by Movies have always been a source of entertainment and a medium to escape reality. Over the years, the film industry has grown tremendously, and many movies have made their mark globally. From the highest-grossing films to the most critically acclaimed, we have compiled a list of the 50 most successful movies in the world.
Avatar (2009)
A Groundbreaking Sci-Fi Adventure that Changed the Game
Lifetime Gross: $2,847,246,203
Budget: $237 million
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Avatar, directed by James Cameron, is officially the best-selling movie worldwide. With its impressive special effects and breathtaking visuals, it surpassed Titanic, another Cameron masterpiece, and reigned as the highest-grossing film for 12 years. The film, set on a planet inhabited by blue people, won Oscars for Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, and Best Visual Effects. In 2021, Avatar was reissued in China, adding another $12.3 million to its total haul, making it the king of the box office.
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
The Epic Showdown that Concluded the MCU’s Third Phase
Lifetime Gross: $2,797,501,328
Budget: $356–400 million
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Avengers: Endgame, directed by the Russo Brothers, was the highest-grossing film of all time until 2021. With its impressive cast and thrilling storyline, the film broke all possible box office records in just a few weeks. To give it a better chance of becoming the king of the box office, Disney and Marvel re-released the film with six minutes of new footage. Endgame is a jaw-dropping epilogue that sees the Avengers attempt to beat Thanos and save the world.
Titanic (1997)
An Iconic Romance that Stole Hearts Worldwide
Lifetime Gross: $2,201,647,264
Budget: $200 million
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Titanic, directed by James Cameron, was the first film to reach the billion-dollar mark. The film, set on the Titanic, was a huge success, making Leo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet international stars. Despite its soap-ish storyline, Titanic managed to break free from the “silly blockbuster” stereotype and earned 14 Oscar nominations, winning 11 of them. The film was officially the highest-grossing film of all time until Cameron’s Avatar beat it in 2010.
Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015)
The Return of the Star Wars Saga that Thrilled Fans
Lifetime Gross: $2,069,521,700
Budget: $259–306 million
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens, directed by J.J. Abrams, is the highest-grossing Star Wars movie ever. Despite its traditional storyline, the film exceeded expectations and gave the audience the space thrills they had been waiting for. With its fresh cast and thrilling visuals, The Force Awakens proved that the Star Wars saga’s spell hadn’t worn off even after almost a decade.
Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
The Major Blockbuster that Reunited All the Heroes
Lifetime Gross: $2,048,359,754
Budget: $325–400 million
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Avengers: Infinity War, directed by the Russo Brothers, marked the beginning of the end for the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s third phase. The film brought together all the major Marvel characters in an epic showdown against the powerful villain Thanos. With its massive scale and intense action, Infinity War set the bar for superhero films and left audiences eager for the next installment. The film was widely praised for its well-crafted storyline, exceptional cast, and impressive special effects.
Frozen (2013)
A Heartwarming Tale that Became a Global Phenomenon
Lifetime Gross: $1,276,480,335
Budget: $150 million
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Frozen, directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee, became an instant classic after its release in 2013. The film, set in the kingdom of Arendelle, features the voices of Idina Menzel and Kristen Bell and became the highest-grossing animated film of all time. The film’s popularity was fueled by its memorable songs, stunning animation, and timeless story about sisterhood and self-discovery. Frozen’s impact on popular culture can still be seen today, with merchandise, theme parks, and sequels still being released.
Black Panther (2018)
A Game-Changing Superhero Film with a Diverse Cast
Lifetime Gross: $1,346,913,125
Budget: $200–210 million
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Black Panther, directed by Ryan Coogler, was a groundbreaking film that defied all expectations. The film, set in the kingdom of Wakanda, features a predominantly black cast and crew and explores themes of identity, cultural pride, and legacy. Black Panther was a critical and commercial success, earning seven Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, and becoming the highest-grossing film by a black director. The film also had a significant impact on popular culture and sparked important conversations about representation in Hollywood.
Jurassic Park (1993)
A Groundbreaking Adventure that Changed the Game
Lifetime Gross: $1,032,036,840
Budget: $63 million
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Jurassic Park, directed by Steven Spielberg, was a groundbreaking film that revolutionized special effects and the way we see dinosaurs. The film, based on Michael Crichton’s novel, features an impressive cast and a thrilling storyline that has captivated audiences for over two decades. Jurassic Park’s impact on popular culture cannot be overstated, as it spawned several sequels and theme park attractions. The film remains one of the most successful and beloved movies of all time.
The Dark Knight (2008)
A Masterpiece of Superhero Filmmaking
Lifetime Gross: $1,004,934,033
Budget: $185 million
IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
The Dark Knight, directed by Christopher Nolan, is considered one of the greatest superhero films ever made. The film, which features Christian Bale as the Caped Crusader, explores the darker side of the superhero genre and features an iconic performance by the late Heath Ledger as the Joker. The film received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising its cinematography, soundtrack, and powerful themes of justice and morality. The Dark Knight was a huge box office success, solidifying its place as one of the most popular and influential films of the 21st century.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
A Crowning Achievement in Fantasy Film
Lifetime Gross: $1,120,219,252
Budget: $94 million
IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, directed by Peter Jackson, is the epic conclusion to the beloved fantasy trilogy based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels. The film, which stars Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, and Viggo Mortensen, was widely praised for its stunning visuals, incredible action sequences, and powerful performances. The Return of the King was a critical and commercial success, winning 11 Oscars, including Best Picture, and becoming one of the highest-grossing films of all time.
