Every year, the film industry offers a range of blockbusters that capture the imagination of audiences around the world. These films often compete for the title of highest-grossing movie, with new contenders emerging each year to claim the top spot.
Understanding which films lead the box office gives insight into trends and shifts in audience preferences.
This list of the highest-grossing movies by year provides a fascinating look at the evolution of cinema and what stories have resonated most with viewers over time.
1) Avatar
Avatar, directed by James Cameron, is one of the most successful films ever made. Released in 2009, this groundbreaking movie set new standards in visual effects and filmmaking.
It was a huge hit at the box office and quickly became the highest-grossing movie worldwide.
The film takes place on the alien world of Pandora. It follows Jake Sully, a paraplegic marine who becomes part of the Avatar Program.
Actor Sam Worthington plays the leading role of Jake. Zoe Saldana and Sigourney Weaver are also in the cast.
A big part of Avatar’s charm is its stunning 3D effects and innovative use of technology. This helped it break records for the highest grosses in both 3D and IMAX formats. The film’s visuals were truly ahead of their time.
The film’s success did not just come from its effects. The story, themes, and world-building also drew viewers in. The characters and narrative kept audiences engaged from start to finish. Cameron’s direction and writing played a huge role in this aspect.
Here is a link to the trailer, which showcases some of the thrilling visuals and scenes from the film:
With its impressive box office performance, Avatar has remained a benchmark in blockbuster filmmaking. Its influence continues to be felt, paving the way for future movies in terms of both technology and storytelling.
2) Avengers: Endgame
“Avengers: Endgame” is a blockbuster hit that took the world by storm in 2019. It is known for being one of the highest-grossing films of all time.
The movie brought together fan-favorite characters from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Some of the big names in the movie include Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, Chris Evans as Captain America, and Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow.
Other key players are Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Mark Ruffalo as Hulk, and Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye.
The film is a sequel to “Avengers: Infinity War” and wraps up the story of the fight against Thanos, played by Josh Brolin.
“Avengers: Endgame” is filled with epic battles and emotional moments that delighted fans everywhere.
Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, the movie combines action, drama, and humor. It features a complex storyline where the Avengers try to undo the havoc caused by Thanos in the previous film. The movie was praised for its visual effects, storytelling, and performances.
For those looking to revisit the thrilling moments, here’s a trailer of “Avengers: Endgame.”
“Avengers: Endgame” smashed box office records, surpassing James Cameron’s “Avatar” to become the most successful film for a time. The movie’s release was a major event, drawing both long-time fans of the franchise and newcomers eager to see how the story would conclude.
3) Titanic
Titanic is a legendary film released in 1997. Directed by James Cameron, it became one of the highest-grossing movies of all time.
The movie explores the tragic story of the RMS Titanic’s maiden voyage.
Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet play the lead roles, portraying Jack Dawson and Rose DeWitt Bukater. They come from different social classes but fall in love aboard the ship.
Titanic captivated audiences with its emotional storytelling and stunning visuals. The film impressively recreated the late liner and included detailed historical elements intertwined with fictional narratives.
The movie held the record for the number-one spot in North American theaters for 15 consecutive weekends. It remained a pop culture phenomenon due to its memorable performances and iconic soundtrack.
The film won numerous awards, adding to its worldwide acclaim. It tied with “All About Eve” for the highest number of Oscar nominations and took home 11 Oscars.
Here’s a glimpse into the epic journey with the Titanic trailer:
Titanic’s combination of romance, disaster, and history captures viewers across generations. It remains a standout production in the film industry.
4) Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Star Wars: The Force Awakens, released in 2015, is part of the iconic Star Wars saga. Directed by J.J. Abrams, this film marked the return of Star Wars on a big scale, drawing fans both new and old to theaters.
The movie became a blockbuster hit. It quickly shattered box office records, becoming the highest-grossing film in North America, surpassing James Cameron’s Avatar. Its success was attributed to its thrilling adventure and nostalgic appeal.
The story continues the Star Wars legacy with new and familiar faces. Daisy Ridley stars as Rey, a scavenger with a mysterious past. John Boyega plays Finn, a stormtrooper turned ally. Fans also saw the return of beloved characters like Han Solo, played by Harrison Ford, and Princess Leia, played by Carrie Fisher.
The Force Awakens boasts stunning visual effects and intense action scenes. The Millennium Falcon, lightsaber duels, and thrilling space battles took audiences on a rollercoaster ride.
To gain a more complete picture of the movie’s impact, check out its official trailer:
The film brought the magic of Star Wars to a new generation, securing its place as a monumental part of movie history.
5) Avengers: Infinity War
Avengers: Infinity War, released in 2018, is a big hit in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film is packed with action and emotion as heroes come together to fight the mighty villain, Thanos.
The star-studded cast includes Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, Chris Hemsworth as Thor, and Chris Evans as Captain America. They are joined by other Marvel favorites like Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow and Mark Ruffalo as Hulk.
Infinity War achieved remarkable success at the box office. It set records with its opening weekend and became the fastest film to reach staggering revenue milestones. The film’s worldwide gross exceeded $2 billion, marking it as a monumental achievement for Marvel Studios.
The story kept fans on the edge of their seats as characters from various Marvel movies joined forces. The climactic battles and unexpected twists stunned audiences.
Check out the intensity and excitement for yourself with the film’s official trailer:
6) The Lion King (2019)
The Lion King, released in 2019, is Disney’s visually stunning remake of their beloved animated classic from 1994. The film brought the African savanna to life with advanced CGI and a talented voice cast.
The movie made a remarkable impact at the box office, grossing $1.65 billion globally. This impressive revenue made it the highest-grossing animated film at that time.
The star-studded cast included Donald Glover as Simba and Beyoncé as Nala, adding a fresh dynamic to the iconic characters. James Earl Jones returned as Mufasa, carrying on his legendary role from the original film.
The Lion King (2019) featured a mix of nostalgia and new elements. The soundtrack, including classics like “Circle of Life” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” was enhanced by new songs like “Spirit,” performed by Beyoncé.
Director Jon Favreau, who also directed The Jungle Book remake, used cutting-edge technology to create a realistic look that mesmerized fans around the world.
The film’s trailer broke viewership records, showcasing the high anticipation for this Disney remake. Audiences were eager to experience the magic of The Lion King once again, now with a more lifelike presentation.
7) Jurassic World
Released in 2015, Jurassic World quickly became one of the highest-grossing movies of all time.
With its impressive special effects and thrilling plot, audiences flocked to theaters, making it a global sensation.
The movie stars Chris Pratt as the charming Owen Grady and Bryce Dallas Howard as the ambitious Claire Dearing. They navigate a theme park filled with dinosaurs, which brings plenty of adventure and chaos.
Set once again on Isla Nublar, the park has been fully operational with new genetic engineering.
The Indominus rex, a genetically modified dinosaur, becomes the main antagonist of the film.
This creature creates chaos, pushing the main characters to their limits.
Their quest for survival adds tension and excitement to the story.
Jurassic World was not just a box office hit because of its action-packed storyline, but also due to its nostalgic nods to the original Jurassic Park.
Directed by Colin Trevorrow, the film pays tribute to Steven Spielberg’s 1993 classic in various ways.
The mix of new characters and familiar dinosaurs makes it appealing to both new fans and long-time followers.
The movie’s success reignited the franchise, leading to more sequels and spin-offs.
8) The Avengers
The Avengers is a major superhero film that changed the game for comic book movies. Released in 2012, it brought together a team of Marvel’s most iconic heroes for the first time on the big screen.
Directed by Joss Whedon, the movie was a huge hit at the box office, drawing in fans from all over the world.
The cast featured big stars such as Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, Chris Evans as Captain America, and Chris Hemsworth as Thor. Scarlett Johansson played Black Widow, Mark Ruffalo took on the role of the Hulk, and Jeremy Renner starred as Hawkeye. Their chemistry and teamwork were key to the film’s success.
With thrilling action scenes and witty dialogue, The Avengers captivated audiences. It became one of the highest-grossing films of its time, making over a billion dollars worldwide. This success helped to establish the Marvel Cinematic Universe as a powerhouse in the film industry.
Watch the official trailer for The Avengers to see some of the action:
The movie’s impact went beyond just its box office success. It set a new standard for superhero films and created a template for future ensemble movies. The mix of humor, action, and character development made it a fan favorite and cemented its place in movie history.
9) Furious 7
Furious 7 is a movie filled with high-speed action and daring stunts.
Directed by James Wan, it’s part of the Fast & Furious series known for its thrilling races and dramatic sequences. Released in 2015, it became a massive hit at the box office, drawing audiences worldwide.
The movie is special not just for its action, but also for its cast. Vin Diesel takes the lead, alongside other stars like Paul Walker, who appeared in his final role before his tragic passing. The film also features Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, and Jason Statham.
The storyline follows Vin Diesel’s character, Dominic Toretto, and his crew as they face dangerous enemies. One of them is played by Jason Statham, bringing intense action scenes to life. The plot combines emotions and adrenaline-pumping moments, making it memorable.
Furious 7 was a huge success globally, achieving remarkable earnings at the box office. It even broke some records, showing how much fans love the franchise. Its thrilling pace and exciting plot keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Fans looking to experience the excitement can watch trailers and clips online. Here’s a trailer to get a taste of the action-packed adventure:
10) Frozen II
Frozen II hit theaters in 2019, following the success of the original Frozen from 2013. As the sequel, it continued the story of sisters Anna and Elsa in the kingdom of Arendelle.
The movie quickly became a major hit, earning a spot as one of the top-grossing animated films of all time.
Kristen Bell returned as the voice of Anna, bringing her character’s warmth and optimism to life. Idina Menzel, known for her powerful voice, reprised her role as Elsa. These characters embark on a new journey to discover the secrets of their past and their kingdom’s history.
Joining them were familiar faces like Jonathan Groff, who voiced Kristoff, and Josh Gad, who brought Olaf the snowman to life with humor and charm. The movie also introduced new songs that captivated audiences, much like in the first film.
Frozen II was directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee. The film’s musical score, created in collaboration with Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, added depth and emotion to the story. With stunning animation and an engaging plot, it captured the hearts of fans around the world.
Here’s a look at the trailer:
Analyzing Trends Over The Years
The world of cinema has seen significant shifts, especially in how certain types of films perform at the box office. Popular franchises and expanding international markets have heavily influenced these trends.
Impact of Franchises
Franchises have become a big deal in the box office world. Movies with sequels or series, like the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Star Wars, attract large audiences year after year.
The Star Wars saga, for example, consistently draws fans to theaters, creating long-lasting excitement.
These franchises often benefit from dedicated fan bases, guaranteeing a strong opening weekend. Some statistics show that franchise films often outperform standalone movies. This leads to more investment in such projects, as studios see relatively lower risks with higher potential rewards.
Big-name franchises usually have massive marketing campaigns that buzz with anticipation months before release. This means more ticket sales and popular merchandise, boosting the film’s overall revenue. Franchises are not just movies; they’re experiences that keep audiences coming back.
Role of International Markets
International audiences are playing a bigger role in the success of movies. Markets like China, India, and Latin America have become significant contributors to box office totals.
Hollywood now tailors some releases to suit these markets, ensuring cross-cultural appeal.
For example, “Avatar” and its sequel have seen major success globally, partly due to appealing to diverse audiences. Studios often include scenes or characters that resonate internationally.
Movies that feature global casts or themes that reflect universal values can resonate more with overseas audiences. This shift influences how studios choose scripts and develop projects, aiming to capture both local and international attention. International markets provide new opportunities to increase viewership and profits, expanding the reach of movies worldwide.
Behind The Box Office Success
Movies that achieve top box office success usually have strategic marketing plans and big-name stars. These elements help draw massive crowds to theaters around the world.
Marketing and Promotion Strategies
Big budgets often allow filmmakers to spend heavily on marketing and promotion, key drivers of box office success.
Companies might use social media, TV spots, and billboards to reach a broad audience. Sneak previews and tie-ins with other products can create buzz and anticipation.
Promotional tours with stars visiting various cities add excitement. Unique stunts or viral campaigns can also catch people’s attention and make a film hard to miss. These strategies ensure the film stays front and center in potential viewers’ minds.
Influence of Star Power
Star power can dramatically boost a movie’s box office performance. Well-known actors bring their fan bases to theaters, ensuring robust initial ticket sales.
For instance, stars like Tom Hanks or Dwayne Johnson, who have strong fan followings, often draw larger audiences regardless of the movie’s genre.
Casting decisions can impact a film’s appeal across different demographics. Stars who are beloved internationally can also help boost a film’s global earnings.
This reach extends beyond just ticket sales, influencing a movie’s performance across various markets and ensuring that it enjoys a strong position in the box office rankings.
