Every year Hollywood rolls out a flood of new releases, but only a handful manage to rake in astronomical sums. The quest for a blockbuster that can fill stadium‑sized theaters worldwide is a wild ride, filled with daring concepts, star‑studded casts, and massive marketing machines. Below, we count down the top 10 highest grossing Hollywood movies ever, spotlighting the spectacles that captured global imaginations and shattered box‑office records.
13 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 (2011)
Global box office: $1.341 billion
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, released in 2011, caps off J.K. Rowling’s legendary saga. Directed by David Yates and distributed by Warner Bros., this fantasy finale follows the young wizard’s relentless hunt for Lord Voldemort’s remaining Horcruxes. Daniel Radcliffe reprises his role as Harry, with Rupert Grint and Emma Watson returning as his steadfast friends Ron and Hermione.
The film amassed $1,341,511,219 worldwide, ranking it as the 13th highest‑grossing picture in cinema history.
12 Black Panther (2018)
Global box office: $1.342 billion
Black Panther, the 2018 Marvel marvel, introduced audiences to the technologically advanced nation of Wakanda and its regal protector, T’Challa. The film broke new ground for representation while pulling in over $1.3 billion worldwide, making it the ninth highest‑grossing film globally and the third‑biggest earner in the United States for the year.
Its total haul of $1,333,668,777 secured the 12th spot among Hollywood’s highest‑grossing releases.
11 Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
Global box office: $1.405 billion
Joss Whedon’s 2015 sequel, Avengers: Age of Ultron, pits Earth’s mightiest heroes against the rogue artificial intelligence Ultron. Featuring an all‑star ensemble—Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, and more—the film expands the Marvel Cinematic Universe while delivering spectacular set‑pieces and witty banter.
The movie earned $1,405,413,868 worldwide, placing it at the 11th position on the all‑time grossing chart.
10 Frozen II (2019)
Global box office: $1.5 billion
Disney’s sequel to the icy hit Frozen, Frozen II continues the adventure of sisters Anna and Elsa as they explore the origins of Elsa’s magical powers. The film resonated with audiences worldwide, pulling in $1,450,026,933 and earning the 10th spot among the most lucrative Hollywood productions.
9 Furious 7 (2015)
Global box office: $1.516 billion
Furious 7, directed by James Wan, marks the seventh chapter of the high‑speed Fast & Furious franchise. The ensemble cast—Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, and a host of familiar faces—delivers adrenaline‑pumping chases and emotional farewells, especially honoring the late Paul Walker.
The movie’s impressive $1,516,045,911 worldwide gross lands it at number nine on the all‑time list.
8 Marvel’s The Avengers (2012)
Global box office: $1.518 billion
The Avengers, released in 2012, brought together Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, the Hulk, and others under the guidance of Nick Fury. Joss Whedon’s direction and a stellar cast—including Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, and Scarlett Johansson—created a cultural milestone that redefined the superhero genre.
With a worldwide total of $1,518,812,988, the film sits comfortably at the eighth‑highest grossing slot.
7 The Lion King (2019)
Global box office: $1.7 billion
Disney’s photorealistic remake of The Lion King transports the classic tale to a new generation with cutting‑edge visual effects and a star‑studded voice cast. The film’s worldwide earnings of $1,656,943,394 secure its place as the seventh‑most profitable Hollywood release.
6 Jurassic World (2015)
Global box office: $1.7 billion
Jurassic World re‑ignited the dinosaur franchise with a fresh storyline, spectacular CGI, and Chris Pratt’s charismatic lead. Directed by Colin Trevorrow, the film grossed $1,671,713,208 worldwide, ranking it as the sixth‑largest earner in Hollywood history.
5 Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
Global box office: $2 billion
Infinity War unites the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s heroes in a battle against the titan Thanos, who seeks the Infinity Stones. The film’s massive ensemble and high stakes propelled it to a $2,048,359,754 worldwide total, earning the fifth spot on the all‑time grossing leaderboard.
4 The Force Awakens (2015)
Global box office: $2.068 billion
The Force Awakens, directed by J.J. Abrams, reignited the beloved Star Wars franchise with new heroes and familiar faces. Its $2,068,223,624 worldwide earnings place it fourth among Hollywood’s most lucrative releases.
3 Titanic (1997)
Global box office: $2.19 billion
James Cameron’s Titanic blends historical tragedy with a sweeping love story, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. The film’s monumental $2,194,439,542 worldwide gross crowns it as the third‑highest‑earning film of all time.
2 Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Global box office: $2.8 billion
Avengers: Endgame serves as the dramatic conclusion to a decade‑long saga, bringing together the entire Marvel roster to reverse Thanos’ snap. The film’s $2,797,501,328 earnings (and counting) make it the second‑highest grossing movie worldwide, as well as the top‑earning superhero film ever.
1 Avatar (2009)
Global box office: $2.8 billion
James Cameron’s Avatar transports viewers to the lush moon Pandora, where human miners clash with the native Na’vi. With groundbreaking 3‑D technology and a compelling environmental narrative, the film has earned $2,846,089,541 worldwide, securing its place as the all‑time box‑office champion.