Lithgow and Mel Gibson hilariously portray the dynamic duo’s polar opposite dads who show up for the holiday season.
A Surprisingly Wholesome Bromance
Much like its predecessor,Daddy’s Home 2failed to make a splash with critics but nonetheless received an impressive A− CinemaScore from audiences while going on to become a box office hit, grossing $180.6 million against a $69 million budget. The endearing bromance between Ferrell and Wahlberg and the entertaining additions of their respective fictional fathers Lithgow and Gibson helped the sequel overcome what many felt was a sloppy and formulaic screenplay.
9’The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part' (2019)
The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part
The Lego Movie 2: The Second Partfeatures Ferrell as Lord Business, except now, he is considered President Business after having settled his disputes with essentially everyone in the Lego universe. This time, instead of fighting each other, the Lego-verse has to come up with a way to defend themselves against the Duplo Aliens who invaded their habitat at the end of the first film.
Ferrell Returns as the Villainous Lord Business
The Lego Movie 2: The Second Partfalls in the middle of Ferrell’s highest-grossing films, having earned $199.6 million at the box office with a budget of $99 million. Though there isn’t a confirmed third film to the franchise,producer Dan Linhad previously discussed development for a second sequel. However, its potential fruition looks murky as Universal is taking over for Warner Bros. when it comes to developing and distributing future Lego films.
8’Elf' (2003)
The 2003 filmElfis a great holiday comedy. From venturing to NYC all the way from The North Pole to finding his biological dad among bunches of gum drops, Ferrell absolutely delivers a perfect performance as Santa’s tallest elf, Buddy. He not only finds his family, he lands a love interest, and creates one of the most magical Christmas’ in years, raising the spirit meter with his singing and cheer.
A Beloved Christmas Classic
Elfgrossed $225.1 million at the box office with a minimum budget of $33 million. The film is just as successful then as it is now, as it is still one of themost popular Christmas moviesto stream over twenty years after its debut. The holiday staple has frequently been named as one of the greatest Christmas films of all time by publications like Entertainment Weekly and The Hollywood Reporter, and it showed audiences just what Ferrell was capable of as a comedic performer.
7’Daddy’s Home' (2015)
Daddy’s Home
InDaddy’s Home,Ferrell stars alongside Mark Wahlberg, who he has excellent chemistry with from previous films together. The film made $242.8 million at the box office with a $50 million budget and was followed by the aforementioned sequel,Daddy’s Home 2.In the movie, Ferrell’s Brad marries Sara, who is Dusty’s ex-wife. Dusty, played by Wahlberg, is an alpha male while Brad is a physically weak and even-tempered guy.
Ferrell Dazzlingly Reunites with Wahlberg
Brad and Dusty have to learn to co-parent the kids while making sure they have a positive experience as a blended family. While the family makes new traditions, they encounter comical mishaps along the way, but the kids finally have peace between both their dads, making everyone win in the end.
6’Wedding Crashers' (2005)
Wedding Crashers
Released in 2005,Wedding Crashersquickly gained the likes of many with its explicit and relatable content. Ferrell took a feature role in the film alongside leadslike Vince Vaughn, Owen Wilson, and Rachel McAdams. His role as Chazz is uncredited but does not go unnoticed. While Vaughn as Jeremy and Wilson as John crash weddings for the women, Chazz hilariously decides to crash a funeral to find the most vulnerable catch he can.
A Trailblazing Box Office Triumph
With an all-star cast, it’s no wonder that the film did so well, earning $288.5 million at the box office while having a $40 million budget, ultimately becoming the first R-rated comedy to make $200 million domestically and helping revive the adult-oriented comedy. There had beendiscussion about a sequel, but as of 2022, production has been halted due to scheduling and developmental issues.
