Over 8000 films are produced each year, out of which around 6.25% are produced by Hollywood. Despite this, the number of billion-dollar films are sparse. Only the crème de la cinéma gets to enjoy the prestigious benchmark at the box office. Therefore, it is understandable that these movies are considered more than just a projection of reels. Afterall, it isn’t an easy task to captivate audiences worldwide, and earn critical acclaim.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 5 highest-rated films that have grossed over $1 billion. These billion-dollar films are evidence that box office success and cinematic quality can go hand in hand. This is why they are must-watch classics for fans of epic trilogies, superhero sagas, mind-bending thrillers, and, most of all, the cinema itself.
Top 5 Billion-Dollar Films For Classic Movies Fans
5. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
- Box Office Gross: $1.142 billion
- IMDb Rating: 9.0
- Director: Peter Jackson
- Starring: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen
The first film on our list is “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King,” an epic conclusion to one of the most beloved movie trilogies of all time. Directed by Peter Jackson, this film not only grossed over $1 billion but also swept the Academy Awards with 11 Oscars, including Best Picture.
Its combination of breathtaking visuals, compelling storytelling, and powerful performances makes it a timeless masterpiece. Additionally, its detailed world-building continues to inspire writers and creators of the fantasy genre to give their everything in building their world.
4. The Dark Knight (2008)
- Box Office Gross: $1.006 billion
- IMDb Rating: 9.0
- Director: Christopher Nolan
- Starring: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart
A list of critically acclaimed films that have performed well at the box office is incomplete without the creation of Christopher Nolan. He is a mastermind who has perfected the art to create cinematic masterpieces, one of which is “The Dark Knight”. This film redefined the superhero genre by blending action with a thought-provoking narrative.
It also provided people with the iconic antagonist, Joker, immortalised by Heath Ledger. This role earned him a posthumous Oscar and continues to remain one of the most celebrated performances in cinema. Considering that its over $1 billion gross feels no more than adequate, for its value for film enthusiasts is far more than that.
- Read More: Kimi ni Todoke – From Me to You Season 3: Release Date, Cast, and Everything We Know So Far
3. Inception (2010)
- Box Office Gross: $1.083 billion
- IMDb Rating: 8.8
- Director: Christopher Nolan
- Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page
Another of Nolan’s masterpieces that managed to win over global audiences despite making them confused is “Inception”. No matter whether you are an avid admirer of this film or find it overrated— its unique concept and production are admirably unparalleled.
Its perception-bending journey through dreams within dreams made it an instant hit and grossed over $1 billion worldwide. It is no matter to debate that its innovative narrative and stunning visual effects still remain etched over the hearts of sci-fi fans. Therefore, “Inception” is an important billion-dollar films that showcase Nolan’s ability to craft mind-blowing stories and resonate with global audiences.
2. Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
- Box Office Gross: $1.132 billion
- IMDb Rating: 8.7
- Director: Irvin Kershner
- Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher
Many consider “Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back” as the greatest sequel of all time and an important entry in the Star Wars saga. It grossed over $1 billion in the 1980s and took the Star Wars craze to new levels.
Significantly, it deepened the film franchise’s mythology with darker themes and complex character arcs. After over three decades, the film’s critical acclaim and popularity in pop culture have earned it its status as a classic movie. One can even say that there is hardly any film that has influenced sci-fi and fantasy genres as this and hardly ever will.
1. Avengers: Endgame (2019)
- Box Office Gross: $2.798 billion
- IMDb Rating: 8.4
- Directors: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
- Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is undoubtedly one of the most successful superhero franchises globally. Several of its films have made numbers at the box office and entered the good books of critics. However, nothing can come close to “Avengers: Endgame” that concluded this epic series.
It shattered the box office records in a true sense with a gross of nearly $2.8 billion revenue. All thanks to the perfect balance of humour, emotions and mind-blowing action perfectly executed by talented actors and skillful creators. It is an exemplary film of its genre and the cinema which altogether makes it a satisfying watch culmination of MCU.
With these, we reach the end of our top-rated billion-dollar films list. Each of these films holds a special place in the cinema for their achievement and in the fans’ hearts for providing unparalleled entertainment.
These billion-dollar films also prove that great storytelling, exceptional performances, and visionary direction can lead to both critical and commercial success. After all, what more can a film ask for than to gain revisiting fans and eager audiences discovering them for the first time? That’s, in reality, the true legacy of cinema’s most successful blockbusters.
