The top global box office performers of 2024 feature a strong lineup of sequels, with “Inside Out 2” leading at nearly $1.7 billion. Other notable entries include “Deadpool & Wolverine” and “Despicable Me 4.” The trend of franchise dominance continues, with concerns about a lack of original content. Disney shines with two billion-dollar hits, while anticipation builds for 2025’s potential blockbusters like “Avatar 3” and “Mission: Impossible 8.”
Global Box Office Hits of 2024: Top 10 Performers
1 – Inside Out 2: $1,698,772,985
2 – Deadpool & Wolverine: $1,338,073,645
3 – Despicable Me 4: $969,126,452
4 – Moana 2: $905,757,963*
5 – Dune Part 2: $714,444,358
6 – Wicked: $648,467,515*
7 – Godzilla x Kong: $571,750,016
8 – Kung-Fu Panda 4: $547,689,492
9 – Venom 3: $476,857,448*
10 – Beetlejuice Beetlejuice: $451,100,435
Insights and Trends
In 2023, we witnessed unexpected hits like Barbie, Super Mario Bros., and Oppenheimer challenging long-standing franchises such as Mission: Impossible and Marvel, shaking up the box office dynamics. However, as we delve into 2024, we see a stark contrast with the top ten films primarily being sequels. The first original film in the rankings appears in 24th place, illustrating a trend heavily reliant on established brands.
The dominance of franchises isn’t a new phenomenon, with the entire Top 10 in 2022 comprised of sequels. Yet, the previous year had raised hopes for a more diverse box office landscape, which seem to be dwindling. The lack of compelling original storytelling and the absence of high-profile directors may be contributing to this stagnation, alongside the rejection of anticipated projects like George Miller’s Furiosa and Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis.
The Rise of Franchises and Disney’s Victory
Wicked emerges as a standout contender, breaking records as the highest-grossing film adaptation of a Broadway show. With its sequel expected in November, it may climb even higher in the 2025 rankings. Meanwhile, Disney solidifies its position as a major player this year with two billion-dollar blockbusters: Deadpool & Wolverine and the reigning champion, Inside Out 2, marking a significant achievement for animated films since Frozen in 2013.
With impressive earnings exceeding $1.3 billion, Deadpool & Wolverine is close to revitalizing the superhero genre, prompting Marvel to ensure its upcoming slate—featuring Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts, and The Fantastic Four—delivers on expectations, particularly leveraging Hugh Jackman’s return as Wolverine.
What’s Next? Anticipation for 2025
As Moana 2 looks poised to join the billion-dollar club and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice surprises audiences, speculation is rife about which films will dominate the 2025 box office. Will Avatar 3 take the crown? Could Mission: Impossible 8, touted as the series’ finale, or Zootopia 2 replicate the successes of Inside Out and Moana? Marvel Studios’ upcoming projects or James Gunn’s Superman, part of the new DC Universe, may also be contenders. And what about a potential blockbuster from the Jurassic World franchise or Bong Joon-ho’s Mickey 17? Only time will reveal the next box office champions!
Data Source: Box Office Mojo – * Films currently in theaters