Hollywood has a long, rich history of producing blockbuster films that disrupt global habits and capture the imaginations of millions, costing companies billions of dollars in revenue. These mega hit films are not limited to one culture or geographically identifiable, generating millions in box office sales and changing popular culture. While gross box office revenue can fluctuate with film re-releases or shifts in inflationary factors, it’s interesting to consider the raw worldwide gross for determining the biggest financial films ever made. We present to you the top 10 all-time highest-grossing Hollywood movies ranked by unadjusted global box office takings in ranked order from highest to lowest.Â
10. The Lion King (2019)
Worldwide Gross: $1.6 Billion
Disney’s photorealistic CGI animated remake of The Lion King (1994) both captivated a new generation of fans and revived the magic for older fans. The animated adventures in the live-action CGI Lion King are an abbreviated version of the original Lion King animated plot rendered with incredible new visual effects of the African savanna and animal residents of the region. Audiences experienced a new interpretation of the classic adventure story of Simba and his journey of restoration to reclaim his rightful spot back as king. While it is a remake, the visuals are amazing, the music is iconic, and all the poker characters in the film are loved, which guarantees popularity and a big worldwide box office presence. Disney’s plan of reimagining their beloved animated classics for the current generation was successful.
9. Jurassic World (2015)
Worldwide Gross: $1.671 Billion
The Jurassic Park franchise’s much-anticipated relaunch, Jurassic World, hit the theatres and gave its fans a brand-new approach to a classic theme park story about a dinosaur park where everything went right. After a genetically modified dinosaur escapes zoo-like captivity, chaos ensues that provides a wild ride filled with adrenaline and visual effects off the scorecard. Directed by Colin Trevorrow and starring Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard, the movie delivered a blend of nostalgia from the first installment while producing a modern blockbuster. With Jurassic World earning the largest opening weekend of all time and sustained interest, it showcased the excitement of dinosaurs and the possibilities of a well-executed franchise reboot.
8. Inside Out 2 (2024)
Worldwide Gross: $1,698 Billion
Inside Out 2, the sequel to Pixar’s animated classic, tells the story of Riley’s emotional maturation as she enters adolescence. The sequel continues the concept of the original film and takes it further by adding fresh emotional perspectives, thereby enhancing the richness and detail of the shared human experience of the inner processes of the mind. Pixar’s success as an animated studio is due to its creation of emotional experiences that push the limits of artistic expression and can relate to experiences of audiences of all ages. Inside Out 2 was successful at the box office, showing that Pixar animated films are still financially viable priorities and, more importantly, that they are still viable means to make films that are aesthetically and emotionally engaging.
7. Â Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
Worldwide Gross: $1.921 Billion
Spider-Man: No Way Home surpassed the mere act of cinema-making and, in the guise of a superhero film, utilized multiverse storytelling for historic fan satisfaction. This unique moment was created by uniting all the permutations of Spider-Man that Hollywood ever had and bringing back a group of set-up Spider-Man villains. The emotional excitement coupled with the complexities of these reintroductions led to an amazing box-office run as exemplification that nostalgia combined with good fan service is bright enough to shine alone as a gigantic success. In the film’s case, it became a cultural milestone for the cinema-going experience through what can be described as a bleak history of cinema engagement. The film reaffirmed the popularity of the friendly neighbourhood superhero.
6. Â Avengers: Infinity Wars (2018)
Worldwide Gross: $2.052 Billion
Starved of cinema and the MCU, Avengers: Infinity War helped bring every hero of the Marvel Cinematic Universe together to face their biggest threat yet: The Mad Titan, Thanos. The ambitious scope, narrative gambles (with an audacious ending), and action made it an exhilarating cinematic experience, but we wanted to see how it would be possible to overcome this threat. And no doubt that the anticipation of how the heroes would overcome this unprecedented challenge pushed audiences to the box office in droves, with the film quickly crossing the $1 billion mark, making it one of the fastest to reach the imaginary class of films that make up the billion-dollar club as an international blockbuster.
5. Â Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015)
Worldwide Gross: $2.071 Billion
Star Wars: The Seventh Episode—The Force Awakens, considered one of the most anticipated of all time, brought Star Wars back to life under the Disney banner. The film featured new heroes such as Rey, Finn, and Poe Dameron alongside some much-loved characters such as Han Solo and Leia Organa, charming the longtime fans before going on to develop new characters and storylines. The comeback was greeted with much enthusiasm from fans worldwide who were excited to return to a cinematic universe that had defined generations. Not only did The Force Awakens meet the expectations, but it also rejuvenated the Star Wars frenzy that definitely meant box office success for it.
4. Â Titanic (1997)
Worldwide Gross: $2.264 Billion
Titanic is yet another work of art from director James Cameron and is also an epic romance set against the tragic first and last voyage of the RMS Titanic. The sad romance of Jack and Rose, with the massive catastrophe, infuses sadness and awe into the viewers, recently and historically. The Titanic fell under the cultural umbrella—a lot, to the extent of being the highest-grossing motion picture for a period of 12 years. Even now, with many re-releases, including the very recent successful 3D re-release, it still adds to its box office count and currently stands as one of the most beloved and cultural films.
3. Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)
Worldwide Gross: $2.320 Billion
After thirteen years after the original, James Cameron proved once again that he understands cinema as a spectacle in the newest entry in the Avatar series, Avatar: The Way of Water. This long-awaited sequel submerged audiences as it took them further down Pandora’s rabbit hole—quite literally—by showcasing the oceans of Pandora and new clans of the Na’vi. Audience engagement was maintained despite the long gap between the films, as the visuals, many being produced for the very first time using underwater motion capture, the gripping story of family, and the ultimately heartbreaking moments resounded around the globe. Avatar: The Way of Water’s spectacular success thus added to the everlasting appeal of the Avatar franchise, also cementing Cameron’s reputation as a blockbuster filmmaker whose films need to be experienced on the largest screen available.
2. Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Worldwide Gross: $2.799 Billion
Avengers: Endgame was not just a movie; it was a cultural phenomenon. The movie was the result of an interconnected storytelling that spanned over a decade in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Following the devastation of Avengers: Infinity War, this superhero conglomeration banded together again to battle Thanos and undo the devastation. The hype, hype, hype, hype – and all while delivering satisfying endings to beloved characters—helped propel Endgame to incredible box office success, like 2010-2019 box office success, even challenging Avatar for the top-grossing film spot before its re-release pushed it back down on the list of box office giants. The feels and epicness of the movie solidified Endgame’s place as a touchstone for cinema.
1. Avatar (2009)
Worldwide Gross: $2,923 Billion
James Cameron’s iconic science fiction showcase, Avatar, allowed viewers a different viewing experience. A tale of a paraplegic Marine who is torn between orders and protecting a world he loves took viewers to the lush and bioluminescent moon of Pandora. It was truly amazing how it was able to blend newfangled 3D technology into the dazzling universe to the extent that viewers chose to keep supporting theatres in order to indulge in an experience that was invigorating. Avatar’s success was indeed a sign that viewers are indeed looking for new experiences that are shaped by innovation and backed by stories in which they can identify. Avatar grossed more than every top-grossing title for a decade.
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Finally Thoughts—The Power of Film Is Undeniable
From the expansive worlds of Pandora and the superheroes and villains of the superhero universes to the beautiful love stories of the Titanic, these 10 films have demonstrated the power of film in bringing audiences together from around the world. The fact that these films grossed over $2 billion at the box office is more than just the numbers. It shows us the effect that a great story can have, with new technology and characters that resonate deeply with us. The Oscars have barely scratched the surface of global film. It is clear that the power of film is an unstoppable force in Hollywood, and it can elevate us, take us to unimaginable places, and move us, thankful to be alive.
Written by Nidhi Singh