Highest Grossing Movies Of All Time: The Essential Guide

The highest grossing movies of all time adjusted for inflation. This list is ranked by recognizability and popularity, so you can find the perfect movie to re-watch or show your friends.

The films on this list are the most famous movies of all time. How many do you already know?

The best movies are not always the most popular ones, but they are the ones that resonate with the audience and have a lasting cultural impact.

Which film can you watch over and over again without getting bored?

Highest Grossing Movies Of All Time

So are we ready to find out what the highest grossing movies of all time are? Here’s our list!

Iron Man 3 (2013)

Iron Man 3 is a thrilling and action-packed addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Robert Downey Jr. once again delivers a charismatic and witty performance as Tony Stark, the billionaire genius inventor who is forced to confront his own mortality when faced with a new enemy, the Mandarin.

Director Shane Black infuses the film with his signature style, giving it a darker and grittier tone than its predecessors.

The film’s visual effects are top-notch, from the impressive Iron Man suit upgrades to the explosive action sequences.

One of the standout elements of Iron Man 3 is the exploration of Tony Stark’s character development, as he grapples with PTSD and the consequences of his past actions.

The film also introduces a compelling new character in Harley Keener (Ty Simpkins), a young boy who helps Tony in his time of need.

While some fans may have been disappointed with the twists and turns in the film’s plot, Iron Man 3 takes risks and delivers a satisfying conclusion to Stark’s story arc.

The Fate of the Furious (2017)

“The Fate of the Furious” is a high-octane, action-packed thrill ride that exactly what fans of the franchise have come to expect.

the opening the you by the seat of your pants and doesn’t let go.

The chemistry between the cast is still strong and the addition of Charlize Theron as the villain adds a new layer of intensity to the story.

The car chases and stunts are bigger and more ridiculous than ever before, but that’s part of the fun.

While the plot may not be the most original, the execution is flawless and the film is a true spectacle.

Incredibles 2 (2018)

Incredibles 2 is a thrilling and heartwarming follow-up to the beloved Pixar classic.

The animation is stunning, with vibrant colors and action sequences that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

The story picks up right where the first film left off, with the Parr family trying to balance their superhero duties with their everyday lives.

The addition of the new villain, Screenslaver, adds a fresh and timely element to the plot.

The film also explores important themes such as gender roles and the power of family.

Elastigirl takes center stage this time around, proving that she’s just as capable of saving the day as Mr. Incredible. And the scenes with Jack-Jack discovering his powers are pure comedic gold.

Beauty and the Beast (2017)

“Beauty and the Beast” is a visually stunning, magical retelling of the classic fairy tale.

The film stays true to the original story while adding new layers of depth and complexity to the characters.

Emma Watson shines as Belle, bringing a fresh, modern take to the beloved character.

The chemistry between her and Dan Stevens’ Beast is palpable, making their love story all the more captivating.

The supporting cast, including Luke Evans as Gaston and Josh Gad as LeFou, add humor and heart to the film.

The musical numbers are breathtaking, with standout performances by Emma Thompson and Audra McDonald.

The special effects and set design are impressive, transporting viewers to the enchanted world of the Beast’s castle. “Beauty and the Beast” is a must-see for fans of the original and newcomers alike, combining nostalgia with modern storytelling in a truly magical way.

Frozen (2013)

Frozen is an American 3D computer-animated musical fantasy film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures.

The 53rd Disney animated feature film, it is inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale “The Snow Queen”, and is loosely based on the Danish fairy tale “The Snow Queen” as well as other tales in the same genre by Scandinavian authors.

Featuring the voices of Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad, and Santino Fontana, it tells the story of a princess who sets off on a journey alongside a rugged mountain man, his loyal pet reindeer, and a naïve snowman to find her estranged sister, whose icy powers have inadvertently trapped the kingdom in eternal winter.

It was directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee from a screenplay by Lee, based on a story by Lee and Buck.

The film features original songs written by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez for the film.

Christophe Beck was hired to compose the film’s orchestral score, while Thomas Newman provided additional music.

 

 

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018)

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom is a thrilling and visually stunning addition to the Jurassic Park franchise.

Director J.A. Bayona creates a tense and ominous atmosphere throughout the film, building on the suspense of the previous Jurassic World installment.

The plot centers around the ethical dilemma of whether or not to save the dinosaurs from an impending volcanic eruption on Isla Nublar.

This leads to a captivating sequence of events that takes the audience on a rollercoaster ride of action and.

The and Bryce Howard strong, with their characters developing in interesting and unexpected ways.

The supporting cast also are, with the dinosaurs looking more realistic than ever before.

The use of practical effects and animatronics adds a level of authenticity and nostalgia to the film.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)

Star Wars: The Last Jedi is a stunning addition to the Star Wars franchise.

Director Rian Johnson masterfully weaves together a complex plot full of unexpected twists and turns, while also paying homage to the beloved characters and themes of the original trilogy.

The film is visually stunning, with breathtaking space battles and beautifully crafted settings.

The performances are also top-notch, with Mark Hamill delivering a powerful and emotional portrayal of Luke Skywalker, and Daisy Ridley continuing to impress as the determined and fierce Rey.

However, some fans may be disappointed by the film’s departure from traditional Star Wars tropes and the treatment of certain characters.

Nevertheless, The Last Jedi takes risks and pushes the boundaries of what a Star Wars film can be, resulting in a thought-provoking and thrilling ride.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II (2011)

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II is a spellbinding conclusion to an epic cinematic journey.

Director David Yates masterfully brings J.K. Rowling’s beloved characters to life one last time, delivering a satisfying finale to the beloved franchise.

From the breathtaking battle scenes at Hogwarts to the emotional goodbyes between Harry, Ron, and Hermione, every moment of this film is filled with heart and magic.

The performances of the cast are top-notch, with Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint giving their best performances yet.

The music by Alexandre Desplat is hauntingly beautiful and perfectly captures the tone of the story.

Black Panther (2018)

Black Panther is a fascinating achievement, from its celebration of African culture to its nuanced look at the divide between black and white Americans.

The film’s action sequences are superbly choreographed, and the script is filled with smart character development.

Black Panther is a film that offers something for everyone: compelling characters, beautiful production design, thrilling action sequences and a message that resonates.

It’s a movie that explores the role of power in society without sacrificing its sense of fun; it’s both gritty and funny, heartfelt and exciting.

Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

Avengers: Age of Ultron is a thrilling addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The film follows our favorite superheroes as they face their biggest challenge yet – an artificial intelligence program gone rogue.

With a stellar cast including Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, and Scarlett Johansson, the action-packed film keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

Director Joss Whedon delivers another epic adventure, filled with jaw-dropping fight scenes and impressive special effects.

The film also dives deeper into the personal stories and relationships between the characters, providing a more emotional and engaging experience for viewers.

While the film may not reach the same heights as its predecessor, The Avengers (2012), it still manages to deliver a satisfying and entertaining superhero blockbuster.

The introduction of new characters, such as Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver, adds to the excitement and sets up future storylines.

Frozen II (2019)

Frozen II is a stunning sequel that delivers on every level.

The film takes us back to Arendelle, where Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, Olaf, and Sven embark on a journey to discover the truth about their past and save their kingdom from an impending danger.

The animation in this film is breathtaking, with every detail meticulously crafted to bring the world of Frozen to life.

The musical numbers are just as catchy and memorable as the first film, with standout performances by Idina Menzel and Kristen Bell.

What sets Frozen II apart, however, is its willingness to tackle more mature themes, such as grief and identity.

The characters are given more depth and nuance, making their journey all the more emotionally resonant.

The Avengers (2012)

The Avengers is a thrilling and action-packed superhero film that brings together some of Marvel’s most iconic characters.

Director Joss Whedon masterfully balances humor, heart, and spectacle in this epic team-up movie.

The cast is outstanding, with Robert Downey Jr. reprising his role as Iron Man, Chris Evans as Captain America, Chris Hemsworth as Thor, and Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow.

Each character gets their moment to shine, with standout performances from Mark Ruffalo as the Hulk and Tom Hiddleston as the villainous Loki.

The action sequences are incredibly well-choreographed and visually stunning, with the final battle in New York City being a particular highlight.

The film’s score by Alan Silvestri perfectly captures the epic scale of the story.

While the film does have some moments of cliché superhero dialogue and predictable plot points, it ultimately delivers as a thrilling and satisfying blockbuster.

Furious 7 (2015)

Furious 7 is a thrilling action-packed ride that delivers on all fronts.

From the heart-pumping car chases to the emotionally charged moments, this film has it all.

The late Paul Walker’s final performance adds a layer of poignancy to the already intense plot, while the rest of the cast, including Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson, bring their A-game to the table.

The stunts in this movie are simply jaw-dropping, with each one more impressive than the last.

The visual effects are top-notch, making the action scenes even more spectacular. But what really sets Furious 7 apart is the heart behind it all.

The characters are more than just caricatures of themselves – they’re real people with real emotions, making their journey all the more impactful.

The Lion King (2019)

The Lion King (2019) is a visually stunning film that is a faithful adaptation of the beloved animated classic.

The CGI technology used to bring the animals to life is truly impressive and creates a breathtakingly realistic world that is a feast for the eyes.

The voice cast is also top-notch, with standout performances from Donald Glover as Simba and Beyoncé as Nala.

However, while the film is visually impressive, it lacks the heart and emotion of the original.

The new versions of the classic songs, while well-performed, lack the magic of the original versions. Additionally, some of the changes made to the story feel unnecessary and detract from the overall impact of the film.

Jurassic World (2015)

Jurassic World is a thrilling action-packed adventure that takes us back to Isla Nublar, where the original Jurassic Park was located.

The park has been rebuilt and rebranded as Jurassic World, a fully functioning theme park that features genetically engineered dinosaurs as the main attraction.

The film starts off slow, introducing us to the characters and the park.

But once the Indominus Rex, a genetically modified hybrid dinosaur, escapes from its enclosure, the action never stops.

The special effects are top-notch, and the dinosaur battles are intense and exciting.

Chris Pratt delivers a strong performance as Owen, the park’s raptor trainer, and Bryce Dallas Howard as Claire, the park’s operations manager, also shines.

The chemistry between the two leads is palpable, and their banter adds a touch of humor to the otherwise tense storyline.

While the plot may be predictable at times, the film still manages to keep the audience on the edge of their seats.

The nods to the original Jurassic Park are a nice touch, and the film’s score pays homage to the iconic theme song.

Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

Avengers: Infinity War leaves you with a sense of awe and wonderment as you witness the culmination of ten years of storytelling in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The film delivers on its promise of epicness, bringing together an unprecedented number of characters from across the MCU for an action-packed, emotional rollercoaster that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

The stakes have never been higher as the Avengers face their greatest threat yet in the form of Thanos, a villain who believes he is doing the right thing by wiping out half of all life in the universe.

The ensemble cast, led by Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, and Chris Hemsworth, deliver powerful performances that make you care deeply about the fate of these characters that you have grown to love over the years.

The action sequences are nothing short of spectacular, with stunning visual effects and choreography that make you feel like you are right in the middle of the action.

But what sets Infinity War apart is its emotional depth, as the characters grapple with their own personal demons and the weight of their responsibilities as heroes.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)

As a huge Star Wars fan, I was eagerly anticipating the release of The Force Awakens back in 2015.

And I have to say, it did not disappoint. J.J. Abrams managed to capture the essence of the original trilogy while introducing a new generation of characters that were just as captivating.

The chemistry between Daisy Ridley’s Rey and John Boyega’s Finn was electric, and they both brought a fresh energy to the franchise.

Oscar Isaac also shone as the charismatic pilot Poe Dameron, and Adam Driver brought a compelling complexity to the villainous Kylo Ren.

But what really stood out to me was the nostalgia factor.

The return of beloved characters like Han Solo, Chewbacca, and Princess Leia was handled with care and respect, and it was a joy to see them back on the screen.

Of course, the film isn’t perfect. Some of the plot points and twists felt a bit too familiar, and the pacing could have been tighter in places.

Titanic (1997)

As someone who has seen Titanic multiple times, I can confidently say that it is a cinematic masterpiece that has stood the test of time.

James Cameron’s direction and attention to detail are unparalleled, and the film’s visuals are simply stunning.

The story, of course, is one that has been told time and time again, but Titanic manages to breathe new life into it.

The romance between Jack and Rose is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, and their chemistry on screen is electric.

The supporting cast also delivers standout performances, particularly Kate Winslet as Rose and Billy Zane as Cal.

One of the things that sets Titanic apart is its ability to seamlessly blend historical accuracy with Hollywood spectacle.

The sinking of the ship is depicted in harrowing detail, and it’s impossible not to feel a sense of dread as the water begins to rise.

Yet, at the same time, the film is also a grand spectacle, with its lavish costumes and stunning set pieces.

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Avengers: Endgame (2019)

Avengers: Endgame is a cinematic masterpiece that completely satisfies the hype and expectations that were built over the 10 years and 22 films of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The film follows our beloved heroes as they grapple with the aftermath of Thanos’ snap, which wiped out half of all life in the universe.

Endgame is a love letter to the fans, filled with nods to previous films, emotional moments, and epic battle scenes.

The pacing is perfect, with the first half of the film dealing with the aftermath of Infinity War and the second half delivering on the promise of an epic showdown.

The character arcs are beautifully handled, and the film gives each hero their moment to shine.

The performances are nothing short of impressive, with Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans delivering some of their best work as Iron Man and Captain America respectively.

The film also introduces some new faces and gives them a chance to shine, particularly Karen Gillan as Nebula and Paul Rudd as Ant-Man.

The special effects are top-notch, particularly in the climactic battle scene, which is a visual feast for the eyes.

The score by Alan Silvestri is also noteworthy, perfectly capturing the emotional beats of the film.

Avatar (2009)

Avatar is a visually stunning masterpiece that takes the audience on an otherworldly adventure. Director James Cameron’s attention to detail is unparalleled, as evidenced by the intricate landscapes and vibrant colors of the fictional planet Pandora.

The use of motion capture technology to bring the alien characters to life is seamless, and the performances of the actors are nothing short of exceptional.

The story itself is a classic tale of good versus evil, with a strong environmental message.

The Na’vi, the indigenous people of Pandora, are fighting to protect their home from a ruthless corporation that seeks to exploit its resources.

The film’s themes of greed, imperialism, and the destructive nature of humanity are as relevant today as they were when the film was first released.

At its core, Avatar is a groundbreaking cinematic achievement that pushed the boundaries of technology and storytelling.

The film’s success can be attributed to its ability to transport the viewer to another world, and its powerful message about the importance of preserving our planet.

Avatar is a must-see for any film lover, and a true testament to the power of cinema.

Highest-Grossing Films Adjusted For Inflation

We’ve all heard of the biggest movie blockbusters of all time. The films that grossed the most money are a list of all-time greats, like Star Wars and The Dark Knight.

But few people realize that these numbers are adjusted for inflation, so we can’t simply compare them to modern-day films.

If we want to know whether Gone With The Wind would have been one of the highest-grossing movies of all time after adjusting for inflation, we can’t just look at its $198 million domestic box office take in 1939.

We have to adjust that number by taking into account how much people earned in 1939 and how many tickets were sold back then (the average ticket price was 25 cents).

That’s why Gone With The Wind doesn’t even crack the top 20 when it comes to inflation-adjusted box office revenue.

But what about the year Gone With The Wind came out? What was the highest-grossing film of 1939 that didn’t star Clark Gable or Vivien Leigh?

The answer is Wizard Of Oz, which took in $3.3 million (or $55 million adjusted for inflation.) Adjusted for inflation, here are the top 15 highest-grossing films of all time:

High-Grossing Films By Year

You’ve likely seen some of the biggest blockbusters of all time playing at a movie theater near you.

Have you ever wondered which films made the most money, and when they were released?

Truly great movies aren’t just good—they’re also memorable. And as it turns out, some of the highest grossing movies of all time are also among the most memorable.

We’ve put together a list of the top 10 highest-grossing films for each year since 1980.

We’ve included some fan favorites like Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings, and we’ve even included some not-so-favorites (anyone remember Waterworld?).

In order to determine the highest grossing films by year, we looked at data from Box Office Mojo.

Box Office Mojo is a website that tracks box office figures for movies in theaters, as well as movies that have been released on DVD/Blu-ray and TV sales.

Timeline Of Highest-Grossing Films

A timeline of the highest-grossing films is a list of the most successful films over time.

The films on these lists are generally measured by the revenue they have earned at the box office.

All time worldwide gross revenue figures are not adjusted for inflation.

When available, the specific dates and other statistics of a film’s release are noted.

The charts are ranked by international theatrical box office performance where possible, excluding income derived from home video, broadcasting rights and merchandise.

Oricon charts are included for animation because they provide separate weekly charts for domestic films, overseas films and anime. (Note that only theatrical box office receipts are used for animated films.) 

If a film released in a certain year had a theatrical run in the previous year, it will be noted as such. Similarly, if a film was released during the last week of December it will be noted as such. 

It is also specifically noted when a film had an extended run over two calendar years or if part of its theatrical run was in one calendar year and part of its run was in another calendar year.

Some films have not been released in some countries due to censorship issues or lack of interest. 

Highest-Grossing Franchises And Film Series

When you’re looking at the best-performing films, it’s easy to get caught up in the hype surrounding the biggest moneymakers and forget that these films are only successful because they’re popular.

What makes them successful and what can you learn from their success?

Looking at the highest-grossing films of all time, there are a few commonalities that stand out:

Blockbusters come in all shapes and sizes.

While Hollywood is often criticized for its obsession with action blockbusters, it’s important to note that some of the highest-grossing films of all time include films like Titanic and Avatar.

The lesson here is that while big action blockbusters may be more popular than ever, Hollywood is still willing to invest in other genres, as well.

There’s no substitute for quality.

One reason why action blockbusters do so well is because they’re generally better made than other genres.

They have to be: The audience is paying a premium for them and expects a premium experience.

Take Titanic, which was nominated for 14 Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director; or Avatar, which won three awards for Best Art Direction, Cinematography and Visual Effects. 
 

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