Whether it’s a gripping action movie or a heartfelt romantic comedy, there’s no denying that movies hold a special place in our hearts. They have the incredible power to make us laugh, cry, and even ponder life’s deepest questions—whether it be the characters, the incredible film score, or the action. And when a movie hits big at the box office, it becomes a cultural phenomenon of its own. (The same could be said for those now-cult classics that bombed at the box office, too.)

But which movies have made the most money of all time at the box office? Let’s explore the top 10 highest-grossing movies in history!

10 Highest-Grossing Movies of All Time:

*Please note that the following list is in ascending order and is comprised of the lifetime grosses.

1. Avatar (2009)

With a worldwide gross of $2.798 billion, Avatar takes the crown as the highest-grossing movie in box office history. This epic sci-fi adventure remains a fan-favorite to this day, thanks to its stunning visual effects and gripping storyline.

2. Avengers: Endgame (2019)

The Marvel Cinematic Universe reached its climax with Avengers: Endgame, raking in a worldwide gross of $2.798 billion. Fans loved seeing all their favorite characters unite for the ultimate battle against Thanos. (And let's be honest, the MCU hasn't really felt the same since ...)

3. Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)

Avatar: The Way of Water, the sequel to the highest-grossing movie of all time, has crossed into the Top 3, with a worldwide gross of $2.3 billion. The highly-anticipated movie did not disappoint (obviously).

4. Titanic (1997)

Titanic is a timeless romantic drama that captured hearts across the globe, earning a worldwide gross of $2.194 billion. The story of Jack and Rose’s ill-fated love remains an iconic moment in movie history. (Titanic is also one of our favorite romantic movies of all time!)

5. Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)

Reintroducing fans to the beloved universe they grew up with, Star Wars: The Force Awakens earned a worldwide gross of $2.068 billion. Fans were excited to see new characters take up the mantle while remaining connected to the original trilogy.

6. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

The first of the two-part finale of Marvel’s Infinity Saga, Avengers: Infinity War grossed a worldwide $2.048 billion. Fans loved seeing their favorite heroes come together again to face off against the galaxy’s deadliest foe, Thanos.

7. Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

This final Spider-Man movie in the MCU's trilogy changed the Marvel landscape forever, and its box office didn't disappoint either, pulling in $1.92 billion worldwide. The cameos alone make Spider-Man: No Way Home one of our favorites.

8. Jurassic World (2015)

Reviving the classic Jurassic Park universe, Jurassic World grossed a worldwide total of $1.674 billion. Fans flocked to see the giant dinosaurs on the big screen once more.

9. The Lion King (2019)

The live-action adaptation of The Lion King wowed audiences with its stunning visuals and iconic soundtrack, earning a worldwide gross of $1.656 billion.

10. The Avengers (2012)

The Avengers brought together Earth’s mightiest heroes in one film for the first time, grossing $1.519 billion worldwide. Fans loved seeing their favorite superheroes interact with each other on the big screen, finally.

We wanted to round out our list by listing the remaining 40 highest-grossing movies of all time:

  1. Furious 7 (2015) - $1,515,341,399
  2. Top Gun: Maverick (2022) - $1,495,696,292
  3. Frozen II (2019) - $1,453,683,476
  4. Barbie (2023) - $1,445,638,421
  5. Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) - $1,405,018,048
  6. Frozen (2013) - $1,397,042,530
  7. The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) - $1,361,949,854
  8. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011) - $1,356,841,356
  9. Black Panther (2018) - $1,349,926,083
  10. Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017) - $1,334,407,706
  11. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018) - $1,310,466,296
  12. Beauty and the Beast (2017) - $1,266,115,964
  13. Incredibles 2 (2018) - $1,243,225,667
  14. The Fate of the Furious (2017) - $1,236,005,118
  15. Iron Man 3 (2013) - $1,215,577,205
  16. Minions (2015) - $1,159,444,662
  17. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) - $1,156,194,180
  18. Captain America: Civil War (2016) - $1,155,046,416
  19. Aquaman (2018) - $1,152,028,393
  20. Skyfall (2012) - $1,142,471,295
  21. Spider-Man: Far from Home (2019) - $1,131,927,996
  22. Captain Marvel (2019) - $1,131,416,446
  23. Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011) - $1,123,794,079
  24. Jurassic Park (1993) - $1,114,429,886
  25. The Dark Knight Rises (2012) - $1,114,085,030
  26. Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014) - $1,104,054,072
  27. Joker (2019) - $1,078,958,282
  28. Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker (2019) - $1,077,022,372
  29. Toy Story 4 (2019) - $1,073,841,394
  30. Toy Story 3 (2010) - $1,067,316,101
  31. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006) - $1,066,179,747
  32. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) - $1,058,682,142
  33. Aladdin (2019) - $1,054,304,000
  34. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011) - $1,046,721,266
  35. Despicable Me 3 (2017) - $1,034,800,131
  36. Finding Dory (2016) - $1,029,266,989
  37. The Dark Knight (2008) - $1,029,266,147
  38. Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999) - $1,027,082,707
  39. Zootopia (2016) - $1,025,521,689
  40. Alice in Wonderland (2010) - $1,025,468,216

From sci-fi adventures to romantic dramas, these top-grossing movies have captured our hearts and imaginations in ways that will stay with us for years. Regardless of which movie takes the top spot in the future, one thing is for sure: the excitement and magic of the movies will always be a part of our lives.

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Kristina Shriver
Associate Director of Our Community Now. When not writing or reading, Kristina likes to dance like no one is watching and enjoys speaking in vague movie references/quotes, which only a select few in her circle truly understand. A huge nerd, she loves attending comic book conventions (in costume, of course!) and engaging in geek-fueled conversations with anyone who is willing to listen to her ramble. She also dedicates her spare time to supporting various mental health organizations.
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