The 10 Best Movies to Earn a Billion Dollars at the Box Office

As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the magical world of cinema, I must say that the films listed here are nothing short of extraordinary! Each one tells a unique story and offers a captivating viewing experience, making it hard to pick a favorite.

The Toy Story trilogy, especially Toy Story 3, holds a special place in my heart as it brought tears to my eyes with its poignant tale of friendship and growth. I remember when I watched it for the first time; I was a young girl, much like Andy, the main character, and I could relate to his emotions as he said goodbye to his beloved toys.

Zootopia, on the other hand, stands out as a modern-day masterpiece that tackles important issues like prejudice and stereotyping in a way that resonates with both children and adults. Its powerful message about unity and understanding continues to inspire me every time I watch it.

Top Gun: Maverick, with its heart-pounding action sequences and emotional depth, showcases the power of legacy sequels done right. The film’s ability to captivate audiences, both old and new, is a testament to the timeless appeal of the original Top Gun.

And let’s not forget about Zootopia 2, which will undoubtedly be a blockbuster hit when it releases in 2025! I can’t wait to see how they continue the story and build upon the success of the first film.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a date with my Disney+ account and a bucket of popcorn. Just remember – life is like a movie: it’s all about the journey, not the destination! And if you ever find yourself stuck in traffic, just remember to “take the high ground” (and by that, I mean the fast lane). 😉

Approximately 55 films have earned over $1 billion globally without accounting for inflation, with several others coming very close. Among these 55, there are some films that were not well-received by critics, such as Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland,” “Jurassic World Dominion,” and “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.” However, there are instances where a movie can both receive critical acclaim and generate substantial profits for the studio.

As a long-time movie enthusiast who has spent countless hours at the cinema and many more discussing films with fellow cinephiles, I must say that the following list of billion-dollar grossers, unadjusted for inflation, is truly awe-inspiring. The sheer number of potential candidates warrants a much longer list, but these films have stood the test of time and continue to captivate audiences around the world.

One interesting aspect to note about this list is that re-releases are included, such as Jurassic Park, which has significantly contributed to its impressive total gross. This reminds me of my own experiences with movies; sometimes a film can become even more popular when it’s revisited years later, especially if it holds up well or offers new insights upon repeated viewings.

Another thing I appreciate about this list is that the films are presented alphabetically rather than being ranked based on quality or gross earnings. While I have my personal favorites and opinions on which movies deserve to be at the top, it’s refreshing to see a diverse selection of films presented equally. The grosses and explanations for each film’s quality are also included, so you can make your own judgments about what makes these movies truly special.

Overall, this list is a testament to the power of cinema and the enduring appeal of stories that resonate with people from all walks of life. Whether you’re a casual moviegoer or a dedicated film buff like myself, I hope you find something new to appreciate in this collection of billion-dollar grossers.

Avengers: Endgame (2019) — $2,799,439,100

The four Avengers films have each grossed over a billion dollars globally, and it’s up to individual opinions which one is considered the best. However, it’s not likely that Avengers: Age of Ultron will be everyone’s top choice.

In my opinion as a movie critic, the 2019 blockbuster “Avengers: Endgame” stands out as an impressive cinematic feat that transcends mere financial success. This film masterfully weaves together numerous storylines from various franchises without ever appearing overly cluttered or confusing. For the Russos, it serves as a testament to their creative prowess and marks a fitting culmination of their work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Black Panther (2018) — $1,349,926,083

Among the movies listed, Black Panther stands as the second and concluding Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film. Not only is it considered outstanding within its expansive cinematic world, but it holds the highest significance – without a doubt.

Before Ryan Coogler’s film, there were superhero movies featuring black leads, but none of them (Hancock, Blade, Spawn, Catwoman) provided an underrepresented audience with a character they could deeply connect to. Notably, Black Panther was both well-crafted and emotionally resonant, which likely contributed to its successful initial release and continued success due to repeat viewings worldwide.

The Dark Knight (2008) — $1,009,053,678

Remarkably, the audience interest in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight trilogy saw an enormous increase between the first and second installments. To give you an idea, the initial film, Batman Begins (2005), earned approximately $207 million domestically and an additional $168.5 million internationally. In contrast, just three years later, The Dark Knight raked in nearly half a billion dollars from domestic screens alone, amassing almost $535 million.

What caused such a significant surge in popularity? Firstly, “Batman Begins” was skillfully crafted and generally appreciated by audiences. Secondly, the buzz about Heath Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker effectively silenced any doubts about his casting. While there are many factors that contribute to it being the best superhero film ever made, Ledger’s performance is undoubtedly at the pinnacle. Lastly, the tragic death of Ledger added an extra layer of intrigue, making “The Dark Knight” a must-watch spectacle even more so than before.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001) — $1,026,414,475

As a die-hard cinema enthusiast, I must say that it’s quite astonishing to learn that merely two films from the seven-part Harry Potter series managed to rake in over $1 billion at the box office: the initial one and the final installment. The first film, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” was a particularly impressive feat given its place in the series.

With the excitement buzzing around J.K. Rowling’s original work (the fourth book had been published just a year before), “Sorcerer’s Stone” became an unquestionable cultural phenomenon. Not only is it visually stunning and boasts a flawless cast, but it continues to enchant audiences even today, serving as an excellent beginning for the series.

Jurassic Park (1993) — $1,104,379,926

30 years after its initial release, Steven Spielberg’s groundbreaking film “Jurassic Park” still packs the same exhilarating punch it did in the ’90s. This box office juggernaut, which dominated the year of its release, truly capitalized on its must-see-on-the-big-screen status. It’s no surprise that this cinematic masterpiece has been re-released numerous times.

As a devoted admirer, I must confess that none of the subsequent five sequels have managed to recapture even a fraction of the original’s magical awe and wonderment. Despite a few noticeable spots where the special effects appear somewhat outdated, it remains a film that grips you from the start and never lets go.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) — $1,138,267,537

Just as a captivating and emotional fantasy movie can be, Peter Jackson’s epic masterpiece, “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King,” successfully maintained the goodwill and financial success established by “The Fellowship of the Ring” and “The Two Towers.” Critically speaking, it was the sole film in the trilogy to receive the Academy Award for Best Picture.

Despite having a lengthy runtime, the movie managed to sell more tickets than its preceding, similarly long films. Some might favor “Fellowship,” but it’s certainly debatable that the Lord of the Rings film surpassing $1 billion at the box office was the finest in the trilogy.

Skyfall (2012) — $1,108,594,137

As a film critic, I must admit that my enthusiasm for the James Bond franchise often reaches its limit. However, when a new installment is hailed as a groundbreaking moment for the franchise, it can outshine even the most successful entries in the series. This was undeniably true for “Skyfall.

As a film enthusiast, I must say that the cinematographic masterpiece that is Skyfall left me utterly captivated. The acting was nothing short of divine, and the villain was truly menacing, making it stand out among other Bond films. What’s fascinating is how this movie managed to surpass expectations, considering that Casino Royale, another excellent film, earned $616.5 million, and Quantum of Solace, Daniel Craig’s second outing, received a lukewarm response at best.

Top Gun: Maverick (2022) — $1,495,696,292

In today’s era of sequels built on legacy, some films are triumphant while others fall flat. Take for example, Twister – it was a resounding success both critically and commercially. On the other hand, Zoolander 2 struggled to find its footing in these areas. However, Top Gun: Maverick has truly soared, becoming one of the most successful follow-ups since Star Wars: The Force Awakens, if not the most.

First off, “Maverick” surpasses “The Force Awakens” as it skillfully blends nostalgia with progression, a departure from many legacy sequels which can sometimes seem overly familiar (even though it’s generally more popular on a broader level than its two follow-ups). On the other hand, “Maverick” sold more tickets than the original movie, an unusual feat for a sequel, especially considering this achievement was made in the post-pandemic box office environment.

Toy Story 3 (2010) — $1,067,315,101

It was quite challenging to surpass the greatness of the initial Toy Story, but surprisingly, Toy Story 3 managed to do so. This film was capable of evoking tears from adults, and in some cases, even more effectively than children watching it together.

As a dedicated movie enthusiast, let me tell you that Toy Story 3 was an absolute masterpiece, wrapping up the trilogy in such a flawless manner, it’s almost a pity they went on to make Toy Story 4 and Lightyear (we’ll find out about Toy Story 5 in 2026). However, Toy Story 4 did manage to garner positive critical and commercial success as well, though it didn’t quite reach the heights of the third film.

Zootopia (2016) — $1,025,521,689

Initially, it wasn’t anticipated that Zootopia would gross over a billion dollars. Given its premise as a Disney movie featuring talking animals, the anticipation was understandably not extraordinarily high. However, the movie’s success far surpassed what most people had predicted.

Undeniably, the movie was exceptional, given its impressive 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film delved into themes of prejudice and stereotyping, resonating deeply with both adults and children due to its striking animation. It remains intriguing to ponder if the 2025 sequel can live up to the high standards set by one of the top-tier animated films from the 2010s.

All of these films are available to stream on Disney+, Paramount+, Peacock, Prime Video, and Max.

2025-01-03 21:12