Top 20 Highest-Grossing Movies of All Time

Introduction

Discover the ultimate list of top 20 highest-grossing movies of all time. This comprehensive guide covers the most successful films globally, exploring their revenue, impact, and notable achievements.

1. Avatar (2009)

James Cameron’s Avatar revolutionized the film industry with its groundbreaking visual effects and 3D technology. The film’s epic story and immersive experience propelled it to become the highest-grossing movie of all time. With a gross revenue surpassing $2.8 billion, it set a new standard for blockbuster cinema.

Key Achievements:

• Highest-grossing film worldwide.
• Groundbreaking use of 3D technology.
• Critical acclaim and numerous awards.

2. Avengers: Endgame (2019)

Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Endgame concluded the epic Infinity Saga with a bang. Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, it became a cultural phenomenon, with a box office revenue of over $2.7 billion. The film brought together numerous beloved characters in an action-packed finale.

Key Achievements:

• Second-highest-grossing film of all time.
• Record-breaking opening weekend.
• Critical and fan acclaim.

3. Titanic (1997)

James Cameron’s Titanic captured hearts worldwide with its tragic love story set against the backdrop of the RMS Titanic disaster. It held the title of the highest-grossing film for over a decade, grossing approximately $2.2 billion.

Key Achievements:

• Held the highest-grossing film record for 12 years.
• Acclaimed for its visual effects and storytelling.
• Numerous awards including 11 Oscars.

4. Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)

J.J. Abrams’ Star Wars: The Force Awakens reintroduced the iconic franchise to a new generation of fans. With a gross revenue of over $2 billion, it became the highest-grossing film in the Star Wars saga.

Key Achievements:

• Fourth highest-grossing film of all time.
• Successful revival of the Star Wars franchise.
• Record-breaking box office success.

5. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

Avengers: Infinity War set the stage for its sequel with an unprecedented crossover of Marvel characters. The film’s box office haul of $2.05 billion showcased its massive appeal and the strength of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Key Achievements:

• Fifth highest-grossing film globally.
• Groundbreaking ensemble cast.
• Major impact on the superhero genre.

6. Jurassic World (2015)

Jurassic World revived the beloved Jurassic Park franchise, grossing over $1.6 billion. Directed by Colin Trevorrow, the film reintroduced dinosaurs to the big screen with a fresh and exciting storyline.

Key Achievements:

• Sixth highest-grossing film of all time.
• Successful reboot of the Jurassic Park series.
• Massive commercial success.

7. The Lion King (2019)

The live-action adaptation of Disney’s The Lion King garnered significant box office success, surpassing $1.6 billion. The film brought back the beloved characters and music of the original animated classic.

Key Achievements:

• Seventh highest-grossing film of all time.
• Highly anticipated remake.
• Impressive box office numbers.

8. The Avengers (2012)

Marvel Studios’ The Avengers was a landmark film that brought together superheroes from various solo films into one epic crossover. With a box office gross of $1.5 billion, it was a significant achievement for the superhero genre.

Key Achievements:

• Eighth highest-grossing film globally.
• Groundbreaking superhero team-up film.
• Critical and commercial success.

9. Furious 7 (2015)

Furious 7, the seventh installment in the Fast & Furious franchise, achieved box office success with over $1.5 billion. The film was both a tribute to Paul Walker and a thrilling action movie.

Key Achievements:

• Ninth highest-grossing film of all time.
• Record-breaking box office performance.
• Tribute to Paul Walker.

10. Frozen II (2019)

Frozen II continued the story of Elsa and Anna with a worldwide gross of $1.45 billion. The film was a major success following the original Frozen, continuing the franchise’s appeal.

Key Achievements:

• Tenth highest-grossing film globally.
• Successful sequel to the original Frozen.
• Impressive box office numbers.

11. Beauty and the Beast (2017)

The live-action adaptation of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast earned over $1.2 billion, making it one of the highest-grossing films. The film was praised for its faithful adaptation and spectacular visuals.

Key Achievements:

• Eleventh highest-grossing film of all time.
• Successful live-action remake of a classic.
• Strong box office performance.

12. Incredibles 2 (2018)

Incredibles 2 continued the story of the superhero family with a box office gross of $1.24 billion. The film was highly anticipated and delivered on its promise of action and humor.

Key Achievements:

• Twelfth highest-grossing film globally.
• Successful sequel to the original Incredibles.
• Massive commercial success.

13. Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

Spider-Man: No Way Home was a highly anticipated film that brought together multiple Spider-Man universes. With a gross revenue of $1.91 billion, it became one of the highest-grossing films of all time.

Key Achievements:

• Thirteenth highest-grossing film of all time.
• Successful crossover event.
• Strong box office performance.

14. Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011)

Transformers: Dark of the Moon achieved significant success with over $1.1 billion in box office revenue. The film was the third installment in the Transformers franchise and continued its action-packed story.

Key Achievements:

• Fourteenth highest-grossing film globally.
• Successful continuation of the Transformers series.
• Strong commercial performance.

15. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011)

The final installment of the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, earned over $1.34 billion, concluding the beloved franchise with a massive box office success.

Key Achievements:

• Fifteenth highest-grossing film of all time.
• Concluding chapter of a successful franchise.
• Critical and commercial success.

16. The Lion King (1994)

The original The Lion King remains a classic animated film that continues to generate revenue through re-releases and merchandise. It has earned over $968 million globally.

Key Achievements:

• Sixteenth highest-grossing film globally.
• Classic animated film with lasting appeal.
• Ongoing commercial success.

17. Finding Dory (2016)

Finding Dory, the sequel to Finding Nemo, grossed over $1.03 billion. The film continued the underwater adventure with a new focus on the character Dory.

Key Achievements:

• Seventeenth highest-grossing film of all time.
• Successful sequel to a popular film.
• Strong box office performance.

18. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle revived the classic Jumanji story with a fresh twist, grossing over $962 million. The film was a commercial success and introduced the franchise to a new generation.

Key Achievements:

• Eighteenth highest-grossing film globally.
• Successful reinvention of a classic.
• Strong box office numbers.

19. Despicable Me 3 (2017)

Despicable Me 3 continued the adventures of Gru and his minions with a global box office gross of $1.03 billion. The film was well-received and continued the franchise’s success.

Key Achievements:

• Nineteenth highest-grossing film of all time.
• Successful continuation of a popular franchise.
• Impressive box office numbers.

20. Joker (2019)

Joker, a standalone film about the iconic Batman villain, grossed over $1.07 billion. Directed by Todd Phillips, the film was praised for its performances and unique take on the character.

Key Achievements:

• Twentieth highest-grossing film globally.
• Cultural impact and critical acclaim.
• Strong box office performance.