Top 20 Billion Dollar Box Office Movies
Top 20 Billion Dollar Box Office Movies
Top 10 Billion Dollar Box Office Movies
As if earning all the money wasn’t enough, they’ve also got our adoration. Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’ll be counting down our picks for the Top 20 Billion Dollar Box Office Movies. For this list, we’ll be looking at films that crossed the billion-dollar threshold at the global box office and ranking them on their overall quality. Just like before, we'll be adjusting for inflation so as to give older films a chance for qualification. Because it's much more difficult to account for worldwide grosses in so many different currencies, note that the figures we're using are the best estimates that we've been able to calculate based on what information is available.
#20: “Captain America: Civil War” (2016)
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Whether you want to call it “Captain America 3” or “Avengers 2.5,” it’s tough denying how hard-hitting and deeply personal of a superhero film it is. Pitting a slew of the MCU’s finest heroes against one another, “Civil War” redefined what action sequences and character development can look like within the genre. Pair that with the dynamic franchise debuts from the likes of Black Panther and Spider-Man, and suddenly it’s easy to see how this third entry in the Cap saga rolled its way to ten digits at the box office. While it would be surpassed in scope very soon thereafter - even by another film on this list - it still resonates emotionally every time we watch it.
#19: “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2” (2011)
Delivering one of the most epic conclusions in cinematic history, the “Harry Potter” series had some lofty expectations to meet going into its eighth installment. In an age where seemingly every subsequent two-part finale reeks of nothing but a mere cash grab, “Deathly Hallows - Part 2” justified the approach and made snatching all the box office dollars look classy. Sure, it’s got one hell of a showstopping battle sequence at the end of it, but it also manages to tie together ten-plus years of movie magic - pun intended - in a way that is both seamless and narratively satisfying. Especially for those who essentially grew up with the cast of the films, this one felt particularly special.
#18: “Avatar” (2009)
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Nowadays, if you want to be the highest-grossing film of all time, it’s almost a necessity to rely on previously-established IP to get the job done. Yet, that’s exactly what James Cameron didn’t do with “Avatar,” which exploded onto the moviegoing scene in 2009. Making technological advancements in 3D and cinematography we at the time thought years and years away, the film stunned audiences with its lavish visuals and dynamic world-building. While its popularity has waned in recent years with some criticism aimed at narrative derivativeness, it can’t be denied the impact it had on the industry. Plus, with four sequels mapped out to be released in relatively quick succession, we might just see the franchise’s return to box office dominance.
#17: “Skyfall” (2012)
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With 2006’s “Casino Royale,” we’d already seen what a dark and gritty James Bond could look like with Daniel Craig leading the charge. It wasn’t until 2012 that we saw the absolute perfection of that approach in the form of “Skyfall,” a stark, narratively challenging spy caper that hit closer to home than we expected. While it benefitted hugely from a delectably sinister villainous turn from Javier Bardem, the film’s greatest contributor comes arguably in the form of incoming franchise director Sam Mendes, who grounded yet supercharged the kinetic action scenes. Also, we’re sure that Oscar-winning Adele intro song helped get some butts in seats, too.
#16: “Black Panther” (2018)
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Sure, at this point we expect the “Avengers” films and those of the MCU’s flagship heroes to break a billion dollars, but “Black Panther” was the smash, cultural sensation that few saw coming. Aside from a supporting role in the aforementioned “Captain America: Civil War,” the title character of this entry - not to mention his esoteric milieu - hadn’t yet been familiarized to audiences. That didn’t stop buzz from growing exponentially, however, as “Black Panther” quickly established itself as an exhilarating and socially profound blockbuster the likes of which we’d never seen. From the astounding production design to a dynamic score, the outing instantly resonated with fans, earning a whopping $700 million in North America alone. Yeah, we’d say it deserves a sequel.
#15: “The Lion King” (1994)
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Coming out in the thick of the Disney Renaissance, “The Lion King” was following up some classics in their own rights like “Beauty and the Beast” and “Aladdin.” Yet, with a dynamite voice cast and music maestro Elton John in tow, this reimagining of a Shakespearean tale set a new benchmark for animation everywhere. Everything seemed to click into place, from the music, to the sweeping visuals, to the personable characters, etc. While an ostensibly live-action remake made even more money decades later, it didn’t capture our hearts quite like the original did and technically didn’t sell as many tickets. Things really did come up “Hakuna Matata” for Disney in 1994.
#14: “Joker” (2019)
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The most recent film on our list, 2019’s “Joker” smashed all barriers as to what comic book adaptations can look like and achieve. Words like “tense,” “shrewd,” “visceral,” and “horrifying” can all be used to describe it as the zeitgeist’s morbid fascination with it drove it to become a surprise member of the billion-dollar club. Earning a whopping eleven Oscar nominations at the 92nd Academy Awards, including one for Best Picture, the film divided audiences but looked oh so cool while doing it. What was seemingly universally agreed upon was Joaquin Phoenix’s layered, disturbing and unnervingly sympathetic performance in the titular role, one that won him a well-deserved golden statuette of his own.
#13: “The Avengers” (2012)
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It may seem old hat now, but the bringing together of a cinematic universe was essentially unheard of back in 2008 when a post-credit scene in “Iron Man” teased the possibility of one. Needless to say, comic book fans were ecstatic, and their patience paid off tenfold with the release of 2012’s “The Avengers.” Bringing together a sextet of superheroes after most received their own standalone film, the crossover event wowed moviegoers with its bombastic visuals and dynamic interpersonal characterizations. Almost too big to fail, the movie altered franchise filmmaking as we know it for good, spurring studios everywhere to replicate its success to largely middling results. One thing is for certain, though: the Avengers assembled and it was glorious.
#12: “Jurassic Park” (1993)
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Even with decades of visual effects innovations separating 1993’s “Jurassic Park” from its sequels - some of which would earn a billion dollars as well - seemingly nothing will top our first encounter with dinosaurs. Filling to the brim with scientific wonder and intrigue, this adaptation of the Michael Crichton novel of the same name enchanted viewers of all ages with a palpable sense of adventure. Quickly becoming the then-highest-grossing film of all time, “Jurassic Park” pushed the boundaries of both technical achievements and narrative ones, cementing itself as a heavyweight classic amidst a crowded Steven Spielberg filmography that’s full of them.
#11: “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” (1982)
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Speaking of Spielberg classics, the film that “Jurassic Park” took the ultimate box office crown from was this delightful, family sci-fi film about a boy who befriends a being from another world. Full of iconic moments that give us goosebumps to this day, such as the levitating bike sequence, “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” is both whimsical and heartfelt through and through. Not only that, but it managed to make grown adults cry at the potential death of a highly emotive, alien puppet who just wants to go home. If that’s not emotional attachment then we don’t know what is.
#10: “Raiders of the Lost Ark” (1981)
Yep, for our third Steven Spielberg movie in a row - though not our last - we have 1981’s “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” a swashbuckling ode to film serials of old that introduced the world to a little-known character by the name of Indiana Jones. In all seriousness, though, if “Raiders” didn’t invent the action-adventure genre as we know it today, it definitely perfected it. Starring Harrison Ford in what is arguably his finest role, the “Indiana Jones” series is the encapsulation of spirit and fun, though none more so than the first outing. Winning a whopping five Oscars, the movie is infectiously vibrant, and one that we can’t help but revisit even today.
#9: “Titanic” (1997)
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Aptly titled due to the sheer magnitude of its impact, “Titanic” stirred up a box office storm the likes of which the world hadn’t yet seen, doubling what “Jurassic Park” had made just four years prior. And while we were subsequently subjected to having “My Heart Will Go On” stuck in our heads for the next five, the fervor for it was right on the money. Boasting jaw-dropping setpieces that stand the test of time decades later, the movie seemingly satisfied everyone with a romantic-disaster story that did go on to win a record-tying eleven Oscars, including Best Picture. With the kind of passion going on both in front of and behind the cameras, it’s hard to argue with those results.
#8: “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” (2003)
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Once again tying the record for most Oscars comes this trilogy-capping fantasy epic from Peter Jackson. While following two equally impressive adventures that retroactively crossed the billion-dollar milestone, this one did it in its own time. While clocking in at a whopping 201 minutes, or 252 with the extended cut, neither version feels its length when it counts, as J. R. R. Tolkien’s breathtaking vision comes to a magnificent conclusion. With visual effects that would put most of today’s offerings to shame, “Return of the King” is as epic as it gets, and the fact that it’s only number eight really says something of what’s to come.
#7: “Avengers: Endgame” (2019)
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Speaking of epic, “Avengers: Endgame” made the first “Avengers'' film look like the minor leagues. Sure, it was put in a perfect position to do so by the similarly impressive “Avengers: Infinity War,” but this one features a showstopping finale that is Marvel comics come to life. The film did a brilliant job at bookending eleven-plus years of filmmaking in a way that is both cathartic and appreciative of the fans that made it possible. Not only that, but it does service to character arcs in a way both masterful and realistic, making us shed multiple tears in the process. Also, is it just us, or does its time travel logic actually make a lot of sense?
#6: “The Exorcist” (1973)
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One of the few horror films that broke out both commercially and critically in the way that it did, William Friedkin’s “The Exorcist” reshaped the genre for generations to come. Genuinely chilling moments abound, due in large part to stellar cinematography and a strikingly convincing performance from Linda Blair as a young girl possessed by a demon. Studio expectations weren’t very high for this one, but a burgeoning popularity with audiences prompted expansion and rereleases, the latter of which enough to place it on this list. Even nearly half a century later, we can still hear that eerie Jack Nitzsche score, which gave the overall mood and energy of the piece the proper undertone of dread.
#5: “The Dark Knight” (2008)
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While its sequel “The Dark Knight Rises” similarly had the turnout and reception that might classify it for this list, “The Dark Knight” may forever be considered the quintessential superhero movie in the era of superhero movies. Also serving as a rousing crime epic, the movie spun a dynamic and unpredictable narrative about chaos and corruption worthy of the Caped Crusader’s reputation. Not only that, but it gave us one of the most captivating and disturbing supporting performances in Heath Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker, which saw him earn a much deserved posthumous Oscar. In short, “The Dark Knight” is an eminently rewatchable masterclass in cinema that transcends its genre and onto this list.
#4: “The Godfather” (1972)
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If you want to talk about mood playing an important role in relaying a story, look no further than 1972’s “The Godfather.” Lifted from the Mario Puzo novel of the same name, this family-centric crime epic is about as powerful a movie as one could hope for. From the direction, to the score, to the acting, to the dialogue, the whole picture coalesces into something that is wholly palpable and compelling. Succeeded by an equally riveting “Part II” that surprisingly only grossed about a third of the revenue, “The Godfather” sits perhaps the atop director Francis Ford Coppola’s illustrious filmography in terms of cinematic prowess. In short, watching it is an offer you can’t refuse.
#3: “Jaws” (1975)
Yep, the king of all Spielberg masterpieces bests the others for the third spot on our list. Often cited as the movie that made the concept of summer blockbusters a reality, “Jaws” quietly sneaked up on an unsuspecting public until it caused a fervor that saw it claim its status as the highest-grossing film from our previous entry. While perhaps more of a thriller than a horror movie, it still horrified audiences with sheer anticipation and that killer John Williams score. Say what you will of the special effects, but the setpieces hold up incredibly well, making any who watch it apprehensive of treading open waters.
#2: “Gone with the Wind” (1939)
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If this were simply a list of the highest-grossing films adjusting for inflation, this would sit at the top of the list. However, even at number two, “Gone with the Wind” remains a cultural touchstone in the history of cinema and a cornerstone for that matter in terms of epic filmmaking. Captivatingly acted by Vivien Leigh, Clark Gable, and company, who chew up the scenery with every line, there’s nary a moment in the 221-minute masterpiece that isn’t suffused with sheer, hot-blooded passion. Even the set decoration is astounding in its own right, making audiences thankful it was released in full, breathtaking color. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Spider-Man 2” (2004) “Toy Story 3” (2010) “Finding Nemo” (2003) “Captain Marvel” (2019) “Furious 7” (2015)
#1: “Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope” (1977)
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Forget all the other entries; this movie changed filmmaking as we know it. While pretty much every live-action film has retroactively crossed $1 billion save for “Solo,” it was this little 1977 sci-fi space adventure that could that captured the hearts and imaginations of all those who saw it. Somehow grounded in a farmboy’s big dreams of a wider world and impressive in scope the likes of which we’d never seen, this one set the gold standard for franchise starters forever. With a plethora of endearing characters, both human and droids alike, “Star Wars'' weaved an intergalactic adventure that feels both avant-garde and traditional in its storytelling techniques, so engaging we can’t help but get swept up in its incomparable spirit.
