Top Grossing Movies of 2024: Box Office Hits Ranked

Top Grossing Movies of 2024: Box Office Hits Ranked.

After a few low-key years, 2024 exploded onto the movie scene. Following the massive success of Barbie and Oppenheimer in 2023, this year cranked things up to eleven, smashing records and filling theaters with one blockbuster after another. The top 10 films of 2024 raked in around $8.49 billion globally, surpassing the $8.36 billion earned by the biggest hits of 2023.

This year was a standout for big films, with studios delivering a mix of highly anticipated sequels like Tim Burton's Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, fresh originals like The Fall Guy, and a sprinkle of cinematic magic that drew crowds everywhere. Even smaller films like The Garfield Movie and Monkey Man showed that smart storytelling can still make waves, while streaming platforms helped some less successful movies find new life. But it was the mega-hits that really stole the show.

From box office records to cultural significance, 2024 proved that theatrical storytelling is still alive and kicking. Now, let’s take a look at the 2024 movies ranked by their global box office earnings. Each title shows that the industry knows how to adapt and deliver stories that resonate with audiences.

10. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

Global Box Office, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice - $451,100,435

Good things really do come to those who wait, and after 36 long years, Beetlejuice 2 definitely delivered. Tim Burton brought back his signature style, reminding everyone why he’s the king of the creepy. The sequel kept the quirky vibe of the original, steering clear of shiny modern clichés and sticking to the kind of enchanting magic that made the 1988 film a fan favorite.

Burton focused on practical effects instead of leaning too much on CGI, creating a visually rich and narratively wild experience. The story dives deeper into the Deetz family, introducing Lydia's daughter, Astrid, who accidentally opens the door to the afterlife. With plenty of spooky humor and stunning visuals, this film marks a fantastic comeback for the director.

Nostalgia really paid off at the box office, with the film raking in $111 million on opening weekend, making it Burton's second-best debut after Alice in Wonderland and the third-highest opener of the year, right behind Deadpool & Wolverine and Inside Out 2. In total, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice earned $294.1 million in the U.S. and Canada and $157 million internationally, bringing its worldwide total to $451.1 million, all on a $100 million budget.

Estimated Budget

$100,000,000

Opening Weekend (Domestic)

$111,003,345

Box Office (Domestic)

$294,100,435

Box Office (International)

$157,000,000

Box Office (Total)

$451,100,435

9. Venom: The Last Dance (2024)

Global Box Office, Venom: The Last Dance - $476,857,448

While it didn't quite reach the billion-dollar mark like the first film, Venom: The Last Dance still made a solid impression, showing that this quirky anti-hero has plenty of energy left. Tom Hardy is back as Eddie Brock, the unfortunate journalist linked to the alien outcast Venom. This time, they’re on the run from a secretive government group and the evil creator of all symbiotes. The tension is at an all-time high as Eddie and Venom team up to prevent global disaster.

As the action ramped up, the film steered clear of excessive digital effects, keeping the visuals sharp and captivating right through to the thrilling conclusion. While some folks took issue with the script, Hardy’s magnetic performance and the film’s outrageous buddy comedy moments received a lot of love. The humor really shone when it leaned into the absurd relationship between Eddie and Venom.

The film kicked off with $51 million in domestic earnings, marking the lowest opening for the series, but strong international numbers helped balance things out. Venom: The Last Dance ultimately pulled in $139.7 million in North America and $337.1 million overseas, totaling $476.9 million worldwide against a $120 million budget. It was a wild ride, but it definitely kept the franchise alive and kicking.

Estimated Budget

$120,000,000

Opening Weekend (Domestic)

$51,012,404

Box Office (Domestic)

$139,728,533

Box Office (International)

$337,128,915

Box Office (Total)

$476,857,448

8. Kung Fu Panda 4 (2024)

Global Box Office, Kung Fu Panda - $547,689,492

Kung Fu Panda 4 brought back the beloved animated series with its classic mix of laughs, touching moments, and enough kung-fu action to keep you on your toes. The story follows Po as he evolves from the Dragon Warrior into a spiritual guide in the Valley of Peace, on the lookout for an apprentice to continue his legacy.

Things get interesting with the introduction of a sly villain, the Chameleon, who can imitate Po's past foes, stirring up trouble in a tale filled with nostalgia and new surprises. DreamWorks really showcased their creativity here, blending humor with some stylish martial arts moves. While some critics feel the series might be losing steam, the film still delivers plenty of eye-catching visuals and fun to keep its younger audience entertained.

It kicked off with a solid $58 million, snagging the number one spot at the box office during its opening weekend. Kung Fu Panda 4 went on to rake in $193.6 million in North America and $354.1 million internationally, totaling $547.7 million worldwide, all on a production budget of $160 million.

Estimated Budget

$85,000,000

Opening Weekend (Domestic)

$57,989,905

Box Office (Domestic)

$193,590,620

Box Office (International)

$354,098,872

Box Office (Total)

$547,689,492

7. Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024)

Global Box Office, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire - $571,750,016

They say two heads are better than one, and in Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, the two titans of the monster world, with a combined century of screen time, really showed that. The film introduces a menacing new villain that really tests the limits of both monsters and their shaky partnership.

While the characters might not have had much depth, the movie made up for it with non-stop action and epic destruction. Reactions were mixed, with some critics unfavorably comparing it to Godzilla Minus One, which came out just a few months earlier. Despite its flaws, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire fully embraces its blockbuster roots, wrapping up with an explosive finale that leaves viewers buzzing.

The audience's excitement helped it score an $80 million opening, marking the second-largest debut in the franchise. It wrapped up with $196.4 million from the domestic box office and $375.4 million internationally. Overall, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire grossed a whopping $571.8 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing Godzilla film ever, all on a $200 million budget.

Estimated Budget

$150,000,000

Opening Weekend (Domestic)

$80,006,561

Box Office (Domestic)

$196,350,016

Box Office (International)

$375,400,000

Box Office (Total)

$571,750,016

6. Wicked (2024)

Global Box Office, Wicked - $654,775,945

The film adaptation of Wicked takes us on a nostalgic journey, exploring the origins of Oz and offering a fresh perspective on The Wizard of Oz. It dives deep into the complex relationship between Elphaba and Glinda, two women who are fated to become rivals in the classic tale of good versus evil.

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande brought these characters to life, showcasing their evolution from close friends to fierce opponents with incredible depth and charm. The film dazzles with its breathtaking visuals and enchanting music, captivating both die-hard fans and new viewers alike. While some critics pointed out issues with pacing and underdeveloped side characters, the film's vibrant energy and impressive scale kept audiences engaged.

Upon its release, it raked in $112.5 million in the U.S. and $162.9 million worldwide, breaking records for the biggest opening weekend for a Broadway adaptation. Overall, Wicked grossed $450.8 million in the U.S. and Canada and $230.5 million internationally, totaling an impressive $681.3 million against a production budget of $200 million.

Estimated Budget

$150,000,000

Opening Weekend (Domestic)

$112,508,890

Box Office (Domestic)

$450,752,000

Box Office (International)

$230,504,000

Box Office (Total)

$681,256,000

5. Dune: Part Two (2024)

Global Box Office, Dune: Part Two - $714,444,358

Dune: Part Two took the epic scale and ambition of Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation to a whole new level, diving even deeper into the dangerous sands of Arrakis. It picks up right where the first film ended, following Paul Atreides as he adjusts to life with the Fremen while plotting revenge against the Harkonnens.

Villeneuve’s sharp direction turned Frank Herbert’s story into a stunning visual experience, blending thrilling action, gripping suspense, and moments of quiet reflection, all enhanced by Hans Zimmer’s eerie soundtrack. Critics praised it for its technical brilliance, highlighting the immersive visual effects and powerful performances.

The film kicked off with a bang, raking in $82.5 million, which is double the first film’s $41 million opening weekend. Dune: Part Two went on to earn $282.1 million in North America and $432.3 million internationally, bringing its total to $714.4 million, all on a production budget of $190 million.

Estimated Budget

$190,000,000

Opening Weekend (Domestic)

$82,505,391

Box Office (Domestic)

$282,144,358

Box Office (International)

$432,300,000

Box Office (Total)

$714,444,358

4. Moana 2 (2024)

Global Box Office, Moana 2 - $913,455,483

Moana 2 set sail and took audiences back over the sparkling Pacific waters, capturing the same enchanting vibe that made the first film a beloved classic. This time, Moana embarks on a fresh journey through uncharted seas, aiming to connect with far-off tribes. She teams up again with the demigod Maui and faces off against a powerful storm god.

Disney's choice to dive back into Polynesian mythology really paid off, keeping things simple by sticking to what made the original such a visual treat. While some might say Moana's character growth peaked in the first movie, Moana 2 makes up for it with a burst of colors, magical beings, and a storyline that keeps you hooked.

Released just in time for Thanksgiving, the film packed theaters, serving up the ideal family entertainment. It kicked off with over $139.8 million, smashing Frozen 2's record for the biggest opening weekend for any Walt Disney Animation film. In the end, Moana 2 raked in $425.2 million in the U.S. and Canada and $535.3 million internationally, totaling a whopping $960.5 million worldwide, all on a $150 million budget.

Estimated Budget

$150,000,000

Opening Weekend (Domestic)

$139,787,385

Box Office (Domestic)

$425,152,483

Box Office (International)

$535,300,000

Box Office (Total)

$960,452,483

3. Despicable Me 4 (2024)

Global Box Office, Despicable Me 4 - $969,126,452

Despicable Me 4 brought everyone back for another wild ride with Gru and his Minions. This time, the mischievous secret agent and his family, along with their cute new baby, find themselves on the run after a showdown with an old foe.

Filled with hilarious slapstick moments and non-stop action, the movie kept the same lively vibe that fans have loved for over ten years. The plot stuck to its tried-and-true mix of chaos and comedy, offering a fun burst of entertainment that fans around the globe enjoyed. While some reviewers pointed out that it didn’t break new ground, fans were all about the lighthearted humor and funny scenes.

The film kicked off strong at the box office, raking in $75 million during its opening weekend. By the end of its run, Despicable Me 4 had grossed $361 million in North America and $608.1 million internationally, totaling a whopping $969.1 million against a $100 million production budget.

Estimated Budget

$100,000,000

Opening Weekend (Domestic)

$75,009,210

Box Office (Domestic)

$361,004,205

Box Office (International)

$608,122,247

Box Office (Total)

$969,126,452

2. Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)

Global Box Office, Deadpool & Wolverine - $1,338,073,645

Who would have thought that the wisecracking Deadpool and the tough-as-nails Wolverine would become the ultimate blockbuster pair? This wild superhero adventure brought some much-needed energy back to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, especially after a few missteps post-Endgame. Ryan Reynolds nailed it as Deadpool, blending his sharp humor into the MCU, while Hugh Jackman stood strong as Wolverine, bringing that iconic adamantium edge.

Their unexpected team-up drives a story that flips the script while giving a nod to the classic superhero films of the past. In this action-packed, over-the-top journey, Deadpool joins forces with a hesitant Wolverine from another universe to stop the Time Variance Authority from wiping out their reality. With a mix of edgy humor, superhero thrills, and a sprinkle of meta craziness, the clash between Deadpool and Wolverine led to a massive box office hit.

It blew everyone away, raking in a staggering $211.4 million during its opening weekend in North America, making it the biggest debut for an R-rated film and the top opening weekend of 2024, outpacing Inside Out 2. The film went on to gross $636.7 million domestically and $701.3 million internationally. With a total of $1.338 billion worldwide, Deadpool & Wolverine has claimed the title of the highest-grossing R-rated film ever.

Estimated Budget

$200,000,000

Opening Weekend (Domestic)

$211,435,291

Box Office (Domestic)

$636,745,858

Box Office (International)

$701,327,787

Box Office (Total)

$1,338,073,645

1. Inside Out 2 (2024)

Global Box Office, Inside Out 2 - $1,698,772,985

Pixar's sequel game has had its ups and downs, but Inside Out 2 really nailed the emotional impact. While it may not be the studio's best work, it definitely has enough charm to shine on the big screen. This sequel dives into Riley's emotions as they encounter new feelings that want to take charge of her mind.

Pixar really hit the jackpot by enhancing the core of the original and exploring new territory, delivering a touching coming-of-age tale that resonates with a wide audience. Critics praised its knack for blending deep themes with the playful spirit of the first film, although some felt it lacked the groundbreaking freshness of the original.

Fans flocked to theaters for a sequel that pulled at their heartstrings and encouraged some self-reflection. It debuted with a whopping $154.2 million in the U.S. and Canada, marking the biggest opening for a Pixar film ever. With a worldwide total of $1.699 billion, Inside Out 2 became the highest-grossing animated film in history and the top movie of 2024.

Estimated Budget

$200,000,000

Opening Weekend (Domestic)

$154,201,673

Box Office (Domestic)

$652,980,194

Box Office (International)

$1,045,792,791

Box Office (Total)

$1,698,772,985

2024 has proven to be a year of remarkable cinematic achievements, with both franchises and fresh ideas captivating audiences worldwide. From the nostalgic return of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice to the emotional journey of Inside Out 2, each film brought something unique to the table. Big-budget sequels like Deadpool & Wolverine and Moana 2 continued to break records, while new entries such as The Fall Guy and Monkey Man showed that creativity still thrives in the industry.

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These films not only performed exceptionally at the box office but also sparked conversations, creating lasting cultural impact. With a mix of action, heart, and nostalgia, 2024 has proven that cinema is alive and thriving. The year's success further demonstrates the industry's ability to adapt, innovate, and entertain, making it clear that moviegoers can look forward to even more exciting films in the future. It's been an unforgettable year for film lovers!