The movie industry has always held us spellbound with its tales of triumphs, failures, adventures, and raw human emotions.
However, the real blockbuster hits that leave an indelible mark on the box office form a unique league. It’s a widely accepted fact that crossing the billion-dollar milestone is no small feat, but it has increasingly become the benchmark for blockbuster films in the recent past.
In the 20th Century, achieving the billion-dollar mark was a rare event only a few films could boast about.
This prestigious list included films like Titanic, Jurassic Park, and Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. As we entered the next century, newer and bolder films joined this exclusive club – from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and The Dark Knight to Avatar and many more.
As we entered the 2010s, the cinematic landscape took a surprising turn. The billion-dollar milestone was not only achieved, but it was also easily surpassed.
Marvel Cinematic Universe flexed its muscles with a range of blockbuster films, while animated films and live-action remakes of Walt Disney Animated classics tugged at our heartstrings. Even sequels of popular franchises left their mark on the box office. 2019 was a particularly fruitful year in this regard. Films like Avengers: Endgame, Toy Story 4, and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, among others, effortlessly crossed the billion-dollar threshold.
The Exclusive $2 Billion Club
However, the movies that reached the seemingly impossible peak of $2 billion formed an even more exclusive club. This club became especially significant after the COVID-19 pandemic when movie-goers returned to theaters slower than expected. Despite the odds, the film industry bounced back, with to-date six movies gracing this coveted list.
Let’s delve deeper into this exceptional collection of films that not only managed to awe the audience with their storytelling but also pulled off the astonishing feat of reaching $2 billion in box office collections.
6. Avengers: Infinity War – $2.052 Billion
Avengers: Infinity War proved to be a game-changer in superhero movies. It elegantly tied together more than ten years of storytelling from the Marvel universe. The film’s audacious decision to make Thanos, the villain, the main character, was widely appreciated.
While innovative, this approach led to some of our favorite characters, like Steve Rogers, Bruce Banner, and James Rhodes, not getting enough screen time. However, this did little to hinder its impressive box office collection, which crossed $2.052 billion.
5. Avatar – $2.923 Billion
James Cameron’s Avatar was a visionary masterpiece that redefined how 3D technology could be used in storytelling. Based solely on Cameron’s original ideas, this film did not rely on any pre-existing media or franchise for its success.
Even though the lead character, Jake Sully, wasn’t as compelling as audiences would have liked, Avatar’s grandeur and ambition commanded respect. Eventually, it raked in nearly $3 billion at the box office, making it a shining star in the cinematic universe.
4. Avengers: Endgame – $2.798 Billion
Avengers: Endgame was more than just another superhero movie – it was a befitting end to the Infinity Saga, an emotional rollercoaster for Marvel fans worldwide. Despite a few cringe-inducing moments and a somewhat dull color palette, the film had several heart-touching moments that evoked strong emotions in the audience.
Key scenes like Tony Stark’s reunion with his father, Howard, and Steve Rogers’ dance with Peggy Carter, deeply resonated with fans. This contributed to its massive box office collection of $2.798 billion.
3. Avatar: The Way of Water – $2.32 Billion
James Cameron silenced the skeptics with Avatar: The Way of Water, an audacious sequel to Avatar. This film matched, perhaps surpassed, the creative vision of the first film. Cameron ventured deeper into the alien world of Pandora, especially its expansive seas, showcasing visual effects that left viewers spellbound.
Characters were given more depth, adding layers to the narrative. Notably, Jake Sully’s journey into fatherhood was a significant subplot. This recent addition to the $2 billion club garnered an impressive $2.32 billion.
2. Star Wars: The Force Awakens – $2.066 Billion
Star Wars: The Force Awakens was a refreshing return to the beloved Star Wars universe after the less-than-stellar prequel trilogy.
This film faced the daunting task of matching up to 1983’s Star Wars: Episode VI- Return of the Jedi. While some argued that it borrowed heavily from the original storyline, the film’s charm lay in introducing a new generation of heroes like Rey and Finn and a more complex villain, Kylo Ren. The Force was strong with this one, grossing an astounding $2.066 billion.
1. Titanic – $2.257 Billion
Titanic is often remembered as a simple love story set against a historical backdrop. However, this film, driven by the infectious charisma of Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio, is much more. It is a testament to human resilience and the indomitable spirit of love.
Not to mention, it’s visually stunning. Even decades after its release, the impact of Titanic remains untouched. This timeless classic is one of the only three films to have won 11 Academy Awards and boasts an incredible gross of $2.257 billion.
The $2 billion club may be small, but it houses some of cinematic history’s most impactful and beloved films. Each member of this elite group has inspired awe, surprise, and admiration among movie-goers worldwide. They are shining examples of the magic that cinema can create, pushing boundaries and exceeding expectations at every turn.
