
Summary
Disney motion pictures are a business and cultural success, with hits like Alice in Wonderland and Captain America: Civil War making billions on the field workplace.
Toy Story 3 and Finding Nemo had been shock hits, proving that even older franchises can nonetheless attract audiences and make some huge cash.
The Incredibles 2, Frozen 2, Beauty and the Beast, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, Iron Man 3, and Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi all reached the $1 billion mark, exhibiting the constant profitability of Disney’s movies.
Walt Disney Studios has a protracted and storied historical past of constructing commercially and culturally profitable movies. It all began in 1937 with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs; the movie is taken into account the primary feature-length animated film ever launched. Since then, Disney has been pumping out hits at lightning velocity, they usually don’t have any intention of slowing down anytime quickly. When you have a look at the field workplace numbers, it is easy to see why they’re placing the pedal to the steel. With sufficient advertising and marketing, Disney motion pictures are mainly a license to print cash.
These days, the House of Mouse is specializing in creating live-action remakes of their basic movies. A variety of the children who grew up within the Disney heyday of the Nineteen Eighties and Nineteen Nineties are mother and father themselves now, and there is nothing like nostalgia to get moviegoers to open up their wallets. It can be practically inconceivable to provide you with a complete record of each smash success film that Disney has made, however these are the highest-grossing Disney motion pictures as of 2023 when adjusted for inflation.
20 Alice in Wonderland – $1.39 Billion
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Released in 2010, Alice in Wonderland was one of many first live-action remakes that Disney ever made, and it was tremendously profitable. It was a reside model of the favored 1951 animated feature-length movie, which itself was an adaptation of the basic Lewis Carroll e book of the identical identify. The reside model of Alice in Wonderland starred Mia Wasikowska because the titular character, with Johnny Depp including some star energy as The Mad Hatter.
Though not as commercially profitable as a few of Disney’s later motion pictures, Alice in Wonderland was a success on the field workplace. It raked in a whopping $1.03 billion, which interprets to $1.39 billion when adjusted for inflation. The film was directed by movie legend Tim Burton, and a few followers consider it incorporates a few of his greatest characters.
19 Captain America: Civil War – $1.41 Billion
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Captain America: Civil War was a pivotal film within the MCU. Not solely did it pack each superhero a fan may need into one film, nevertheless it additionally made audiences cheer together with the aspect they wished to win. Chris Evans as soon as once more reprised his position as Captain America, however this time, he was compelled to combat his brothers within the Avengers when he squared off in opposition to Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.). In the tip, the 2 sides got here collectively and realized that whereas it is their ethical duty to guard civilization, combating crime comes with a value.
Civil War was additionally included as the primary MCU film to prominently function Spider-Man (Tom Holland) in a big position. Fans cherished Holland’s portrayal of the character for his appeal and wisecracking humor. In 2016, Civil War made $1.15 billion on the field workplace, which is nice for $1.41 billion in 2023. Disney banks on the MCU to ship massive numbers, and it pulls by way of just about each time.
18 Toy Story 3 – $1.44 Billion
Walt Disney Pictures
You’d be forgiven in case you thought audiences would not care concerning the Toy Story franchise in 2010. By then, the franchise was already 15 years outdated. The lovable toys led by Woody (Tom Hanks) that come to life when people are away are at all times up for a brand new journey, and Toy Story 3 is not any exception. When the toys get donated, it is as much as Woody to assist them discover Andy and get again residence.
Related: Best Tom Hanks Movies, Ranked
Toy Story motion pictures at all times slay on the field workplace, and the concept that Toy Story 3 was finishing a trilogy was further thrilling for moviegoers in 2010. The movie hauled in a formidable $1.07 billion, which is $1.44 billion when adjusted for inflation. Maybe these outdated toys have a number of life left in them in spite of everything.
17 Finding Nemo – $1.44 Billion
Buena Vista Pictures Distribution
When it was launched by Pixar in 2003, Finding Nemo was a little bit of a shock hit for Disney. Based on an unique story by Andrew Stanton about his experiences along with his personal kids, the film follows a fish named Marlon (Albert Brooks) as he searches for his misplaced son, Nemo. Marlon has assist alongside the best way and finally ends up befriending a unusual fish with short-term reminiscence loss named Dory (Ellen DeGeneres).
Finding Nemo was filled with coronary heart, and audiences responded to its appeal. The film made $940 million on the field workplace, which is a truckload of money. When adjusted for inflation, nonetheless, Finding Dory’s numbers balloon to $1.44 billion. The movie was so profitable that it spawned a sequel known as Finding Dory in 2016, however that one did not fairly crack this record.
16 Incredibles 2 – $1.46 Billion
Pixar
Hot off the heels of Finding Nemo, Pixar’s The Incredibles was one other huge hit when it got here out in 2004. The movie centered across the Parr household, who battle to maintain their superhero identities a secret. Each member of the household possesses particular powers, nevertheless it’s as much as them to band collectively to cease Syndrome (voiced by Jason Lee) from finishing up his diabolical plan of revenge.
Despite its hit standing, Pixar took some time to launch a sequel to The Incredibles. Finally, the House of Mouse pulled by way of, and Incredibles 2 got here out in 2018. Disney aficionados had been craving extra from the Parr household, and the second film delivered all of the thrills, motion, and comedy that viewers had been in search of. The film took in $1.24 billion in theaters, which quantities to $1.46 billion at present. There’s speak of one other sequel to return, and plenty of followers consider it is time for Incredibles 3.
15 Frozen 2 – $1.48 Billion
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
With lovely animation, wonderful voice appearing, and tremendous catchy songs, it is easy to see why so many Disney lovers around the globe completely adore the Frozen franchise. It all began in 2013 with Frozen, a movie based mostly on a basic Hans Christen Andersen fairy story. The film follows Princess Elsa (Idina Menzel), a girl who discovers at a younger age that she will manipulate snow and ice. Instead of utilizing her powers for good, she’s separated from her sister Anna (Kristen Bell) and compelled to reside in isolation alone.
Related: Every Song On The Frozen 2 Soundtrack, Ranked
In 2019, Walt Disney Animation launched a sequel titled Frozen 2, which targeted on Elsa and Anna’s previous and tied it to their relationship with a neighboring tribe. The plot was extra complicated than some would have appreciated, however that did not cease mother and father and youngsters alike from flocking to the movie show. Frozen 2 made $1.28 billion on the field workplace, which is nice for $1.48 billion in 2023.
14 Beauty and the Beast – $1.53 Billion
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Although some individuals assume it is a bit tousled, the unique animated model of Beauty and the Beast was launched in 1991 and went on to grow to be the primary animated film to be nominated for Best Picture on the Academy Awards. The story facilities round Belle, a French girl who’s obsessive about studying. When her father is captured by an evil Beast, Belle gives to take his place because the prisoner. She ultimately learns that the Beast is cursed and trapped in his animal kind.
For the 2017 live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast, Disney enlisted some massive names to play Belle (Emma Watson) and the Beast (Dan Stevenson). The transfer actually paid off, because the remake turned a important and business success. Beauty and the Beast introduced in $1.26 billion in ticket gross sales, which is the same as $1.53 billion at present.
13 Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest – $1.53 Billion
Walt Disney Studios
Who knew a film franchise based mostly on a experience at Disneyland may very well be so in style? Johnny Depp stars as Captain Jack Sparrow within the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, and viewers love his swagger, humor, and appeal. Through 5 Pirates motion pictures, Depp has turned Captain Jack into his personal character and entertained a number of generations of followers. As of 2023, there’s nonetheless speak of a sixth Pirates film within the works.
In the second film, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, Captain Jack and his motley crew of swashbuckling pirates discover themselves on the mercy of a supernatural pressure. The curse of the Black Pearl has been lifted, however Sparrow nonetheless owes a debt to Davy Jones (Bill Nighy), who’s eager on amassing Sparrow’s soul. But there’s nothing scary concerning the numbers Dead Man’s Chest pulled in. The movie made $1.07 billion in theaters, which balloons to $1.53 billion when adjusted for inflation.
12 Iron Man 3 – $1.57 Billion
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
In Iron Man 3, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is confronted with a brand new and much more harmful enemy. A mysterious villain from the Middle East named Mandarin (Ben Kingsley) is threatening to take out the Western world utilizing any means vital. Little does Tony know that Mandarin is definitely an actor, and the actual enemy is a former colleague named Aldrich Killian (Guy Pearce) who desires revenge as a result of Tony would not fund one in all his tasks years earlier.
Iron Man 3 is basically considered the weakest movie within the trilogy, however some followers nonetheless assume it is higher than you keep in mind. Despite its wonky premise and corny aspect plots, Iron Man 3 delivered on the field workplace. When it was launched in 2013, the film pulled in $1.33 billion in ticket gross sales, which is nice for $1.53 billion in 2023. It’s no surprise that Disney has saved bankrolling the MCU practice all these years later.
11 Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi – $1.57 Billion
Lucasfilm
Directed by Rian Johnson, Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi continues Rey’s (Daisy Ridley) journey as she seeks assist from Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamil) to harness the facility of the Force. Rey wants Luke’s assist to spice up the Resistance’s combat in opposition to the First Order, as Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and his fleet seem like gaining the higher hand. In the meantime, Poe (Oscar Isaac), General Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher, in one in all her ultimate roles), and Finn (John Boyega) enlist the assistance of some new characters to battle the First Order.
The Last Jedi was launched to blended evaluations in 2017, however extra followers have come to understand the movie over time. The film overcame these middling critics and carried out very effectively on the field workplace, raking in $1.33 billion. When adjusted for inflation, that quantities to $1.57 billion. The Force is robust with this film, certainly.
10 Black Panther – $1.59 Billion
Marvel Studios
Simply put, Black Panther is a superb film. It’s the primary superhero film to function a black actor as the primary protagonist, and the late Chadwick Boseman kills it as King T’Challa. After his father’s demise, T’Challa is topped king of Wakanda, however he is shortly confronted with a harmful risk. Erik “Killmonger” Stevens (Michael B. Jordan) desires the throne, and he is keen to do any evil factor he has to to get it.
Whether Black Panther is the best superhero film ever is up for debate, however there isn’t any denying the movie’s important and business success. The film made a pile of money on the field workplace, bringing in $1.37 billion in ticket gross sales. That’s equal to $1.59 billion in 2023. Naturally, the movie earned a sequel known as Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, which was launched in 2022.
9 The Lion King – $1.79 Billion
Walt Disney Pictures
Based on William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, The Lion King tells the story of a younger lion cub named Simba (Jonathan Taylor Thomas), who’s blamed for his father’s demise by his evil uncle Scar (Jeremy Irons). Scar casts Simba away in order that he can grow to be king of Pride Rock, however he ruins the territory by permitting hyenas to overhaul it and pillage its sources. When grownup Simba (Matthew Broderick) learns about this, it is as much as him to beat his fears and problem Scar for his rightful place as king.
Related: 12 Best Cat Movies of All Time
The unique 1994 model of The Lion King is a beloved basic for legions of Disney followers. People who grew up within the Nineteen Eighties and Nineteen Nineties seemingly keep in mind watching the movie time and again on VHS tapes. The voice appearing, motion, and animation had been forward of their time, and the movie’s recognition led to a live-action remake in 2019 (extra on that later). The 1994 animated model crushed it on the field workplace, hauling in $969 million in ticket gross sales. However, that quantity swells to $1.79 billion when adjusted for inflation.
8 Frozen – $1.86 Billion
Disney
Walt Disney Animation Studios launched Frozen in 2013. The movie options Idina Menzel as Princess Elsa, a lady who shares an in depth bond together with her sister, Anna (Kristen Bell). The two ladies are orphans as their mother and father died in a shipwreck after they had been very younger. The ladies spend their days laughing, enjoying collectively, and having enjoyable till Elsa learns that she has magical powers. She can change water into ice and snow, and he or she’s locked away in order that her powers do not harm anybody within the kingdom of Arendelle.
As an grownup, Princess Elsa is enraged at Anna’s impending nuptials to a person she barely is aware of. Elsa’s match turns the dominion right into a state of everlasting winter, and it is as much as Anna to fix their relationship in order that Arendelle can return to regular. To say that Frozen was a large success is a big understatement. The film made $1.45 billion in theaters, which quantities to $1.86 billion at present.
7 Avengers: Age of Ultron – $1.89 Billion
Marvel StudiosDisney
Avengers: Age of Ultron is an insanely divisive MCU film. Some followers hate it (perhaps a bit an excessive amount of), whereas others have grown to like it since its launch in 2015. Whatever camp you are in, it is onerous to argue that the movie wasn’t a smash success for Disney/Marvel. Age of Ultron revolves round Tony Stark’s (Robert Downey Jr.) “Ultron” protection program, a man-made intelligence piece of expertise that takes on a lifetime of its personal. The Avengers as soon as once more should come collectively to cease Ultron (James Spader), which has manifested itself within the type of a killer robotic.
As with the earlier Avengers film, Avengers: Age of Ultron carries some critical star energy, with Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson, and Jeremy Renner all reprising their roles from the primary movie. Age of Ultron crushed it on the field workplace, making a formidable $1.4 billion, which equals $1.89 billion in 2023.
6 The Lion King – $1.91 Billion
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
For the 2019 “live-action” remake of The Lion King, Disney employed veteran director Jon Favreau to get the job performed. Although the movie was largely a trustworthy CGI replace on the unique, it nonetheless offered sufficient freshness and power to wow moviegoers. The trendy model of The Lion King stars Donald Glover as Simba, Beyonce Knowles-Carter as Nala, and Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar.
Related: The Highest-Grossing Disney Live-Action Movies of All Time
The Lion King was a secure wager for Disney that paid off in droves. The film made $1.66 billion on the field workplace, which interprets to $1.91 billion when adjusted for inflation. With numbers like these, it is no surprise that Disney is contemplating increasing The Lion King into a much bigger franchise.
5 The Avengers – $1.98 Billion
Marvel StudiosDisney
Way again in 2012, The Avengers kicked off a franchise that may go on to grow to be a world phenomenon. In the film, Nick Fury assembles a crew of the world’s greatest heroes to cease Loki (Tom Hiddleston) from utilizing the Tesseract to realize extra energy. Loki’s brother Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Captain America (Chris Evans), Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) all come collectively to battle Loki and his military of flying robotic worms in New York City.
The Avengers is without doubt one of the greatest popcorn motion pictures of the 2010s. It options wonderful appearing, hilarious quotes, and tons of motion to maintain the viewer . The film was an enormous hit for the MCU, pulling in $1.51 billion, which quantities to $1.98 billion in 2023. It was very near surpassing the $2 billion mark, an unimaginable feat that solely a handful of flicks have ever performed.
4 Avatar: The Way of Water – $2.32 Billion
Disney
When Disney acquired twentieth Century Fox in 2019, which means they acquired their franchises as effectively. While the primary Avatar was launched earlier than Disney, the sequel movie was launched underneath Disney’s possession, incomes it a spot on this record. Avatar: The Way of Water was the most important movie of 2022 on the worldwide field workplace, incomes $2.32 billion. The movie at present stands because the third highest-grossing movie on the worldwide field workplace, unadjusted for inflation. With that kind of field workplace, it’s no surprise James Cameron and Disney are making three extra sequels.
3 Avengers: Infinity War – $2.41 Billion
Marvel Studios.
In Avengers: Infinity War, an evil foe named Thanos (Josh Brolin) travels to totally different planets to gather the Infinity Stones, which, when positioned in his gauntlet, will give him the facility to get rid of half the life on Earth. Thanos defeats the Avengers and succeeds in gathering the stones. He then completes “the snap,” which sees half of the viewer’s favourite heroes flip into mud on the finish of the film.
Brolin does an incredible job within the position of Thanos, and many individuals consider Infinity War is the very best Avengers film. The movie was Disney/Marvel’s second film to cross the $2 billion mark in precise field workplace receipts. It made $2.07 billion in ticket gross sales, which interprets to $2.41 billion when adjusted for inflation. While that is a really spectacular quantity, there are nonetheless two Disney motion pictures that did even higher for the House of Mouse.
2 Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens – $2.57 Billion
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens is Disney’s most commercially profitable non-MCU film. The film is centered round an orphan named Rey (Daisy Ridley) who scavenges planets for scrap steel. She feels an unimaginable pull towards the Force and needs to assist the Resistance combat in opposition to Kylo Ren’s impending assaults (Adam Driver). Rey meets up with Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and convinces him to let her fly with him on the Millennium Falcon.
The Force Awakens marked a culturally and commercially important second for Disney when it was launched in 2015. At the time, it had been years since a brand new Star Wars hit theaters, and followers had been hungry for a contemporary movie after the lukewarm prequels of the early 2000s. The Force Awakens completely crushed it on the field workplace, hauling in $2.07 billion. That quantities to $2.57 billion in at present’s {dollars}, making it the tenth-highest-grossing movie in film historical past when adjusted for inflation.
1 Avengers: Endgame – $3.22 Billion
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Avengers: Endgame is the fourth Avengers film, and it serves as each the ultimate movie of the franchise and the ultimate movie in Phase 3 of the MCU. With half of their buddies eradicated after Thanos’ snap, the Avengers uncover they’ve a small probability of bringing them again through the use of the quantum realm to journey again in time and gather the infinity stones themselves. The plan works, however not with out nice sacrifice alongside the best way.
Endgame is Disney’s highest-grossing movie of all time, raking in $2.8 billion or $3.22 billion in 2023. It’s the fifth-highest-grossing movie of all time when adjusted for inflation, trailing solely Gone With the Wind, Avatar, Titanic, and Star Wars. With a number of plot factors coming collectively for an epic finale, Endgame was a becoming conclusion to Phase 3 of the Marvel universe, which started with Iron Man means again in 2008.
First seem at 20 Highest-Grossing Disney Movies of All Time, Adjusted for Inflation