
Gustaf Gründgens
ActingAbout 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.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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".




