At this point in the rankings, Anthony Hopkins versus Ian McKellen is best read as a compact career snapshot rather than an all-time verdict. The category score gives Anthony Hopkins the broader edge, though the result remains a comparison of career outcomes rather than personal popularity.

The biggest-hit category sharpens the box office contrast, especially because Ian McKellen's leading film creates the stronger single-release benchmark. Based on the available ranking data, the balance leans toward Anthony Hopkins without turning the result into a subjective judgment of acting quality.