The year 2024 marked a groundbreaking chapter for the global film industry, with record-breaking box office earnings and Hollywood leading the charge across genres.
From action-packed adventures to heartwarming dramas, these cinematic hits captivated audiences worldwide and set new benchmarks in entertainment, reports UNB.
Here’s a closer look at the top 10 highest-grossing films of 2024 and the staggering revenues they raked in.
Top 10 Record-Breaking Films Around the World in 2024
Inside Out 2 | Over USD 1,698 million
The animated coming-of-age sensation from Pixar Animation Studios shattered records to become the loftiest earner in its genre. With stellar voice performances from Amy Poehler, Maya Hawke, and Lewis Black, this animated comedy excels with Kelsey Mann as its director.
Released on June 14, 2024, its lavish production cost of USD 200 million was handsomely rewarded. Distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, it debuted with an astonishing USD 154 million weekend. Surpassing USD 652 million within the home market and USD 1,045 million internationally, it firmly etched its name in cinematic history.
Deadpool & Wolverine | Approximately USD 1,337 million
Directed by Shawn Levy, this superhero epic set a new standard for R-rated cinema with its extraordinary global revenue. Featuring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman in their much-celebrated roles, it combined wit and action to captivate audiences worldwide.
A collaboration of Marvel Studios, Maximum Effort, and 21 Laps Entertainment, it premiered on July 26, 2024, with a colossal USD 211 million debut. Created on a USD 200 million budget, its reach extended far with Walt Disney Studios handling distribution. It garnered USD 636 million in North America and USD 701 million overseas.
Despicable Me 4 | Above USD 969 million
Crafted under the direction of Chris Renaud, the animated comedy hit theaters on July 3, 2024. Featuring a voice ensemble, including Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Pierre Coffin, Dana Gaier, Miranda Cosgrove, Will Ferrell, and Joey King, it brought humor and heart to the big screen.
Backed by Universal Pictures and Illumination on a USD 100 million budget, it opened to a strong USD 75 million weekend. Distributed by Universal Pictures, it amassed USD 361 million in North America and USD 608 million globally.
Moana 2 | Exceeding USD 911 Million
Released on November 27, 2024, this animated musical adventure boasts Dana Ledoux Miller, David Derrick Jr., and Jason Hand as the directors. With Dwayne Johnson and Auliʻi Cravalho featuring their iconic roles, the film brought unforgettable characters to life once again.
Produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios on a USD 150 million budget, it set a new benchmark for animated features. The Thanksgiving weekend release broke records with a staggering USD 139.8 million, securing the highest opening for any Walt Disney Animation film. Domestic earnings soared past USD 404 million, while international revenues crossed USD 496 million.
Dune: Part Two | Surpassing USD 714 USD
The cinematic marvel captivated audiences upon its March 1, 2024 debut, solidifying its place as a landmark in epic science fiction. Helmed by visionary filmmaker Denis Villeneuve, the movie showcases stellar performances from Zendaya, Timothee Chalamet, and Florence Pugh.
Backed by Legendary Pictures, the production ventured into a monumental USD 190 million investment, distributed globally by Warner Bros. Pictures. Its opening weekend saw an astounding USD 82 million milestone, setting the stage for phenomenal success. Domestically, it amassed over USD 282 million, while overseas markets contributed a staggering USD 432 million.
Wicked | Almost USD 648 million
Directed with flair by Jon M. Chu, this musical fantasy film features spellbinding performances from Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Premiering on November 22, 2024, and produced by Marc Platt Productions, it thrived on a substantial USD 150 million investment.
Released through Universal Pictures, its opening weekend soared past USD 112 million, hinting at record-breaking feats ahead. Domestically, it charmed audiences to secure over USD 432 million, while overseas territories added USD 210 million. The movie achieved historic milestones as the highest-earning Oz-related film, the top-grossing musical film adaptation ever, and Universal Pictures' most profitable musical.
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire | More than USD 571 million
Starring Rebecca Hall, Dan Stevens, Brian Tyree Henry, Fala Chen, Kaylee Hottle, and Alex Ferns, this directed monster film flourishes with Adam Wingard as its director. Premiering on March 29, 2024, the project emerged from Legendary Pictures with a production budget of USD 135 to 150 million, distributed globally by Warner Bros. Pictures and Toho in Japan.
Surpassing USD 80 million during its opening weekend, it thundered to over USD 196 million domestically and USD 375 million internationally. As the crown jewel of the Monsterverse, it stands as the highest-grossing title in both the Godzilla and King Kong sagas.
Kung Fu Panda 4 | Over USD 547 million
Delivering a fresh chapter to a beloved saga, the fourth installment of Kung Fu Panda brought a whirlwind of animated martial arts comedy to audiences worldwide. Directed by Mike Mitchell, the film features an exceptional voice ensemble, including Jack Black, Awkwafina, Bryan Cranston, Viola Davis, Ke Huy Quan, Ian McShane, James Hong, and Dustin Hoffman.
Released through Universal Pictures on March 8, 2024, this masterpiece from DreamWorks Animation was crafted with a budget of USD 85 million. Its premiere weekend shattered records with a USD 57 million debut, the highest in the studio’s history. The latest version of the popular animated franchise captured the local market with USD 193 million and globally USD 354 million.
YOLO | Greater than 498 million
This comedy-drama emerged as a standout in this list’s only non-English addition, helmed by the multitalented Jia Ling, who also stars alongside Lei Jiayin. This USD 100 million project was bankrolled by Alibaba Pictures, Little M Media, Big Bowl Entertainment, Culture Media Company Limited, and Tencent Penguin Pictures. The alliance extends to New Century Pictures and China Film Co Ltd who were also part of the distribution team along with Shanghai Taopiaopiao, and Film and Television Culture Co Ltd.
The Mandarin movie had its release on February 10, 2024, and got its modest start of USD 827,000 on opening weekend. In continuation, it soared to USD 1 million domestically and an astounding USD 496 million internationally. Crowned the top-grossing Chinese film of the year, it redefined success in Mandarin cinema.
Venom: The Last Dance | Beyond USD 476 million
Brought to life under the expert direction of Kelly Marcel, the superhero action film boasts a stellar cast, including Tom Hardy, Andy Serkis, Juno Temple, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Rhys Ifans. Released on October 25, 2024, This project was led by an alliance of renowned production houses. They were Columbia Pictures, Marvel, Arad Productions, Matt Tolmach Productions, Pascal Pictures, TSG Entertainment, Marcel Hardy Productions, Hutch Parker Entertainment, and Hardy Son & Baker.
With a budget ranging between USD 110–120 million, the film’s debut weekend raked in USD 51 million. The film made its total domestic earnings surpass USD 139 million and USD 337 million in overseas territories, courtesy of the distributor Sony Pictures Releasing.
Summing Up
These 10 biggest blockbusters of 2024 highlight the evolving movie business, responding to diverse audience demands.
‘Inside Out 2’ and ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ stand out as the exclusive members of the billion-dollar club, highlighting their box-office dominance. Alongside the toppers, ‘Despicable Me 4’, ‘Moana 2’, and ‘Kung Fu Panda 4’ underscore the influence of the animation industry in shaping global movie trends. The Chinese comedy YOLO stands as the only non-Hollywood entry to the list. ‘Dune: Part Two’, ‘Wicked’, and ‘Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire’ exemplify the triumphs of the sci-fi, fantasy, and monster genres, respectively.
All together, they represent the diverse spectrum of cinematic achievements in 2024.
