Gustaf Gründgens - Actor Profile

Gustaf Gründgens

Acting
Freshness: Jan 20, 2026
30Total Films
8.1 Highest Rated
Born: Dec 22, 1899
Birth Place: Düsseldorf, Germany

About Gustaf Gründgens

Gustaf Gründgens (22 December 1899 – 7 October 1963), born Gustav Heinrich Arnold Gründgens, was one of Germany's most famous and influential actors of the 20th century, and artistic director of theatres in Berlin, Düsseldorf, and Hamburg. His career continued unimpeded through the years of the Nazi regime; the extent to which this can be considered as deliberate collaboration with the Nazis is hotly disputed. His best known roles were that of Mephistopheles in Goethe's Faust in 1956/57, and as "Der Schränker" (The Safecracker) who is the chief judge of the kangaroo court presiding over Peter Lorre in Fritz Lang's M.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Gustaf Gründgens reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 30 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of Gustaf Gründgens's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 13% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Gustaf Gründgens remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in M, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Gustaf Gründgens Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Gustaf Gründgens's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Gustaf Gründgens.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2017 Hitler's Hollywood Various Roles (archive footage) Average Similar →
2015 A Physical History of 'M' Schränker (archive footage) Flop Similar →
1960 Faust Mephisto Hit Similar →
1960 A Glass of Water Sir Henry St. John Average Similar →
1941 Friedemann Bach Wilhelm Friedemann Bach Average Similar →
1941 Uncle Krüger Joseph Chamberlain Super Hit Similar →
1938 Tanz auf dem Vulkan Jean-Gaspard Debureau Average Similar →
1937 Love in Stunt Flying Jack Warren Flop Similar →
1936 Eine Frau ohne Bedeutung Lord George Illingworth Average Similar →
1935 Pygmalion Professor Higgins Average Similar →
1935 Joan of Arc König Karl VII. von Frankreich Flop Similar →
1935 Hundert Tage Fouché Flop Similar →
1934 Inheritance in Pretoria Eugen Schliebach Flop Similar →
1934 So Ended a Great Love Count Metternich Flop Similar →
1934 Black Fighter Johanna Dr. Frost, politischer Agent Flop Similar →
1933 Le Tunnel Woolf Average Similar →
1933 Der Tunnel Mr. Woolf Average Similar →
1933 Die schönen Tage von Aranjuez Alexander Flop Similar →
1933 Liebelei Baron v. Eggersdorff Hit Similar →
1933 Love Story Baron von Eggersdorf Flop Similar →
1932 Teilnehmer antwortet nicht Fahrlehrer Flop Similar →
1932 The Countess of Monte Cristo Der 'Baron' Hochstapler Flop Similar →
1931 Yorck Karl August Fürst von Hardenberg Flop Similar →
1931 Luise, Queen of Prussia König Friedrich Wilhelm III Flop Similar →
1931 The Theft of the Mona Lisa Unbekannter Flop Similar →
1931 M Schränker Super Hit Similar →
1931 Danton Robespierre Average Similar →
1930 Fire in the Opera House Otto van Lingen Flop Similar →
1930 Hokuspokus Staatsanwalt Dr.Wilke Flop Similar →
1930 Never Trust a Woman Jean Flop Similar →

Gustaf Gründgens - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Gustaf Gründgens?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Gustaf Gründgens is "M" with a rating of 8.1/10.

How many movies has Gustaf Gründgens acted in?

Gustaf Gründgens has been featured in at least 30 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Gustaf Gründgens?

Other notable films include "Uncle Krüger", "Faust", and "Liebelei".