Before You Watch Any Other Movie, See These 20 Highest-Grossing Movies of All Time

Have you ever thought about which films really broke the bank? Which ones have changed global entertainment? Movies that reach billion-dollar box office milestones are the gold standard for blockbusters. They are defining which films achieved massive viewership. When we say, “Highest-Grossing Movies of All Time.” We specifically mean films ranked by their raw, unadjusted worldwide box office revenues. This is a straightforward measure of ticket sales.

These enormous box office grosses are a rare combination. It includes the spectacle, story, and marketing that goes beyond borders. But do you know which films with worldwide earnings have had groundbreaking box office grosses? Allow us to satisfy your curiosity. And introduce the ultimate ranked list of the 20 highest-grossing movies of all time. Keep reading to find out who the top earners are!

The Top 20 Highest-Grossing Movies of all Time:

These movies are the cinematic giants. They have collectively earned billions. Here are the top 20 highest-grossing movies of all time. These are based on their worldwide box office revenue:

1. Avatar (2009)

• Worldwide Box Office: $2.92 billion
• Director & Cast: James Cameron | Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver
• Budget / ROI: $237 million | ROI 1,100%
• Franchise: Avatar Series
• Awards: 3 Oscars (Best Cinematography, Visual Effects, Art Direction)
• Impact: Revolutionized 3D cinema and motion capture; boosted global IMAX adoption; Disney+ exclusive drove resurgence.

James Cameron’s sci-fi masterpiece transported audiences to Pandora. With groundbreaking visuals and immersive 3D effects. It had an emotional depth and innovative filmmaking. This made Avatar the ultimate global box office benchmark.

2. Avengers: Endgame (2019)

• Worldwide Box Office: $2.80 billion
• Director & Cast: Russo Brothers | Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson
• Budget / ROI: $356 million | ROI 685%
• Franchise: Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)
• Awards: Academy Award nomination for Best Visual Effects
• Impact: Record-breaking global premiere; merchandising revenue surpassed $1B; remains Marvel’s cultural peak.

The epic finale of Marvel’s Infinity Saga. United every hero for one last, emotional battle. It’s a global cultural moment. The billion-dollar anticipation placed it among the Highest-Grossing Movies of All Time.

3. Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)

• Worldwide Box Office: $2.32 billion
• Director & Cast: James Cameron | Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Kate Winslet
• Budget / ROI: $350–460 million | ROI 400%
• Franchise: Avatar Sequel Series
• Awards: Oscar for Best Visual Effects
• Impact: Revived box office post-pandemic; strong Disney+ performance and eco-driven brand tie-ins.

A decade later, Cameron returned with another technical marvel. Pushing underwater CGI to new heights. The film offered environmental themes and a family-driven narrative. This helped it dominate global box offices.

4. Titanic (1997)

• Worldwide Box Office: $2.26 billion
• Director & Cast: James Cameron | Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet
• Budget / ROI: $200 million | ROI 1,030%
• Franchise: Standalone epic
• Awards: 11 Oscars, including Best Picture and Director
• Impact: Historical phenomenon; soundtrack & re-releases boosted legacy and cultural nostalgia.

This tragic love story aboard the ill-fated ship became a worldwide phenomenon. With stunning visuals and timeless romance. Titanic proved that emotion and spectacle could coexist on a cinematic scale.

5. Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)

• Worldwide Box Office: $2.07 billion
• Director & Cast: J.J. Abrams | Daisy Ridley, Harrison Ford, Adam Driver
• Budget / ROI: $245 million | ROI 740%
• Franchise: Star Wars Saga
• Awards: 5 Oscar nominations
• Impact: Revitalized the Star Wars brand; massive toy and merchandise revival; Disney+ synergy.

Reviving the Star Wars saga for a new generation. This film blended nostalgia with fresh storytelling. It became one of the Highest-Grossing Movies of All Time. Reigniting fan passion worldwide.

6. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

• Worldwide Box Office: $2.05 billion
• Director & Cast: Russo Brothers | Josh Brolin, Chris Hemsworth, Tom Holland
• Budget / ROI: $325 million | ROI 530%
• Franchise: MCU
• Awards: Oscar nomination for Visual Effects
• Impact: Culmination of a decade of storytelling; strong digital and Blu-ray sales.

Before Endgame came the ultimate crossover. Every Marvel hero is facing Thanos in a fight for the universe. It’s a cliffhanger ending and a massive ensemble. This turned it into a record-breaking blockbuster.

7. Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

• Worldwide Box Office: $1.92 billion
• Director & Cast: Jon Watts | Tom Holland, Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield
• Budget / ROI: $200 million | ROI 860%
• Franchise: Spider-Man (Sony/Marvel)
• Awards: Oscar nomination for Visual Effects
• Impact: Cross-generational nostalgia event; huge streaming success and collectibles boom.

A love letter to decades of Spider-Man films. It united three generations of heroes in one movie. Fans’ emotional connection and repeat viewings. This propelled it into the Highest-Grossing Movies of All Time.

8. Ne Zha 2 (2025)

• Worldwide Box Office: $1.90 billion
• Director & Cast: Yu Yang | Animated (voice cast TBD)
• Budget / ROI: $140 million | ROI 1,250%
• Franchise: Chinese Animated Fantasy Series
• Awards: Pending
• Impact: Major Chinese box office milestone; strengthened China’s global animation market.

This Chinese animated epic built upon its predecessor’s mythology. With stunning visuals and heart. It represents the rising global power of Chinese cinema. Adding it to the worldwide box office landscape.

9. Inside Out 2 (2024)

• Worldwide Box Office: $1.69 billion
• Director & Cast: Kelsey Mann | Amy Poehler, Maya Hawke
• Budget / ROI: $200 million | ROI 745%
• Franchise: Pixar / Disney
• Awards: Likely 2025 Oscar contender for Animated Feature
• Impact: Reignited family audiences; strong Disney+ streaming and merchandise lines.

Pixar struck gold again by exploring teenage emotions. Through relatable storytelling and vibrant animation. It had universal themes and a family appeal. This earned it a spot among the Highest-Grossing Movies of All Time.

10. Jurassic World (2015)

• Worldwide Box Office: $1.67 billion
• Director & Cast: Colin Trevorrow | Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard
• Budget / ROI: $150 million | ROI 1,010%
• Franchise: Jurassic Park Series
• Awards: Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film
• Impact: Franchise revival; Universal’s top merchandising year.

Reviving the dinosaur franchise with breathtaking effects and modern thrills. Jurassic World became an instant fan favorite. Nostalgia, new stars, and global appeal. This made it a record-smashing success.

---

Also Read:

• The Most Iconic Films Ever Made? Start With These 50 Favorites of the ’50s
• 26 Best Movie Franchises Everyone’s Seen, but Which Ones Actually Deserve the Hype?
• The 25 Greatest Film Directors of All Time (As Voted by Reddit and Critics)

---

11. The Lion King (2019)

• Worldwide Box Office: $1.66 billion
• Director & Cast: Jon Favreau | Donald Glover, Beyoncé
• Budget / ROI: $260 million | ROI 540%
• Franchise: Disney Classic Remake
• Awards: Oscar nomination for Visual Effects
• Impact: Massive soundtrack and Disney+ performance; global merchandise hit.

Disney’s photorealistic remake of its animated classic captivated both old and new fans. With stunning visuals and star-studded voice acting. It roared into the ranks of the Highest-Grossing Movies of All Time.

12. The Avengers (2012)

• Worldwide Box Office: $1.52 billion
• Director & Cast: Joss Whedon | Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson
• Budget / ROI: $220 million | ROI 590%
• Franchise: MCU Phase 1 Finale
• Awards: Oscar nomination for Visual Effects
• Impact: Changed the blockbuster model forever; launched the shared-universe trend.

The first big-screen superhero crossover. It brought Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, and Captain America together. Its massive success redefined blockbuster filmmaking. This also launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe era.

13. Furious 7 (2015)

• Worldwide Box Office: $1.51 billion
• Director & Cast: James Wan | Vin Diesel, Paul Walker
• Budget / ROI: $190 million | ROI 695%
• Franchise: Fast & Furious Series
• Awards: Teen Choice & MTV Awards
• Impact: Emotional farewell to Paul Walker; global box office breakout in Asia.

Fueled by adrenaline and emotion. This film delivered high-octane action. It offered a touching farewell to Paul Walker. Its heartfelt tone and international appeal made it a global sensation.

14. Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

• Worldwide Box Office: $1.49 billion
• Director & Cast: Joseph Kosinski | Tom Cruise, Miles Teller
• Budget / ROI: $170 million | ROI 780%
• Franchise: Top Gun Sequel
• Awards: Oscar for Best Sound
• Impact: Massive theater revival post-pandemic; dominated streaming on Paramount+.

Tom Cruise returned to the cockpit for a sequel. This exceeded all expectations. With jaw-dropping aerial sequences and nostalgia-driven storytelling. It soared into the Highest-Grossing Movies of All Time.

15. Frozen II (2019)

• Worldwide Box Office: $1.45 billion
• Director & Cast: Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee | Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell
• Budget / ROI: $150 million | ROI 865%
• Franchise: Frozen / Disney Princess Line
• Awards: Annie Awards; Oscar nominations
• Impact: Record animated sequel; top holiday merchandise sales.

Elsa and Anna’s new adventure charmed audiences. With emotional songs and deeper themes. The sequels had a global significance. This made it one of the Highest-Grossing Movies of All Time in animation.

16. Barbie (2023)

• Worldwide Box Office: $1.44 billion
• Director & Cast: Greta Gerwig | Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling
• Budget / ROI: $145 million | ROI 895%
• Franchise: Mattel Cinematic Universe Launch
• Awards: Oscar wins for Song (“What Was I Made For?”) and Production Design
• Impact: Cultural movement; boosted Mattel sales by 20%; pink-themed marketing phenomenon.

A bold, witty, and colorful exploration of identity and womanhood. Barbie became a cultural phenomenon. It’s a mix of humor, nostalgia, and social commentary. This turned it into a billion-dollar pink revolution.

17. Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

• Worldwide Box Office: $1.40 billion
• Director & Cast: Joss Whedon | Chris Hemsworth, Elizabeth Olsen
• Budget / ROI: $365 million | ROI 380%
• Franchise: MCU Phase 2
• Awards: Saturn Award winner
• Impact: Expanded MCU globally; toy sales exceeded $300M.

Marvel’s second team-up adventure expanded the cinematic universe. Along with new heroes and deeper stakes. Its global success has placed it among the Highest-Grossing Movies of All Time.

18. The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)

• Worldwide Box Office: $1.36 billion
• Director & Cast: Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic | Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy
• Budget / ROI: $100 million | ROI 1,260%
• Franchise: Nintendo / Illumination
• Awards: Kids’ Choice Favorite Animated Movie
• Impact: Revived video-game adaptations; strong streaming and game tie-ins.

This lively adaptation of the classic Nintendo game. It delighted families and gamers alike. With catchy tunes and colorful worlds. It became one of Illumination’s biggest successes ever.

19. Black Panther (2018)

• Worldwide Box Office: $1.34 billion
• Director & Cast: Ryan Coogler | Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan
• Budget / ROI: $200 million | ROI 570%
• Franchise: MCU
• Awards: 3 Oscars (Costume, Production Design, Score)
• Impact: Cultural landmark for diversity in cinema; major merchandising success.

More than a superhero movie. Black Panther became a symbol of cultural pride and representation. It got global success and Oscar wins. Making it a standout among the Highest-Grossing Movies of All Time.

20. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011)

• Worldwide Box Office: $1.34 billion
• Director & Cast: David Yates | Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Ralph Fiennes
• Budget / ROI: $250 million | ROI 430%
• Franchise: Harry Potter Series Finale
• Awards: 3 Oscar nominations
• Impact: Closed an era-defining franchise; huge post-release streaming and theme park engagement.

The magical saga ended with an explosive finale. Closing the book on a decade of storytelling. Fans worldwide ensured it became one of the most beloved. With financially successful finales ever.

---

Also Read:

• The 29 Most Anticipated Movies 2025: What You Can’t Afford to Miss This Year
• Top 10 Al Pacino Movies of All Time
• AI Movies on Netflix That Will Make You Think, Feel, and Binge

---

What makes these Highest-Grossing Movies of all Time So Successful?

Franchise movies with loyal fanbases like Marvel, Disney, and Star Wars. Global releases and aggressive marketing consistently drive massive box office earnings. Advances in technology like high-end CGI, 3D, and premium IMAX formats. This makes these films irresistible visual spectacles and event experiences. Emotional storytelling with cultural relevance. As seen in titles like Barbie and Black Panther. It appeals to diverse audiences and sparks social buzz. 

Strong merchandising and cross-media presence, such as games, toys, and streaming. Further amplify their reach and revenue. These factors combine to create repeat viewing and broad demographic appeal. This ensures strong global box office performance and cements these movies as cultural phenomena.

Trends in Global Box Office

Current global box office trends are defined by the rise of sequels, superhero sagas, and nostalgia-driven revivals. Especially from established franchises and cinematic universes. Major studios now rely heavily on franchise building. This resulted in superhero and sequel dominance on the box office charts. International markets, particularly China, have become crucial to box office success. As seen with record-setting releases like Ne Zha 2. The market is also experiencing a shift in franchise universes. This overshadows standalone films. Making IP-driven content and global marketing strategies critical for box office performance.

Conclusion

The movies that make up this list. Without a doubt, they are the kings and queens of worldwide entertainment. These films represent a brilliant cocktail. That includes spectacle, technology, and shared storytelling that can break box office records. Spanning James Cameron’s pathbreaking Avatar. With the cultural seismic shift that is Barbie. These titles represent game changers. They refine what it means to be the highest-grossing movies of all time. They are not simply blockbusters. These films are culture-shifting moments. They illustrate the vast potential of modern franchise filmmaking. This helps to engage and unite audiences across the globe.

FAQ: