The Ultimate List: Top 50 Highest Grossing Movies in the World
Grossing movies are films that have achieved significant financial success at the box office. These movies have managed to attract a large number of viewers and generate substantial revenue. Knowing the highest grossing movies in the world is important because it gives us an insight into the popularity and success of certain films. It also allows us to understand the trends and preferences of audiences, as well as the impact of marketing and distribution strategies.
Key Takeaways
- The highest grossing movie of all time is Avatar, followed by Titanic and Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
- The top 10 highest grossing movies of all time are dominated by franchises like Marvel, Star Wars, and Harry Potter.
- The highest grossing animated movie in the world is Frozen, followed by The Lion King and Incredibles 2.
- The highest grossing superhero movie in the world is Avengers: Endgame, followed by Avengers: Infinity War and The Avengers.
- The highest grossing action movie in the world is Furious 7, followed by Avengers: Endgame and Jurassic World.
- The highest grossing comedy in the world is Minions, followed by Despicable Me 3 and The Secret Life of Pets.
- The highest grossing horror movie in the world is It, followed by The Exorcist and The Sixth Sense.
- The highest grossing sci-fi movie in the world is Avatar, followed by Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Avengers: Endgame.
- The highest grossing drama movie in the world is Titanic, followed by The Lion King and Frozen.
- The highest grossing musical in the world is The Lion King, followed by Beauty and the Beast and Frozen.
The Top 10 Highest Grossing Movies of All Time
1. Avengers: Endgame – This superhero film from the Marvel Cinematic Universe is the highest grossing movie of all time, earning over $2.79 billion worldwide. It brings together a large ensemble cast of superheroes to battle against the villain Thanos.
2. Avatar – Directed by James Cameron, Avatar held the title of highest grossing movie for a decade before being surpassed by Avengers: Endgame. It earned over $2.79 billion worldwide and is known for its groundbreaking visual effects and immersive 3D experience.
3. Titanic – Another film directed by James Cameron, Titanic tells the tragic love story of Jack and Rose aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. It earned over $2.19 billion worldwide and held the title of highest grossing movie for 12 years before being surpassed by Avatar.
4. Star Wars: The Force Awakens – The seventh installment in the Star Wars franchise, The Force Awakens brought back beloved characters like Han Solo and Princess Leia while introducing new ones like Rey and Kylo Ren. It earned over $2.06 billion worldwide.
5. Avengers: Infinity War – The predecessor to Avengers: Endgame, Infinity War brought together the Avengers and their allies to battle against Thanos. It earned over $2.04 billion worldwide.
6. Jurassic World – This science fiction adventure film is set in a theme park where genetically engineered dinosaurs roam freely. It earned over $1.67 billion worldwide and revitalized the Jurassic Park franchise.
7. The Lion King (2019) – A live-action remake of the classic Disney animated film, The Lion King tells the story of Simba, a young lion prince who must reclaim his throne from his uncle Scar. It earned over $1.65 billion worldwide.
8. The Avengers – The first Avengers film brought together Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, and other Marvel superheroes to form a team and save the world from Loki and his alien army. It earned over $1.52 billion worldwide.
9. Furious 7 – The seventh installment in the Fast & Furious franchise, Furious 7 is known for being Paul Walker’s final film before his untimely death. It earned over $1.51 billion worldwide.
10. Frozen II – The sequel to the popular Disney animated film Frozen, Frozen II follows Elsa, Anna, and their friends on a journey to discover the origin of Elsa’s powers. It earned over $1.45 billion worldwide.
The Highest Grossing Animated Movies in the World
1. Frozen II – As mentioned earlier, Frozen II is the highest grossing animated movie in the world, earning over $1.45 billion worldwide. It continues the story of Elsa and Anna and features catchy songs and stunning animation.
2. Frozen – The original Frozen movie was a massive success, earning over $1.28 billion worldwide. It introduced audiences to the beloved characters of Elsa, Anna, Olaf, and more.
3. Incredibles 2 – The long-awaited sequel to The Incredibles, Incredibles 2 follows the Parr family as they navigate their lives as superheroes while also dealing with everyday challenges. It earned over $1.24 billion worldwide.
4. Minions – A spin-off from the Despicable Me franchise, Minions focuses on the lovable yellow creatures as they embark on a mission to find a new master. It earned over $1.16 billion worldwide.
5. Toy Story 4 – The fourth installment in the Toy Story franchise, Toy Story 4 follows Woody, Buzz, and their friends as they embark on a road trip with a new toy named Forky. It earned over $1.07 billion worldwide.
6. Toy Story 3 – The third installment in the Toy Story franchise, Toy Story 3 sees Andy preparing to go to college and the toys facing the possibility of being donated to a daycare center. It earned over $1.06 billion worldwide.
7. Despicable Me 3 – The third film in the Despicable Me franchise, Despicable Me 3 follows Gru and his newfound twin brother Dru as they team up to take down a former child star turned villain. It earned over $1.03 billion worldwide.
8. Finding Dory – A sequel to Finding Nemo, Finding Dory follows the forgetful fish Dory as she embarks on a journey to find her long-lost parents. It earned over $1.02 billion worldwide.
9. Zootopia – Set in a world where animals live together in harmony, Zootopia follows a rookie bunny cop named Judy Hopps as she teams up with a sly fox named Nick Wilde to solve a missing mammals case. It earned over $1.02 billion worldwide.
10. The Lion King (2019) – As mentioned earlier, The Lion King (2019) is a live-action remake of the classic Disney animated film. It earned over $1.65 billion worldwide, making it one of the highest grossing animated movies as well.
The Highest Grossing Superhero Movies in the World
| Rank | Movie Title | Year | Worldwide Gross |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Avengers: Endgame | 2019 | 2.798 billion |
| 2 | Avengers: Infinity War | 2018 | 2.048 billion |
| 3 | The Avengers | 2012 | 1.519 billion |
| 4 | Avengers: Age of Ultron | 2015 | 1.402 billion |
| 5 | Black Panther | 2018 | 1.346 billion |
| 6 | Iron Man 3 | 2013 | 1.214 billion |
| 7 | Captain America: Civil War | 2016 | 1.153 billion |
| 8 | Aquaman | 2018 | 1.148 billion |
| 9 | The Dark Knight Rises | 2012 | 1.081 billion |
| 10 | The Dark Knight | 2008 | 1.005 billion |
1. Avengers: Endgame – As mentioned earlier, Avengers: Endgame is the highest grossing movie of all time and also the highest grossing superhero movie, earning over $2.79 billion worldwide.
2. Avengers: Infinity War – The predecessor to Avengers: Endgame, Infinity War earned over $2.04 billion worldwide and brought together a large ensemble cast of superheroes to battle against Thanos.
3. The Avengers – The first Avengers film earned over $1.52 billion worldwide and was a groundbreaking moment in cinematic history, bringing together multiple superheroes from different films.
4. Avengers: Age of Ultron – The second Avengers film earned over $1.40 billion worldwide and introduced the villain Ultron, who threatens to destroy the world.
5. Black Panther – The first solo film for the character of Black Panther, this movie earned over $1.34 billion worldwide and became a cultural phenomenon for its representation and celebration of African culture.
6. Iron Man 3 – The third installment in the Iron Man franchise, Iron Man 3 earned over $1.21 billion worldwide and sees Tony Stark facing off against the terrorist known as the Mandarin.
7. Captain America: Civil War – This film pits Captain America against Iron Man as they lead opposing factions of superheroes in a battle over government oversight. It earned over $1.15 billion worldwide.
8. Aquaman – The first solo film for the character of Aquaman, this DC Comics movie earned over $1.14 billion worldwide and follows Arthur Curry as he embraces his destiny as the king of Atlantis.
9. Spider-Man: Far From Home – The sequel to Spider-Man: Homecoming, Far From Home sees Peter Parker on a school trip to Europe while also dealing with the threat of elemental creatures and a new villain named Mysterio. It earned over $1.13 billion worldwide.
10. The Dark Knight Rises – The final installment in Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy, The Dark Knight Rises sees Batman facing off against the villain Bane as he tries to save Gotham City from destruction. It earned over $1.08 billion worldwide.
The Highest Grossing Action Movies in the World
1. Avengers: Endgame – As mentioned earlier, Avengers: Endgame is the highest grossing movie of all time and also falls under the action genre.
2. Avatar – Directed by James Cameron, Avatar is known for its action-packed sequences and groundbreaking visual effects. It earned over $2.79 billion worldwide.
3. Jurassic World – This science fiction adventure film is filled with thrilling action as dinosaurs wreak havoc in a theme park. It earned over $1.67 billion worldwide.
4. Furious 7 – The seventh installment in the Fast & Furious franchise, Furious 7 is known for its high-octane car chases and intense action sequences. It earned over $1.51 billion worldwide.
5. Avengers: Infinity War – As mentioned earlier, Infinity War brings together a large ensemble cast of superheroes to battle against Thanos, resulting in epic action scenes. It earned over $2.04 billion worldwide.
6. The Avengers – The first Avengers film is filled with action as the superheroes team up to save the world from Loki and his alien army. It earned over $1.52 billion worldwide.
7. The Dark Knight Rises – As mentioned earlier, The Dark Knight Rises features intense action sequences as Batman faces off against Bane to save Gotham City. It earned over $1.08 billion worldwide.
8. Transformers: Dark of the Moon – The third installment in the Transformers franchise, Dark of the Moon is known for its explosive action and giant robot battles. It earned over $1.12 billion worldwide.
9. Transformers: Age of Extinction – The fourth installment in the Transformers franchise, Age of Extinction introduces new characters and continues the epic battles between Autobots and Decepticons. It earned over $1.10 billion worldwide.
10. Skyfall – The 23rd film in the James Bond franchise, Skyfall features thrilling action sequences as Bond tries to stop a cyberterrorist from destroying MI6. It earned over $1.10 billion worldwide.
The Highest Grossing Comedies in the World
1. The Lion King (2019) – As mentioned earlier, The Lion King (2019) is a live-action remake of the classic Disney animated film. While it is primarily a drama, it also features comedic moments and characters like Timon and Pumbaa. It earned over $1.65 billion worldwide.
2. Toy Story 4 – As mentioned earlier, Toy Story 4 is primarily an animated adventure film, but it also includes comedic elements and characters like Buzz Lightyear and the Potato Heads. It earned over $1.07 billion worldwide.
3. Despicable Me 3 – As mentioned earlier, Despicable Me 3 is primarily an animated film, but it also includes comedic moments and characters like the Minions. It earned over $1.03 billion worldwide.
4. Finding Dory – As mentioned earlier, Finding Dory is primarily an animated film, but it also includes comedic moments and characters like Dory and Hank the octopus. It earned over $1.02 billion worldwide.
5. The Secret Life of Pets 2 – The sequel to The Secret Life of Pets, this animated comedy follows the adventures of Max and his pet friends when their owners are away. It earned over $430 million worldwide.
6. Zootopia – As mentioned earlier, Zootopia is primarily an animated film, but it also includes comedic moments and characters like Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. It earned over $1.02 billion worldwide.
7. Minions – As mentioned earlier, Minions is primarily an animated film, but it also includes comedic moments and characters like the Minions. It earned over $1.16 billion worldwide.
8. The Hangover Part II – The second installment in The Hangover franchise, this comedy follows a group of friends as they travel to Thailand for a wedding and get into hilarious and outrageous situations. It earned over $586 million worldwide.
9. The Hangover – The first film in The Hangover franchise, this comedy follows a group of friends as they try to piece together what happened during a wild bachelor party in Las Vegas. It earned over $467 million worldwide.
10. Home Alone – This classic Christmas comedy follows a young boy named Kevin McCallister who is accidentally left behind when his family goes on vacation and must defend his home from two burglars. It earned over $476 million worldwide.
The Highest Grossing Horror Movies in the World
1. It – Based on the Stephen King novel, It follows a group of kids known as the Losers’ Club as they battle against an evil clown named Pennywise. It earned over $700 million worldwide.
2. The Sixth Sense – This psychological horror film follows a young boy who can see and communicate with the dead and his relationship with a child psychologist who tries to help him. It earned over $672 million worldwide.
3. Jaws – Directed by Steven Spielberg, Jaws follows a police chief, a marine biologist, and a shark hunter as they try to stop a great white shark from terrorizing a beach town. It earned over $470 million worldwide.
4. The Exorcist – This supernatural horror film follows a young girl who becomes possessed by a demonic entity and the efforts of her mother and two priests to save her. It earned over $441 million worldwide.
5. Get Out – Written and directed by Jordan Peele, Get Out is a social thriller that follows an African American man who visits his white girlfriend’s family and uncovers a disturbing secret. It earned over $255 million worldwide.
6. The Conjuring 2 – The sequel to The Conjuring, this supernatural horror film follows paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren as they travel to England to help a single mother and her four children who are being terrorized by a malevolent spirit. It earned over $320 million worldwide.
7. A Quiet Place – Directed by John Krasinski, A Quiet Place is a post-apocalyptic horror film where a family must live in silence to avoid being hunted by creatures that are attracted to sound. It earned over $340 million worldwide.
8. Annabelle: Creation – A prequel to Annabelle, this supernatural horror film follows a dollmaker and his wife who welcome a nun and several girls into their home, only for them to become targets of the dollmaker’s possessed creation, Annabelle. It earned over $306 million worldwide.
9. The Nun – A spin-off from The Conjuring franchise, The Nun follows a Catholic priest and a novice nun as they investigate the suicide of a nun in Romania and encounter a malevolent force in the form of a demonic nun. It earned over $365 million worldwide.
10. World War Z – This apocalyptic action horror film follows a former United Nations investigator as he travels the world to find a way to stop a zombie pandemic. It earned over $540 million worldwide.
The Highest Grossing Sci-Fi Movies in the World
1. Avatar – As mentioned earlier, Avatar is known for its groundbreaking visual effects and immersive 3 D experience. Directed by James Cameron, this 2009 film takes place in the year 2154 on the planet Pandora, where humans are mining a valuable mineral. The story follows a paraplegic marine named Jake Sully, who is sent to Pandora to infiltrate the Na’vi, the indigenous humanoid species. As Jake becomes more involved with the Na’vi and their way of life, he begins to question his loyalty to the humans. Avatar grossed over $2.7 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing sci-fi movie of all time.
FAQs
What is the article about?
The article is about the top 50 highest grossing movies in the world.
What is the criteria for the movies to be included in the list?
The movies are included in the list based on their worldwide box office gross.
What is the highest grossing movie of all time?
As of 2021, the highest grossing movie of all time is Avatar, directed by James Cameron.
How much did Avatar gross worldwide?
Avatar grossed over $2.7 billion worldwide.
What is the second highest grossing movie of all time?
As of 2021, the second highest grossing movie of all time is Avengers: Endgame, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo.
How much did Avengers: Endgame gross worldwide?
Avengers: Endgame grossed over $2.79 billion worldwide.
What is the oldest movie on the list?
The oldest movie on the list is Gone with the Wind, released in 1939.
How many movies on the list were released in the 21st century?
As of 2021, 33 movies on the list were released in the 21st century.
What is the highest grossing animated movie on the list?
As of 2021, the highest grossing animated movie on the list is Frozen II, directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee.
How much did Frozen II gross worldwide?
Frozen II grossed over $1.45 billion worldwide.
