The world of movies continues to captivate audiences across the globe and Hollywood has been at the forefront of this cinematic success. With its big budget blockbusters, it’s no surprise that Hollywood produces some of the highest grossing films each year. From classic classics to modern marvels, here are 10 of the top earning movies in Hollywood history.
Avengers: Endgame tops the list as the highest-grossing movie worldwide, with an astounding $2.79 billion in ticket sales – a feat that makes it one of only two films to break through the $2 billion mark. The 2019 release marks an incredible achievement for Marvel Studios who have been dominating cinemas since 2008 with their blockbuster hits such as Iron Man and Black Panther. Other notable entries include Avatar ($2.78 billion), Titanic ($2.18 billion), Star Wars: The Force Awakens ($2.13 billion), Jurassic World ($1.67 billion), The Avengers ($1.52 billion), and The Dark Knight Rises ($1.08 billion) – making it the only superhero movie to make the list.
#1: Avatar
Avatar is one of the highest-grossing movies in Hollywood and its success has been nothing short of remarkable. It was released in 2009 and has since become the highest-grossing film ever, with a worldwide box office gross of over $2.7 billion. Avatar tells the story of Jake Sully, a former Marine who becomes part human-part Na’vi to fight against an evil mining company on Pandora. The movie broke records across multiple markets and earned itself four Academy Award nominations and three Golden Globe wins. Its immense success can be attributed to its groundbreaking use of 3D technology as well as its expansive world that features extraordinary characters, creatures, and landscapes that captured the hearts of audiences around the world. Thanks to its popularity, it spawned two sequels – Avatar 2 (released in 2021) and Avatar 3 (expected for release in 2023).
#2: Avengers: Endgame
Avengers: Endgame has become one of the highest-grossing movies in Hollywood history. It broke records when it released in April 2019, bringing in over $2 billion at the box office and becoming the first film to surpass Avatar as the highest-grossing film worldwide.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe blockbuster is more than just a movie—it’s an event. Fans around the world assembled to watch Avengers: Endgame on its opening weekend and thousands of re-watchings ensued thereafter, continuing to make it one of Hollywood’s most profitable films ever made. Its success was unparalleled, resonating with both passionate fans and casual viewers alike for its unexpected plot twists, heartfelt moments, and thrilling action sequences.
#3: Titanic
When it comes to the highest-grossing movies in Hollywood, one film stands out above all others: Titanic. Directed by James Cameron and released in 1997, the movie follows an epic romance between Jack and Rose that is set against the backdrop of the tragic sinking of the RMS Titanic. The film grossed an astonishing $2.18 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film ever and becoming one of only three movies to break the two billion dollar mark at the box office.
Titanic remains a major cultural touchstone for many people across generations despite its age. Its iconic moments such as Jack drawing Rose in front of her bedroom window or their last embrace on top of a door are still well remembered today and can be seen referenced regularly in popular media.
#4: Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Star Wars: The Force Awakens has been one of the highest grossing films in Hollywood since its release in 2015. Produced, co-written and directed by J.J. Abrams, the seventh instalment of the Star Wars franchise was a major success at the box office, earning over two billion US dollars worldwide and becoming the third highest grossing film of all time. It is also currently the third highest grossing movie released within North America behind Avatar (2009) and Titanic (1997).
The Force Awakens follows a young scavenger named Rey who embarks on an epic journey with Finn, Poe Dameron and Han Solo to find Luke Skywalker and save their galaxy from Kylo Ren’s First Order regime.
#5: Avengers: Infinity War
Avengers: Infinity War is one of the highest-grossing movies in Hollywood, and with good reason. The 2018 Marvel movie was a box office juggernaut, breaking records worldwide and becoming the fourth film to cross the $2 billion mark. Directed by Anthony Russo and Joe Russo, this installment in the Avengers franchise boasted an all-star cast that included Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth and Josh Brolin. Fans were enthralled with its thrilling story line as Thanos attempts to collect all six Infinity Stones in an effort to become unstoppable. With dazzling special effects that thrilled audiences around the globe, Avengers: Infinity War showed why it deserves its spot on the list of highest grossing films in Hollywood.
#6: Jurassic World
Jurassic World is an iconic movie in Hollywood, breaking records and becoming one of the top ten highest-grossing movies in the world. The long-awaited fourth installment of Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park series was released in 2015, with Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard taking on leading roles. The film earned over $1.67 billion at the box office, making it the 4th highest grossing movie ever made and cementing its place in Hollywood history.
The success of Jurassic World lies not only within its captivating story but also its visual effects. With cutting-edge CGI technology, breathtaking shots of tropical beaches, and a mesmerizing score from Michael Giacchino that brings life to each scene; no wonder audiences were so taken by this epic adventure!
#7: The Lion King (2019)
The Lion King (2019) is an American musical adventure drama film directed by Jon Favreau and produced by Walt Disney Pictures. It is the remake of the 1994 animated classic of the same name, which was a critical and commercial success. The remake features an all-star voice cast, including Donald Glover as Simba, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Billy Eichner as Timon, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala and James Earl Jones reprising his role from the original film as Mufasa.
The 2019 version was released in July 2019 to positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. Its box office performance has been outstanding since its release with a worldwide total gross of over $1.6 billion making it one of the highest-grossing movies in Hollywood history.
#8: Star Wars Episode I – The Phantom Menace
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace launched in 1999 and was the first part of George Lucas’ prequel trilogy. It is one of the highest grossing movies in Hollywood history, with a box office gross of over $1 billion worldwide. Although it was met with mixed reviews from critics and fans alike, its success helped to pave the way for future Star Wars films.
The movie followed the story of a young Anakin Skywalker as he embarks on an epic quest to save his home planet by joining forces with two Jedi Knights, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn. Along the way, they face off against Darth Maul, who seeks to take control of the galaxy through sheer force.
#9: Black Panther
Black Panther, directed by Ryan Coogler, is a 2018 Marvel Cinematic Universe superhero film that has taken the world by storm. This groundbreaking movie follows T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) as he ascends to the throne of Wakanda, a technologically advanced African nation. With an all-star cast including Michael B. Jordan and Lupita Nyong’o, the Black Panther movie made history at the box office with its over $1 billion in worldwide gross sales. It became one of only seven movies to make more than $1 billion since 2005 and is currently ranked as number eight on the list of highest-grossing movies in Hollywood!
What makes this even more impressive is that Black Panther was also praised for its representation of black characters and culture on screen alongside being an action hit.
#10: Furious 7
Furious 7, the seventh installment in the “Fast and Furious” franchise, is one of Hollywood’s top grossing feature films. The action-packed movie features Vin Diesel, Paul Walker and Dwayne Johnson as they race around the world in a high stakes game of danger and revenge. It was one of 2015’s biggest box office successes, making over $1.5 billion worldwide and taking the sixth spot on this list of highest-grossing movies.
With its explosive stunts and thrilling car chases combined with its heartfelt story line, it is no wonder that Furious 7 has become such an iconic classic among fans both young and old. Critics have praised the film for its clever use of special effects to bring a heightened sense of realism to each scene. Along with its strong ensemble cast, Furious 7 stands out as one Hollywood’s most successful movies both financially and critically.
Conclusion
The film industry has come a long way and continues to grow. Hollywood has seen some of the greatest successes and biggest box office hits over the years, producing high-grossing movies that have become instant classics. As we look back at the highest grossing films of all time, it’s amazing to see just how far this industry has gone in terms of cinematography, storytelling, and overall success.
From James Cameron’s Avatar to Marvel’s Avengers: Endgame, these ten movies are amongst some of the most popular films released in recent decades. Each with their own unique story and characters, these movies have earned their place as some of Hollywood’s most successful creations. Whether it be through box office records or award recognition, these are the ten highest-grossing movies in Hollywood history!
