The leaderboard for pop culture’s highest grossing hits has revealed a lot about modern audiences. Disney has managed to occupy half of the coveted ranking, and nostalgia has truly intensified, becoming a powerful hook. Critical and audience responses can often conflict, with financial success undermining the former. It can even contradict a generally poor consensus, when franchises secure a niche demographic.
Ultimately, immense popularity is simply undeniable. So, it will always be fascinating to reconsider the greatest box office titans, and how they achieved such astronomical profit. And this is how the filmgoers themselves saw fit to rank those massive victors, on IMDb.
Frozen II - 7.2 - $1,420,797,090
The previous Frozen was a creative, charming musical with an interesting sibling dynamic and engaging lore. And modern audiences always crave more. With countless shows, and copious streaming services on which to binge them, fandoms have learned to consume all entertainment that way. Sequels have claimed more than half of this list.
When Disney explores new worlds, they generally thrive, but Frozen II is preceded by tough competition. Following any instant classic, expectations are heightened. The sequel still has catchy music, beautiful artistry, and touching moments. But the film’s only true fault is feeling overshadowed. The elemental lore isn’t nearly as original, the story is more predictable, and aging the characters didn’t quite have the intended thematic heft.
Furious 7 - 7.2 - $1,515,047,671
This is a franchise that survived by evolution, hardly recognizable today compared to its roots in street racing. It is a rare example of a film series that overcome fatigue by instinctive transformation. How furious can you possibly get? Racing and car action can only last for so long. Now every action star wants a piece of the franchise, and acquiring James Wan was a massive get. His talented eye for camerawork brings a lot to the table. Say what you will about the DCEU, but he likewise brought colorful Aquaman comics to life. He entered at just the right point, where escalating action would allow him bizarre creativity. However, Furious 7 was, more importantly, a well-made, heartfelt farewell to the talented Paul Walker.
The Avengers - 8.0 - $1,518,812,988
Marvel developed the origins for characters that were relatively less popular, with their heavy-hitters situated in other studios. It was a remarkable experiment, which culminated in this massively popular, influential crossover. Combining multiple heroes into a cohesive universe wound up convincing every studio to pursue their own equivalent.
This resulted in varied success, but even Godzilla exploits a shared universe these days. The balancing act between Marvel’s superheroes is unexpectedly successful—structurally sound, with unique action and fun humor. In fact, limiting the time with each character resulted in healthier doses for some. And letting the talented cast interact revealed their hugely entertaining chemistry.
The Lion King (2019) - 7.0 - $1,656,943,394
Disney’s parade of live-action reboots has proven divisive, yet predominantly successful. The powerhouse studio that has defined every generation of childhood, and now runs our very lives, is only accelerating. True, a few of Disney’s reiterations have been disappointing. But Disney arguably has no accomplishment larger than the original Lion King. Few would be able to resist another adaptation of that classic, Shakespearean story. Still, a strange and cautious approach kept the 2019 film from even greater triumph. Nearly a shot-for-shot remake, the new version loses novelty, and hardly asserts a reason to exist. It ultimately subtracts nuanced, yet crucial ingredients. And the loss of animation innately suppresses the expressive, lively charm of the vivid original.
Jurassic World - 7.0 - $1,670,400,637
With ties resolved by vote count, this long-awaited sequel in the Jurassic Park franchise defied mixed reviews. Its playful, decidedly nostalgic run found a new way to revisit familiar scenarios and themes. The original film remains an iconic thrill-ride, cleverly discussing human arrogance and unethical science with humor, heart and suspense. But Spielberg’s own sequel transformed the series into another animal altogether. For loyal fans, the sequels have their own merits, enjoyable in different ways. The 2015 hit remains a breezy, colorful adventure that leans into a family-friendly tone. It can be knowingly silly, but the tremendous sense of fun is undeniably appealing. Further, it feels superior to the previous installment, and audience demand had greatly accumulated after such a long wait.
Avengers: Infinity War - 8.5 - $2,048,359,754
A story that mainly establishes and explores Thanos, a giant purple being who could otherwise feel compromisingly silly. But thanks to his straightforward, recognizable motivations, superb CGI, and Josh Brolin’s naturally gritty persona, Thanos is captivating. This explosive action movie treads familiar ground, but the uniquely integrated storylines are always a fun juggling act to behold. Further, despite the frenetic pacing, the stakes feel genuinely high, particularly compared to previous installments. Multiple deaths ultimately amount to a striking loss, ending with one of a very few cliffhangers that feels both tasteful and earned.
Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens - 7.9 - $2,068,223,624
Disney’s acquisition of the Skywalker saga has been polarizing for established fans who have always been especially passionate. That has invited equally toxic and positive behavior alike. But one thing is perpetually certain — Star Wars is an immersive, iconic universe that can entertain or prove meaningful to just about anyone. From video games to toys to The Mandalorian. After the prequels were bashed to no end, Disney’s soft reboot felt like an intentionally familiar stabilization. The motives of the sequel trilogy were still unclear. But director J.J. Abrams certainly delivered enthusiastic fan service, and a sense of adventurous fun. Fans were primed to see a triumphant return and witness what new vision might rise.
Titanic - 7.8 - $2,194,439,542
James Cameron can officially claim the only original films on the list, and conquered the box office for years. For some time, he was only defeated by himself. There is perhaps nothing so romantic as tragedy, particularly among the young. This epic historical fiction boasts two powerful leads with genuine chemistry, which is a joy to watch throughout. It even outweighs the tired themes of class division. The protagonists’ relationship is simply fun, and Cameron’s sincere enthusiasm is felt in every frame. He is one of the few filmmakers that can tell stories with broad themes and dialogue,\ without losing personality and appeal.
Avatar - 7.8 - $2,790,439,000
However many detractors might reject this worldwide hit, there is no denying its visual feast. The sheer technology on display remains overwhelming to this day, a testament to the innovation of James Cameron’s team.
True, the villains are akin to a caricature, and the story is thematically blunt, to say the least. But that also makes the story easily digestible for widespread audiences, and the direction is gripping. Cameron’s trademark aptitude for compelling imagery is prevalent throughout. Certainly by the ending, wherein the inevitable war lets Cameron unleash his reliably exciting action.
Avengers: Endgame - 8.5 - $2,797,800,564
With viewers now favoring long-form content, the massively successful MCU saga developed a perfect formula. This gargantuan season finale of the MCU was thankfully character-driven, allowing satisfying resolution for the protagonists and audiences alike. Much of the film is about enduring loss, and unexpectedly prioritizes a genuine poignancy over spectacle. Although, there is certainly still exhilarating action. But fans have been allowed to deeply invest over time, and an entire generation will be defined by these sci-fi blockbusters.
To keep steady such an extensive, elaborate story was impressive enough. But as many TV series will remind you—the conclusion, which validates all which preceded, is most difficult to land. Emotionally arresting beyond the genre’s expectations, the film is surprisingly well-paced despite its lengthy runtime. Anyone mildly entertained by the MCU would be content by its blend of creative comedy, heart, and fireworks.
