Many blockbuster movies are being produced every single year, however, there are those that have set records that are really hard to break; a few are even hailed as masterpieces that come along once in a lifetime. Groundbreaking techniques in filming, talented cast members and good advertising are some of the factors which contribute to the success of these films.
Oftentimes, the films that set these records are expected to do so, but in some cases, even the production team is surprised by the results! And so, we will be taking a look at some of the most successful movies, the secret behind their massive impact, as well as, how much money they made at the box office.
The Lion King, $191.7 Million
Proving how strong the power of nostalgia is when The Lion King remake was announced everyone was waiting in anticipation. The film was made with various virtual reality tools and given how big of a step up it was compared to the 1994 version, it was set for greatness.
Three years in the making, the film’s budget reached as high as $260 million. Luckily for the production team, just within the first week of its release, it had already grossed $191.7 million, moving on to a worldwide revenue of $1.645 billion!
The Dark Knight, $188.7 Million
The Dark Knight featured, arguably, everyone’s favorite Batman and Joker duet. Although many similar-themed films have been released since 2008, this version remains imprinted in the minds of film fans globally, owing to its intricate and intriguing plot, on-point costume design and star-studded cast.
After the opening week came to an end, the film had already grossed an estimated $156.4 million; $188.7 million in today’s currency value. Seeing that the film had a $185-million budget, the movie proved to be a worthwhile investment. It went on to gross $1.004 billion worldwide.
Avengers: Age of Ultron, $297 Million
Superhero films often perform well when they're released at the cinema and having already mentioned most of the Avengers movies, Age of Ultron could not have been left off this list. It was the second-ever Avengers movie to be made and was followed by two even more lucrative films.
Age of Ultron earned most of its $250-million budget during the first week of its release, summing up to $191 million; equivalent to $207 million in today's financial market. After weeks on the big screen, it grossed a total of $1.4 billion, on an international scale.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, $130.8 Million
Transitioning from a series of well-written books to a series of well-produced movies, the Harry Potter films were the kind of phenomena that would change the cinematic world forever. Fans of all ages were already becoming addicted to the books, so when the movie was released in 2001, it was an inevitable success.
The film began with a $125-million budget; the stakes were incredibly high. The producers' hearts were put at ease after the first week since the film grossed $90.29 million in the U.S.A. and Canada. Its total worldwide earnings reached $978 million, which would equate to almost $1.5 billion today.
Jurassic World, $226 Million
As proven with the Star Wars film series, the power of nostalgia is sometimes the best money maker. Years after the original Jurassic Park movies were released, Jurassic World came along in 2015 to amaze its audience. Given the success of the other films within this franchise, the zealous reception of the film's fans was expected.
Just in the very first week, the film went on to earn about $208.8 million in the U.S.A. and Canada, which reflects $226 million today. As a matter of fact, it’s total revenue surpassed $1 billion, being as high as approximately $1.672 billion.
Joker, $234 Million
One of the most anticipated films of 2019 was Joker, in which Joaquin Phoenix takes the role of the famous villain from the DC Comics. After masterful interpretations by Jack Nicholson and Heath Ledger, Phoenix had some very big shoes to fill. According to numerous critics, Phoenix delivered and then some.
The film's dark tone and criticism of our current society have turned it into a controversial piece. While many people thought it wouldn't do so well in the box office, it went on to earn over $230 million worldwide during its first weekend. Towards the end of October, this number has risen to $853 million, making it the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens, $268.4 Million
Star Wars is one of the most beloved films to have ever been created. After decades of producing thought-provoking and addictive films, the directors and screenwriters have created a legacy, which was brought back to life in 2015 when Star Wars: The Force Awakens was released.
The film went on to gross $247.9 million within the U.S. and Canada in the opening week, which would translate to $268.4 million today. Overall, Star Wars: The Force Awakens has earned a total of $2.068 billion worldwide with almost $1 billion of this amount being made in the U.S.A.
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, $172.6 Million
The Pirates of the Caribbean movie franchise took the world by surprise. These humorous fantasy-action movies were perfect for any audience. Dead Man’s Chest was the second film ever created in the series, and when it was released back in 2006, it seemed as though the records it set would be unsinkable for years to come.
In the opening week, the film was able to earn $135.6 million, which would equate to approximately $172.6 million today. After it reached a total gross of $1.06 billion, it became the third movie in history to surpass $1 billion. Furthermore, it was the highest-grossing film of 2006.
Black Panther, $206 Million
Creating a movie of such cultural significance was not only a matter of time but also a recipe for success. So when the Black Panther film was released in 2018, the incredible response it received at the box office was to be expected. Even though the film was mildly criticized for its special effects, it still broke records.
As a matter of fact, having a budget of $200 million, the film managed to earn every penny that was spent within the first week. It grossed $202 million during its opening weekend, equivalent to $206 million, as of 2019, and summed a total of $1.346 billion worldwide.
The Avengers, $298.8 Million
The first time the whole gang got together was back in 2012. The movie came as a sequel to the also-lucrative Iron Man films, creating a recipe for success. By adding the ideal characters and a good plot to something already groundbreaking, The Avengers films were set to break records.
And so they did; during the opening week, within the U.S.A. and Canada, the film grossed approximately $267.4 million, which would equal to $298.8 million today. The film's budget was an estimated $220 million, meanwhile, its total earnings worldwide were as high as $1.5 billion.
Captain America: Civil War, $191 Million
Captain America: Civil War was the third Captain America movie to be made and the thirteenth movie within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As if that weren’t enough, it also featured Tony Stark, played by Robert Downey Jr. The film had a $250-million budget that created almost 150 minutes of absolute action.
As fans were satisfied by the production value, within the first week of the film’s initial release, it had already attained a $179-million income, which would translate to $191 million today. Captain America: Civil War went on to gross the jaw-dropping amount of $1.15 billion worldwide.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, $153 Million
As successful as the first Guardians of the Galaxy film was, the second one managed to beat it at the box office. With updated visual effects and more emphasis on the fan-favorite characters, the film was given an A+! It also received a nomination at the 90th Academy Awards for Best Visual Effects.
The film had a $200-million budget, and so, after the first week’s $146.5-million gross, $153-million today, the producers were relieved that fans were so supportive of the franchise. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2's overall revenue amounted to $863.7 million. The third film is expected in 2022.
Batman, $83.7 Million
The first Batman of the film series was even more successful than its sequels. With a great marketing campaign and talented actors as part of the cast, the Batman logo was all over the U.S. that year, in 1966. They had even spent around $6 million making the Batmobile.
In the first week, the film’s earnings surpassed the movie’s $35-million budget, being as high as $40 million in the USA and Canada; which is translated today as $83.7 million. It went on to gross a total of $411.5 million worldwide, the equivalent of today’s $851.5 million.
Incredibles 2, $186 Million
When Brad Bird released the first The Incredibles movie back in 2004, he said he’d only release a second one if it were better than the first. It may have taken him 14 years to do so, but when Incredibles 2 was released, it did not disappoint, despite the long wait.
The film was able to gross $182.6 million within the first week of its release, which would equate to $186.6 million today. By the time the film was taken off the roster at movie theaters, it had already earned a total of $1.242 billion worldwide.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi, $230 Million
We’ve already seen some very famous and successful movie franchises, but the truth is, the impact that the original Star Wars films have made is worth highlighting, as many times as is necessary. The Last Jedi was the second of the new and nostalgic Star Wars trilogy, which is followed by 2019’s The Rise of the Skywalker.
Everyone expected the film to be successful, and so it was. The film had a total budget of about $317 million, and in the first week of its release, it made around $200 million, over half of its expenditure, which amounts to $230 million today. Its total gross was as high as $1.33 billion.
Avengers: Endgame, $350 Million
Considering all the Marvel films which have been released over the years, the Avengers: Endgame movie was set for success. What no one expected though was the number of records it would actually break upon its release, both in the USA and worldwide.
Just in the opening week, the film grossed approximately $350 million in the USA, which was even more than the film’s total budget! It went on to be the highest-grossing film of all time with a total of $2.796 billion earned worldwide; $1.2 billion of which was earned just in the opening week.
Batman Forever, $88 Million
Joel Schumacher and Tim Burton had a vision when it came to Batman. Their four-film long collaboration has impacted all Batman movies that followed, to this day. With Batman Forever being a sequel to 1992’s Batman Returns, it was a success waiting to happen. After receiving criticism from the prior film, they made Batman Forever more family-friendly.
As a result, the film wound up grossing $52.7 million in the opening week, which is around $88 million in today’s financial market! The film managed to break the record set by Jurassic Park for the first week. Overall, Batman Forever has earned a total amount of $336.5 million worldwide.
Grease, $35.2 Million
Grease is, without a doubt, an example of what a musical film is supposed to look like. It was already an incredibly successful theatrical show when it reached the big screen with John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John as its stars. Clearly, the film was pre-set to break all records.
It had a gigantic $6-million budget. Luckily for the film’s creators, the amount was completely earned back just within the 1978 premiere. As a matter of fact, it earned $8.94M in its first week worth $35.2M today. It also grossed out a total of $396.9M worldwide, which is equal to $1.5B in 2019!
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire - $174 Million
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire was not only critically acclaimed but the fans were also very pleased with the movie. Furthermore, The Hunger Games not only ensured its stars Jennifer Lawrence’s and Liam Hemsworth’s success within the industry but also featured a very original concept, setting a great example for other films.
Even though it had a gigantic $130-million budget, the production managed to earn all the money that was spent within the first week! The film made $158 million within the USA and Canada, equal to $174 million today. Its total revenue amounted to $865 million worldwide.
The Dark Knight Rises, $179.7 Million
There was much talk about The Dark Knight Rises before the movie's production had even begun. Reportedly, Christian Bale didn’t even want to wear his Batman suit again, as he thought the upcoming film wouldn't match up to its prequel. However, the movie didn't disappoint and is the second-highest-grossing DC movie, after Aquaman.
The Dark Knight Rises grossed an estimated amount of $160 million in its opening week, equal to $179.7 million in today's market. In addition, it summed a total of $1.08 billion worldwide, and Christian Bale went home with a $15-million paycheck.
Beauty and the Beast, $182.9 Million
It had been more than two decades since the first animated Beauty and the Beast film was released, back in 1991. By casting Emma Watson to be the lead star, and hiring Bill Condon as the director, the film was destined to rake in the big bucks.
The stakes were high, given the $162 million earned during the opening week by the first film. However, the remake had $160 million invested in its budget alone! It went on to earn $174.7 million within the first week; $182 million today, and summed up a total of $1.263 billion globally.
Avengers: Infinity War, $262 Million
The Avengers: Infinity War movie was the most anticipated film of 2018 but no one could expect how impactful it would actually be when it hit cinemas. It turns out, the film went on to become the highest-grossing film ever, up until Endgame was released the next year.
Upon its release, Infinity War grossed $257.6 million in the USA, moving on to gross a total of $2.048 billion on a global scale. It was seemingly an impossible record to break, but what an achievement it was for the show's creators and directors for the sequel to take its spot on the rankings.
Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows - Part 2, $192 Million
It has been 22 years since the first Harry Potter book was released, in 1997, and what a fanbase it has received since then! Across the globe, there are dedicated Harry Potter fans, who live and breath for the franchise. When the film adaptations were coming to an end they made two films for the final book.
The last film was simply off the charts and within its opening weekend, it had already earned $169 million, which would amount to $192 million today. The film moved on to gross $1.341 billion worldwide, on top of leaving a great example for other fantasy movie productions to follow.
The Lost World: Jurassic Park, $115 Million
The fans of Jurassic Park pressured the creators for a sequel, therefore, it was bound to do extremely well at the box office when it was released. The film was loosely based on the novel called The Lost World, released in 1995, and was directed by Steven Spielberg.
Despite having a $73-million budget, which was quite a lot at the time, the film went on to gross a jaw-dropping $72 million in its opening week in the States and Canada, meaning $115 million today. They earned just $1 million shy of the amount they had spent on the film, in the first week! The movie attained a worldwide revenue of $618.6 million.
Captain Marvel, $153 Million
As the cinematic world continues to evolve, Marvel takes pride in leading the way. The recently released Captain Marvel was highly anticipated when it's pending release was announced. It would be the first-ever superhero film with an all-female lead within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The film proved to be an enormous commercial success, as it went on to earn approximately $153 million within its first week at the cinemas. Although the film didn't surpass Avengers: Endgame’s $2-billion total income, it still did well at the box office, grossing a total of $1.1 billion.
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, $177 Million
It's a known fact that film audiences are drawn to anything relating to Batman. Therefore, when the franchise's directors decided to include Superman into the mix, Hollywood was expecting a mind-blowing response at the box office. The film featured one of the most anticipated superhero fights of the century!
Batman v Superman; Dawn of Justice did well in its opening week, earning $166 million, which is translated to $177.4 million today, however, its success declined in the following weeks. Nonetheless, the film managed to earn a staggering $878 million worldwide, not as much as one would expect, considering two of the world's favorite superheroes were the stars.
Spider-Man 3, $186.9 Million
Spider-Man 3 is considered to be one of Marvel’s miracle movies. The presentation of the character may have been altered since then, but the first movies made such an impact that fans still can’t make a decision on which Spider-Man is the best.
The movie had a total budget of $258 million. When the first week had passed, the film had already made more than half of that amount, grossing approximately $151 million, which translates to $186.9 million today. Soon enough, it's overall revenue was calculated at $890 million worldwide, which today, would amount to over a billion dollars.
Iron Man 3, $191.7 Million
When most people think, Marvel, an image of Robert Downey Jr. pops into their minds. So, when he ended his collaboration with the studio, following Avengers: Endgame, the fans were shocked. His journey began, of course, with the Iron Man movies and Iron Man 3 was a colossal blockbuster.
The film offered thrilling action scenes and realistic portrayals of the characters. The total revenue reached as high as $1.2 billion. Keeping in mind that it grossed $174 million just within the first week of its release; $191 million today, it’s record-breaking total was somewhat unsurprising.
Jurassic Park, $83.4 Million
Jurassic Park was so successful because the film spent years in the making, first with the release of the book and then the movie. They, reportedly, spent as much money advertising, as it took them to create the entire film. At the time, it was filmed with ground-breaking tech, using computer-generated imagery.
The movie went on to earn approximately $47 million in its opening week in the United States and Canada, equal to $83.5 million today. Quickly, it went on to earn the crazy amount of $1.03 billion worldwide, becoming, at the time, the highest-grossing film ever.
Spider-Man, $163.78 Million
For over two decades, the creation of another Spider-Man movie was stalled for licensing reasons, and so, when the sequel was finally released, in 2002, it was an immediate success. The filming of the movie experienced several difficulties and as a result, unique techniques were used that raised its budget to the staggering amount of $139 million.
However, it quickly became the first movie to surpass the $100-million mark in its opening week, scoring $114.8 million, equivalent to $163.7 million today. Spider-Man grossed a total of $825 million, which would surpass $1 billion, as of 2019. Numerous factors contributed to the show's success; the fan-favorite, Tobey Maquire being one of them.
Batman Returns, $29 Million
This time we're focusing on the film, Batman Returns. It was the last movie of the franchise that Tim Burton ever created, and as a matter of fact, the last film with Michael Keaton as Batman. Even though they had many issues while producing it; disputes, budget cuts and more, the film turned out great.
The film would go on to earn $16 million within the first weekend, equivalent to $29 million today. With a total gross of $266.9 million worldwide, despite being Burton’s last Batman film, he surely left a great legacy for the others to follow.
Avatar, $92 Million
It’s no secret how much of a genius James Cameron is as a director. As a matter of fact, although he started conceptualizing the film in 1994, he waited until the right technology came along to fulfill his vision. To this day, the records that this movie set, have not been broken. Meanwhile, he’s working on four more.
In the first week, Avatar grossed $77 million which would be $92 million today. Given its’ $237-million budget, the opening week's revenue wasn't a good start. It would, however, surprise critics and film fans worldwide when it raked in a total of $2.789 billion, a record that stands to this day.
Titanic, $45.8 Million
It’s no secret that everything James Cameron touches turns to gold. When he got the inspiration to create an entire film based on the RMS Titanic’s maiden voyage that sunk, the only thing missing was his spotless execution. After all, it was the film that made Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet into the stars that they are today.
The 1997 film managed to amass $28.6M just within the opening week, which would equate to $45.8M nowadays. It also summed a total of $2.187B, translated to $3.499B in today’s money. To be fair, with a budget of $200M, the film was bound to be successful.
Gone with the Wind, $17.5 Million
There’s only one reason why a film from the ‘30s is still being watched today, and that’s because it was legendary. Gone with the Wind is possibly the perfect film to characterize that era as it deals with war and romance. As it just so happens, it broke all records upon its release.
With a budget of $3.9M, the film grossed out about $945K upon its opening weekend in 1939, which accumulates to $17.5M in today’s currency! As a matter of fact, it gathered a $402.3M worldwide income, which would equate to the crazy amount of $7.4B today.