Discover the highest-grossing films in history - Just great movies!

Movies that achieve huge box office sales aren’t just commercial successes; they become cultural phenomena, often redefining what’s possible in cinema. These films attract millions of viewers around the world and generate astronomical profits, proving that the appeal of a well-told story can be universal.

In this article, we’ll explore the highest-grossing films at the box office, highlighting what made each one so successful and unforgettable.

Global box office grosses are public and widely discussed numbers, but to ensure our list is current and accurate, we’ve based our data on the most recent information from Box Office Mojo and other reliable sources. For this list, we’ve only considered global box office numbers, without adjusting for inflation, to maintain consistency across releases.

Avatar (2009)

Worldwide Box Office: $2.923 billion

Director: James Cameron

Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

Synopsis: "Avatar" is a visual masterpiece that transports viewers to the alien world of Pandora. Directed by James Cameron, the film follows Jake Sully, a paraplegic ex-Marine who becomes embroiled in a conflict between humans and the native inhabitants of Pandora, the Na'vi.

With revolutionary special effects and a powerful ecological narrative, "Avatar" not only broke box office records, but also influenced the future of cinema, especially in the use of 3D technology.

Avengers: Endgame (2019)

Worldwide Box Office: $2.798 billion

Directors: Anthony and Joe Russo

Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

Synopsis: "Avengers: Endgame" is the culmination of a decade of interconnected stories in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The film brings together Earth's mightiest heroes for a final battle against Thanos, a villain who threatens all of existence with the Infinity Stones.

With epic moments, emotional goodbyes and breathtaking action, "Endgame" not only captured the hearts of fans, but also became the highest-grossing superhero film of all time.

Titanic (1997)

Worldwide Box Office: $2.247 billion

Director: James Cameron

Genres: Drama, Romance

Synopsis: Another triumph for James Cameron, "Titanic" is one of the most iconic films in cinema history. The tragic story of Jack and Rose, two young people from different social classes who fall in love aboard the infamous doomed ship, captured the imagination of millions of people around the world.

With groundbreaking special effects, an unforgettable soundtrack and an emotionally resonant narrative, "Titanic" maintained its place as one of the biggest box office hits for more than a decade.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)

Worldwide Box Office: $2.068 billion

Director: J.J. Abrams

Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

Synopsis: "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" marked the triumphant return of the beloved Star Wars franchise, introducing a new generation of characters while paying homage to the classics. Set decades after the events of Episode VI, the film introduces Rey, Finn and Kylo Ren as they engage in a new struggle between good and evil.

Boasting a combination of nostalgia and innovation, "The Force Awakens" appealed to both old and new fans, becoming one of the biggest box office hits in the saga.

Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

Worldwide Box Office: $2.052 billion

Directors: Anthony and Joe Russo

Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

Synopsis: "Avengers: Infinity War" is the penultimate battle of the MCU against the titanic Thanos, who seeks to gather the Infinity Stones to carry out his deadly plan. The film is known for its epic scale, bringing together almost every hero introduced in the MCU up to that point.

With a shocking ending that left fans eagerly awaiting "Endgame," "Infinity War" cemented its place as one of Marvel's most impactful and profitable films.

Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

Worldwide Box Office: $1.921 billion

Directors: Jon Watts

Genres: Action, Adventure, Science Fiction

Synopsis: "Spider-Man: No Way Home" brought to the big screen what many fans dreamed of: the multiverse. The film brings together three generations of Spider-Man films, with Tom Holland, Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield joining forces against villains from different realities. Packed with thrills, action and surprises, “No Way Home” not only delighted fans but also broke box office records during the pandemic, proving the enduring power of Spider-Man.

Jurassic World (2015)

Worldwide Box Office: $1.671 billion

Director: Colin Trevorrow

Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

Synopsis: “Jurassic World” revived the “Jurassic Park” franchise for a new generation, taking viewers back to Isla Nublar, where a new theme park featuring genetically engineered dinosaurs becomes a reality. When one of these dinosaurs, the Indominus Rex, escapes, chaos ensues. With stunning special effects and a gripping narrative, "Jurassic World" became a huge box office success, reigniting the global fascination with dinosaurs.

The Lion King (2019)

Worldwide Box Office: $1.662 billion

Director: Jon Favreau

Genres: Animation, Adventure, Drama

Synopsis: The 2019 version of "The Lion King" is a photorealistic reimagining of the 1994 Disney classic. Directed by Jon Favreau, the film follows the story of Simba, a young lion destined to become king, as he faces challenges and betrayal on his way to reclaiming his throne. With an iconic soundtrack and stunning visuals, "The Lion King" attracted new viewers and fans of the original alike, cementing itself as one of Disney's biggest box office hits.

Inside Out 2

Worldwide Box Office: $1.518 billion

Director: Kelsey Mann

Genres: Animation, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy

Synopsis: In the mind of newly adolescent Riley, the HQ is suddenly demolished to make way for something completely unexpected: new Thrills! Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust, who have undoubtedly been doing a good job of managing things, don't know how to react to Anxiety's arrival. And it seems she didn't come alone.

Worldwide Box Office: $1.450 billion

Director: Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee

Genres: Animation, Adventure, Family

Synopsis: "Frozen II" continues the story of Elsa, Anna and their friends as they set out on a journey to discover the origin of Elsa's powers and save the kingdom of Arendelle. With its catchy music and stunning animation, the film has captivated children and adults alike around the world, cementing Frozen II as one of the highest-grossing animated films of all time.

If you take a closer look, you’ll notice that most of the highest-grossing films are either blockbusters from established franchises or sequels to major hits. This is no coincidence. These films already have a loyal fan base and a strong global marketing presence, ensuring that they attract large audiences upon release. In addition, many of them benefit from releases in international markets, especially China, which contributes significantly to their box office totals.

Interestingly, films by directors such as James Cameron appear multiple times on the list, showing the continued impact of his cinematic vision on global audiences. Plus, we only have one animated film, which also happens to be a sequel, in Inside Out 2.

The highest-grossing films aren’t just about impressive numbers; They represent cultural moments, shifts in cinema, and the power of stories to connect people around the world. Whether through revolutionary visual effects, emotional narratives, or unforgettable characters, these films have proven their worth at the global box office.

If you haven’t seen any of these classics yet, maybe it’s time to check out what made them so popular and beloved. But which film do you think deserves a spot on this list? Let us know in the comments!