Box Office Magic
As the world’s biggest entertainment company, Disney has produced countless films over the years. While some have been flops, and others are serviceable, and these films have topped the charts.
40. Ice Age: Dawn Of The Dinosaurs (2009)
This third Ice Age movie follows the franchise’s heroes as they travel to a lost world of dinosaurs beneath the ice. Before being acquired by Disney, 20th Century Fox created this sequel, which made $886.7 million globally. Unlike this movie, however, this next film is one of the few on this list that isn’t based on fiction.
Twentieth Century, Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (2009)
39. Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)
Bohemian Rhapsody is a biopic that follows the life of Freddy Mercury through the formation of Queen and his various struggles. Despite some of its polarizing reception, with the star power of Rami Malek, it earned a worldwide total of $910.8 million.
Twentieth Century, Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)
38. Finding Nemo (2003)
One of the most iconic Pixar films, Finding Nemo follows a clownfish as he searches for his son, who has been taken across the ocean. Around the world, it has earned a gross sum of $940.3 million. Coincidentally, this next film also features a parent searching for their lost child.
Walt Disney, Finding Nemo (2003)
37. Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness (2022)
The sequel to Doctor Strange may have had some mixed reviews from fans, but it performed decently worldwide with a total of $955.8 million. It follows the titular sorcerer as he tries to save a mysterious girl from the multiversal threat hunting her. However, this next film also features a journey between worlds.
Marvel, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
36. Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World's End (2007)
The culmination of Will and Elizabeth’s story in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, At World’s End follows Captain Jack Sparrow and his crew as they go head-to-head with the villainous East India Trading Company. One of the highest-praised sequels, it made a global $963.4 million.
Walt Disney, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007)
35. The Jungle Book (2016)
Unlike live-action adaptations like 1996’s 101 Dalmatians or 2015’s Cinderella, this is considered Disney’s first live-action remake. Following the same story as the animated film, The Jungle Book earned $966.6 million worldwide. Of course, while this was a remake, this next film was one of the original animated classics.
Walt Disney, The Jungle Book (2016)
34. The Lion King (1994)
The Lion King is considered the crowning jewel of Disney’s Renaissance period. It follows Simba, a lion cub driven away from his home after his father, the King, is slain in a plot to take the throne. Worldwide, it earned a total of $978.8 million.
Walt Disney, The Lion King (1994)
33. Alice In Wonderland (2010)
Tim Burton’s live-action follow-up to the original Alice in Wonderland story earned $1.025 billion globally. It follows the titular Alice as she returns to Wonderland, where she must take on the evil Red Queen with the help of many whimsical characters like the Cheshire Cat or the White Rabbit. Naturally, this isn’t the only Disney movie with talking animals.
Walt Disney, Alice in Wonderland (2010)
32. Zootopia (2016)
Zootopia tells the story of a bunny who becomes a police officer, only to realize that a sinister plot is affecting her city’s inhabitants. Intended as an allegory for racial inequality, this film became a success, earning $1.025 billion worldwide. However, this next film also features the main characters trying to solve a mystery.
31. Finding Dory (2016)
The sequel to Finding Nemo ended up being more successful, with a total earnings of $1.029 billion across the globe. It follows the titular blue fish as she searches for her long-lost parents, having forgotten them for so long, while Marlin and Nemo try to help her.
Walt Disney, Finding Dory (2016)
30. Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)
The first of the Star Wars prequels was released to very mixed reviews and held a poor reputation among fans for a long time. Globally, it has earned $1.046 billion, and although appreciation has grown since its release, this isn’t the only franchise “black sheep” on this list.
Lucasfilm, Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)
29. Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)
After the third Pirates of the Caribbean film, it was difficult for fans to imagine where another film would go. On Stranger Tides picks up with Captain Jack Sparrow and his search for the Fountain of Youth. Despite its many changes during production, it still feels part of the franchise and earned $1.046 billion worldwide.
Walt Disney, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)
28. Aladdin (2019)
This version of the Disney animated classic was meant to be the next great live-action remake, but fans weren’t convinced. Still, it managed to earn $1.054 billion globally. Coincidentally, this next film also features a rogue with a heart of gold.
27. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
Rogue One was the first Star Wars movie made separate from the Skywalker Saga, and fans absolutely loved it. Its worldwide earnings reflect this, having made a total of $1.059 billion. It follows Jyn Erso, the daughter of the Empire’s chief architect, as she helps a team of Rebels steal its plans.
Lucasfilm, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
26. Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006)
This sequel launched Pirates of the Caribbean into a franchise, following the crew’s search for the heart of Davy Jones, each with their own goal. Introducing one of cinema’s greatest villains, it made $1.066 billion globally. However, this isn’t the only film on this list that has to do with ripping people’s hearts out.
Walt Disney, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006)
25. Toy Story 3 (2010)
At the time, Toy Story 3 was considered the franchise’s end, with its gut-wrenching final act being called perfect by even some of the greatest filmmakers. It follows Buzz, Woody, and the others as they are accidentally given to a daycare. With its massive success, it earned $1.067 billion worldwide. Of course, this isn’t the only successful Toy Story film.
24. Toy Story 4 (2019)
Toy Story 4 follows the regular cast of toys as a newcomer joins their family before they embark on a road trip. Earning $1.074 billion, it proved that the franchise could survive beyond the formula of the previous movies.
Walt Disney, Toy Story 4 (2019)
23. Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise Of Skywalker (2019)
Culminating the Skywalker Saga, and the story of Rey and Kylo Ren within, The Rise of Skywalker left fans in a complicated place. Nonetheless, it earned $1.077 billion globally and is still considered a fitting end to the sequel series.
Lucasfilm, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
22. Captain Marvel (2019)
Releasing between the last two Avengers films, Captain Marvel told the origins of the titular hero. Despite the negativity towards this film, it was still successful, earning a worldwide sum of $1.131 billion. Of course, with Marvel being one of the biggest parts of modern Disney, this is hardly the only successful MCU film.
21. Spider-Man: Far from Home (2019)
Spider-Man: Far From Home was released as the next film after the earth-shattering finale of Avengers: Endgame. Following Spider-Man as he seemingly battles a multiversal threat, it had to jumpstart the MCU’s future after fans already felt they had said goodbye. Fortunately, it succeeded in this, earning $1.133 billion worldwide.
Marvel, Spider-Man: Far from Home (2019)
20. Captain America: Civil War (2016)
For many fans, this film felt more like an Avengers movie than a Captain America sequel, even though it mainly followed the discourse between Captain America and Iron Man. This wasn’t a detriment, as it made $1.155 billion globally. However, not all of Disney’s superhero movies come from Marvel.
Marvel, Captain America: Civil War (2016)
19. Incredibles 2 (2018)
Pixar fans waited over a decade for the sequel to The Incredibles which, when it arrived, did not disappoint. Surpassing the earnings of the first film, the second made $1.243 billion globally. It picks up with the Parr family as Elastigirl is chosen to take on a new superhero gig, leaving her husband to care for everything at home.
Walt Disney, Incredibles 2 (2018)
18. Beauty And The Beast (2017)
With worldwide earnings of $1.266 billion, this live-action remake did pretty well for itself, despite some negative reactions from audiences. It follows the same story as the original but with a star-studded cast including Emma Watson, Luke Evans, and Josh Gad.
Walt Disney, Beauty and the Beast (2017)
17. Iron Man 3 (2013)
For a long time, Iron Man 3 was seen as the weakest of the titular hero’s trilogy, following Tony Stark as he unravels an international conspiracy. The numbers don’t lie, though, with the film earning $1.216 billion around the world. Coincidentally, both this and the next film have a vaguely Christmas vibe.
16. Frozen (2013)
Frozen instantly became one of Disney’s biggest animated movies, and the numbers show it, earning $1.280 billion worldwide. It tells the story of two sisters, one of which set to inherit the throne—if she can control her mysterious ice powers.
15. Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017)
Possibly the most controversial Star Wars movie, The Last Jedi was still able to achieve success on a global scale, earning $1.334 billion. It follows the last remnants of the Resistance as they try to escape the First Order. However, while this film may have been less successful with fans, this next recent film couldn’t be more different.
Lucasfilm, Star Wars The Last Jedi (2017)
14. Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)
Marvel’s most recent cinematic success was Deadpool & Wolverine, which became a bridge between non-Disney Marvel projects and the MCU. It features the two titular characters and their journeys inside and outside the multiverse. Fans loved this sequel, and it understandably made $1.338 billion globally.
Marvel, Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)
13. Black Panther (2018)
Although the third Captain America introduced T’Challa, Black Panther was his first story, following his coronation and discovery of a dark secret. It was groundbreaking and remains beloved by fans, earning $1.35 billion worldwide. Surprisingly, this wasn’t the film that introduced Wakanda, since this next movie had the honor.
12. Avengers: Age Of Ultron (2015)
Often considered the least of the Avengers films, that doesn’t mean this sequel is wholly bad. On the contrary, it earned a global sum of $1.405 billion, proving an important and successful installment. The story throws the fan-favorite team into an existential battle against an evil AI built by Tony Stark.
Marvel, Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
11. Frozen II (2019)
Another animated sequel that surpassed its first film, Frozen II made $1.453 billion worldwide. It continues the story of Elsa and Anna as they travel to a new land and discover a secret from their family’s past. In keeping with the theme of looking to the past, let’s take a trip back to the first in a long legacy of crossover films.
10. The Avengers (2012)
The one that started it all, The Avengers was the MCU’s first crossover film, bringing all six original heroes together to fight off an invading villain. Making $1.521 billion globally it set the bar for modern Marvel movies and superhero films as a whole.
9. The Lion King (2019)
The most successful Disney live-action remake, The Lion King earned $1.657 billion across the globe. It revamped the original story while staying true to its spirit and tied it together with a star-studded cast. However, although this is one of the most recent remakes to do well, this next film is an even more recent sequel.
Walt Disney, The Lion King (2019)
8. Inside Out 2 (2024)
Inside Out 2 immediately cemented its legacy, earning $1.698 billion and becoming the highest-grossing animated film globally. It continues the story of Riley and her feelings, as things change and new emotions appear.
Walt Disney, Inside Out 2 (2024)
7. Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
Culminating Spider-Man’s trilogy in the MCU, this sequel follows Peter after his identity is revealed, and he tries to reverse it with Doctor Strange’s help. It used the character’s past and present to create what many consider the best Spider-Man film, and earned a worldwide total of $1.952 billion. Still, this wasn’t Doctor Strange’s first crossover film.
Marvel, Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
6. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
Infinity War set up the final events of the MCU’s Infinity Saga, bringing all the beloved heroes together to fight a universal threat and stop a mad villain. Other movies leading up to it had fans chomping at the bit for this penultimate Avengers sequel and it shows, with the film making $2.052 billion globally.
Marvel, Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
5. Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015)
Even though the Star Wars sequel trilogy became polarizing among the fans, it greatly impacted its legacy, with this film following a scavenger and a runaway stormtrooper. With ten years since the last Star Wars film, crowds flocked to theaters to see the newest story from a galaxy far, far away, earning it $2.071 billion worldwide.
Lucasfilm, Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015)
4. Titanic (1997)
While Titanic largely follows the tragedy of the titular historical boat, it focuses on the love story of two people on board. As one of the most successful movies in all, it earned $2.264 billion around the world. Coincidentally, this next film is also centered around a journey across water.
Twentieth Century, Titanic (1997)
3. Avatar: The Way Of Water (2022)
This follow-up to the groundbreaking film by James Cameron, Avatar: The Way of Water got shockingly close to dethroning its predecessor. It again follows Jake Sully and his family, and their fight against a danger that has reared its ugly head. Globally, it earned $2.320 billion—but despite the record-breaking numbers, the movie's release wasn't without controversy.
Some Indigenous groups have accused the film of having undertones of White saviorism, and even cultural appropriation when it comes to how similar the depictions of the Na'avi are to real-life Indigenous peoples. They were some calls for a boycott of the film, but that didn't stem its box office earnings.
Twentieth Century, Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)
2. Avengers: Endgame (2019)
The crossover of all crossovers, Avengers: Endgame picks up with the remaining heroes as they try to undo their devastating loss. With total earnings of $2.799 billion, this was at the top of this list once upon a time. However, although this was the highest-grossing film at one point, this next film has held the title twice.
Marvel, Avengers: Endgame (2019)
1. Avatar (2009)
Avatar follows a marine on a mission to another planet, where he must infiltrate the indigenous people through an avatar. It elevated the possibilities of CGI in movies and became the highest-grossing film of all time for a while. Eventually, after Avengers: Endgame was released, Avatar was dethroned but later took the slot back after a re-release, earning $2.923 billion globally.
