The year 2024 has proven to be a landmark season for the film industry, showing signs of revitalization after a steady decline in box office attendance since the pandemic. A diverse array of genre-spanning films—ranging from science fiction and animation to thrilling horror—drew massive audiences, leading to record-breaking profits for many titles. As a result, several films have elevated their status to being among the highest-grossing movies of all time.
This year saw notable successes not only from high-budget blockbusters but also from independent films that captivated audiences and emerged as cultural phenomena. As we reflect on the year’s cinematic journey, ten standout movies released in 2024 exemplified extraordinary success and will be fondly remembered for their achievements.
1. Terrifier 3
Building on the success of its predecessor, Terrifier 3 made waves at the box office with a remarkable $88.9 million, making it the highest-grossing unrated film ever. Released in October 2024 with a modest $2 million budget, the film unfolded as a thrilling horror experience replete with graphic content that generated significant media buzz. It not only eclipsed the performance of major competitors like Joker: Folie à Deux but also solidified Art the Clown as a new icon of pop culture.
2. Civil War
A24 Unleashed A Record-Breaking Indie Action Blockbuster
A24 carved its name deeper into Hollywood history with its bold release of Civil War, directed by Alex Garland. This dystopian action film grossed an impressive $126.2 million, becoming the studio’s second-highest earning film, trailing only Everything Everywhere All At Once. Despite its controversial themes, Civil War captivated audiences, marking A24’s first film to debut at #1 in box office rankings.
3. The Substance
This Horror Comedy Was No Laughing Matter
After winning Best Original Screenplay at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, The Substance, directed by Coralie Fargeat, rose to fame through its unique marketing and social media buzz. Featuring stars like Demi Moore, this horror-comedy found substantial success with a box office total of $77 million against a budget of $17.5 million, becoming Mubi’s most profitable film.
4. Dune: Part Two
Director Denis Villeneuve Dominated Cinemas With His Dune Sequel
Following a cautious return to theaters, Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two achieved remarkable success, earning $714.4 million globally. The film, set in Herbert’s iconic universe, had an outstanding opening and briefly held the title of highest-grossing film of 2024, affirming its status within the sci-fi genre.
5. Inside Out 2
Pixar’s Long-Awaited Sequel Made For An Emotional Success
Having built anticipation over nine years, Inside Out 2 exceeded expectations with over $1.7 billion in sales—marking it as the highest-grossing animated film in history. The sequel not only outperformed its predecessor but also set a new benchmark for Pixar as a powerhouse in the animation industry.
6. Deadpool & Wolverine
Marvel Studios Made Bank Once More With This Multiversal Epic
Despite a wave of superhero fatigue, Deadpool & Wolverine revitalized audience interest, grossing an impressive $1.3 billion worldwide. Featuring beloved characters, this R-rated film exceeded all predictions and solidified its place in box office history as the highest-grossing R-rated film ever, further establishing Marvel’s dominance in the cinematic landscape.
7. Twisters
The Latest Hollywood Legacy Sequel Took Cinemas By Storm
With a strong box office debut of $371 million, Twisters rejuvenated the franchise nearly three decades after the original’s release, making it a standout success of the year. Breaking records for opening weekend in its genre, this disaster film showcased its massive audience appeal and marked a significant milestone for director Lee Isaac Chung.
8. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Beetlejuice Returned With A Vengeance At The Box Office
With nearly four decades in waiting, the sequel to Tim Burton’s beloved classic Beetlejuice swiftly captured the audience’s attention and grossed $111 million during its opening. Surpassing all expectations, it became the third highest-grossing film of 2024, demonstrating the enduring charm of its notable cast.
9. Ocean 2
Moana Sailed To The Top At The Box Office With Her Second Film
Following the acclaimed success of the original Moana, the sequel shattered records with a phenomenal opening weekend, confirming its place among the highest-grossing animated films ever. Despite mixed reviews, it dominated the holiday box office, proving that Disney’s magic remains formidable.
10. Wicked
This Movie Defied Gravity & Box Office Projections
Wicked arrived amidst doubts concerning musical adaptations and surpassed expectations, earning a remarkable opening weekend and grossing over $190 million domestically. Its success established it as the most profitable adaptation of a Broadway musical, leaving a lasting imprint on the industry.
For more detailed insights into the box office performances, visit Box Office Mojo. For images and additional context, refer to the detailed reviews on Screen Rant.
Leave a Reply