The concept of a blockbuster picture was first introduced in the mid-1970s and has been a staple of cinematic history ever since. The industry’s dynamic was changing, and studios recognized the monetary potential of high-concept productions with heavy budgets and large-scale narratives. Steven Spielberg’s fabled 1975 thriller Jaws is generally considered the first example of this style of filmmaking. The movie had a massive marketing effort and an easily understandable spectacle, so consequently, it garnered a community of spectators. All of these factors came together to create huge economic success.
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Understandably, the eventual follow-ups to these productions typically witness even more profit. The fan base is already established, the story is full of potential, and viewers are desperate for more similar content. There are several highly anticipated movie sequels coming out in 2025, which will assuredly drive audiences into theaters. Perhaps the most exciting upcoming project is James Cameron’s Avatar: Fire and Ash, which will mark the third installment in one of the most successful franchises ever. Critical reception aside, there have been many sequels that dominated the box office.
10 Frozen II (2019)
Worldwide Gross: $1,451,653,316
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Frozen II PGAnimationAdventureComedy
The sequel to Disney’s smash hit musical animated film, Frozen II sees the return of Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, Sven, and Olaf as they embark on a new journey to save the kingdom of Arendelle. When Elsa and Anna learn about a betrayal that occurred between their nation and a local tribe in the Enchanted Forest, they discover they must seek the truth about their parents and the origin of Elsa’s powers to stop the rampaging spirits and the takeover of their home.
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*Availability in US Release Date November 22, 2019 Runtime 103 minutes Cast Sterling K. Brown , Kristen Bell , Santino Fontana , Evan Rachel Wood , Jonathan Groff , Josh Gad , Idina Menzel Director Jennifer Lee , Chris Buck Writers Allison Schroeder Studio(s) Disney Distributor(s) Disney Expand
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Walt Disney Studios have created some of the most beloved animation films in existence, but the 2013 musical Frozen set an even higher bar for their modern projects. It had all the right ingredients for a blockbuster picture. The story was unique, the characters were likable, and there was an amazing soundtrack to compliment the beautiful animation. Given that its predecessor is one of the highest-grossing animated movies of all time, it’s unsurprising that Frozen II was even more successful.
There were several possible avenues for the continuation of the plot, but the writers chose a thoughtful path that offered something new without straying too far from the source material. They also managed to introduce strong musical numbers, which is a tough feat considering the original soundtrack. Even though it had slightly different critical reviews, it was a solid addition to the franchise, which will continue with Frozen 3 in 2027.
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9 Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
Worldwide Gross: $1,461,725,209
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Given the nature of the plot, a sequel to the beloved 1986 action Top Gun didn’t seem necessary, and certainly wasn’t expected. Hollywood has a long history of reviving cinematic stories long after their original installments. In most cases, this doesn’t bode well for the overall quality of the franchise. However, Top Gun: Maverick managed to pull off the feat of a late sequel introduction with style.
During the filming of
Top Gun: Maverick,
Director Joseph Kosinski stated that they shot over 800 hours of footage, which is more than all the
Lord of the Rings
films combined.
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There are several reasons why the Top Gun follow-up was so successful. The creators relied on the adoration of nostalgia, but it was applied to a different plotline in a way that didn’t feel too forced. They passed the torch to a new set of likable characters while maintaining the presence of old ones. Better yet, it all came together alongside some of recent cinema’s most thoughtful and gripping action scenes. Hopefully, the same level of care will be applied in Top Gun 3, which was confirmed in January 2024.
8 Furious 7 (2015)
Worldwide Gross: $1,511,986,364
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8/10 Furious 7 PG-13CrimeActionThriller
The seventh film in the Fast & Furious franchise, Furious 7 follows Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel), Brian O’Conner (Paul Walker), and their found family of street racing criminals as they’re enlisted by the mysterious Mr. Nobody (Kurt Russell) to help save the world. When a cyberterrorist (Djimon Hounsou) threatens to steal the powerful hacking program known as God’s Eye, the Fast Family race into action in a high-octane thrill ride in order to stop him.
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*Availability in US Release Date April 3, 2015 Runtime 2h 20m Cast Tyrese Gibson , Jason Statham , Vin Diesel , Paul Walker , Luke Hobbs , Dwayne Johnson , Dominic Toretto Director James Wan Writers Chris Morgan Studio(s) Universal Pictures Distributor(s) Universal Pictures Expand
It’s tough to know where to begin when it comes to the Fast and Furious franchise. What first started as high-octane street racing has seemingly evolved into characters battling for the fate of the entire world. Over ten years after the original installment, the saga will supposedly end with Fast 11 in 2026. Although the twelve films in the collection have boasted significant box office numbers, Furious 7 witnessed the strongest overall worldwide gross.
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Furious 7 was certainly a compelling addition to the story from a quality perspective. However, the global success was by and large a product of the film’s emotional tribute to the late Paul Walker. Walker tragically died in a car accident in November 2013, which was midway through the sequel’s shooting. Consequently, the remainder of his scenes were carried out using CGI and doubles. The writers managed to give him a thoughtful exit from the franchise while acknowledging the actor’s death, creating a sendoff that was equally beautiful and sad.
7 Jurassic World (2015)
Worldwide Gross: $1,671,063,641
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6.8/10 Jurassic World PG-13 Sci-Fi
The Jurassic World Ultimate Collection includes the 6 movies in the immensely popular dinosaur franchise. It begins with paleontologists Alan Grant and Ellie Sattler and mathematician, Ian Malcolm, as they tour an island theme park that is populated by dinosaurs that were created from prehistoric DNA. The dinosaurs eventually break free, creating the havoc that is explored in the 6 films. You can buy all 6 movies right now for $60 for Prime Day.
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*Availability in US Release Date June 12, 2015 Runtime 124 minutes Cast Bryce Dallas Howard , Chris Pratt , Omar Sy , Jake Johnson Director Colin Trevorrow Writers Amanda Silver , Colin Trevorrow , Rick Jaffa , Derek Connolly Studio(s) Universal Pictures Distributor(s) Universal Pictures Expand
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In consideration of cinematic history, Jurassic Park was monumental. From the groundbreaking special effects to the gripping concept, many argue that there should’ve never been a sequel of any kind. With that being said, it’s no secret that the revival of one of the greatest movies ever made was going to be successful. Consequently, in 2015, Universal took up the gauntlet and re-introduced the story with Jurassic World.
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It’s a daunting challenge to bring back a beloved franchise over 20 years after the original’s release, but the studio delivered. Although the concept was mostly the same, Jurassic World added a modern twist that was carried out thoughtfully. While audience opinions were somewhat divided, it was a solid franchise reboot. Jurassic World Rebirth will be coming to screens in 2025, marking the fourth new-era film after the original trilogy.
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6 Inside Out 2 (2024)
Worldwide Gross: $1,698,531,039
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47 8.6/10 Inside Out 2 PGAdventureComedyAnimationDramaFamily
Inside Out 2 is the sequel to the 2015 original film, which starred a young girl named Riley with a head full of emotions. – literally. With Amy Pohler as Joy, Bill Hader as fear, Mindy Kaling as Disgust, Phyllis Smith as Sadness, and Lewis Black as Anger, the all-star cast brought to life the emotions that adolescents face as they grow, change, and adapt to new situations. This sequel, currently in development, will bring Amy Pohler back as Joy, with Riley, now a teenager.
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*Availability in US Release Date June 14, 2024 Runtime 96 Minutes Cast Amy Poehler , Maya Hawke , Kensington Tallman , Liza Lapira , Tony Hale , Lewis Black , Phyllis Smith , Ayo Edebiri , Lilimar , Grace Lu , Sumayyah Nuriddin-Green , Adèle Exarchopoulos , Diane Lane , Kyle MacLachlan , Paul Walter Hauser , Yvette Nicole Brown , Ron Funches , James Austin Johnson , Yong Yea , Steve Purcell , Dave Goelz , Kirk R. Thatcher , Frank Oz , Paula Pell , June Squibb , Pete Docter , Paula Poundstone , John Ratzenberger , Sarayu Blue , Flea , Bobby Moynihan , Kendall Coyne Schofield Director Kelsey Mann Main Genre Animation Writers Meg LeFauve , Dave Holstein , Kelsey Mann Studio(s) Disney Distributor(s) Disney Expand
Disney Pixar added another gem to its resume with the 2015 comedy Inside Out, which was quickly a massive hit, raking in $850,309,035 worldwide. The unique concept alone was enough to drive audiences into theaters. At face value, the premise is simple, but the presented themes offer an introspective metaphor of human nature. The film also featured crisp animation and a heartwarming story, which contributed to its positive reception.
Inside Out 2
is now the highest-grossing animated movie of all time.
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The recent sequel proved the same concept can be replicated with even more success. Inside Out 2 introduced new emotions and took the story in a refreshing direction. All of a sudden, Riley (Kensington Tallman) has to deal with different challenges, and they are creatively reflected in the latest characters. Understandably, the movie crushed at the box office, accumulating roughly double the money of the original.
5 Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
Worldwide Gross: $1,921,206,586
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33 8.8/10 Spider-Man: No Way Home PG-13SuperheroActionAdventureFantasy
For the first time in the cinematic history of Spider-Man, our friendly neighborhood hero is unmasked and no longer able to separate his normal life from the trials and tribulations of being a superhero. In Spider-Man: No Way Home, Peter Parker (Tom Holland) asks for help from Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) when his identity becomes a problem for the ones he loves. Unfortunately, when the spell goes wrong, Spider-Man will now have to face off with villains such as Doctor Octopus (Alfred Molina) and Electro (Jamie Foxx) as Peter finally comes to terms that he can’t run from being Spider-Man. Supported by his close friends and help from an unexpected place (or multiverse), Spider-Man will go toe-to-toe with some of the most legendary foes in his storied history.
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*Availability in US Release Date December 17, 2021 Runtime 148 Minutes Cast Tom Holland , Zendaya , Benedict Cumberbatch , Jacob Batalon , Jon Favreau , Jamie Foxx , Willem Dafoe , Alfred Molina , Benedict Wong , Tony Revolori , Marisa Tomei , Andrew Garfield , Tobey Maguire Director Jon Watts Main Genre Superhero Writers Chris McKenna , Erik Sommers , Stan Lee , Steve Ditko Expand
The legendary story of Spider-Man has been approached from several different angles, each offering a distinctive take on the beloved character. Generally, most are divided on who their favorite live-action Spider-Man is. Spider-Man: No Way Home was aware of this concept, and used it to its advantage. The smash-hit sequel witnessed the return of fabled predecessors Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield, with Tom Holland at the forefront.
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The producers managed to pull off a massive surprise comeback of the beloved leading actors while incorporating the previous franchise villains. The secret was well-kept, as the cast members denied all claims about Maguire and Garfield’s return. Consequently, their ultimate reveal was much more meaningful and gave audiences an unexpected blast from the past. The web-swinging hero’s story will continue with Spider-Man 4, which is set to release in 2026.
4 Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
Worldwide Gross: $2,048,359,754
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17 9/10 Avengers: Infinity War PG-13ActionSci-FiSuperheroAdventure
Avengers: Infinity War is the third Avengers movie in the game-changing Marvel Cinematic Universe. This film is positioned as the beginning of the culmination of everything that has transpired in the franchise to date. Directors Joe and Anthony Russo, who previously helmed Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Civil War, have assembled the largest ensemble in a superhero film to date. Nearly every living character in the MCU is included as the Avengers join forces with the Guardians of the Galaxy to take down Thanos in a battle that has massive repercussions for the future of the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. A sequel, Avengers: Endgame, was released in 2019 and marked the end of the Infinity Saga.
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*Availability in US Release Date April 27, 2018 Runtime 149 minutes Cast Chris Hemsworth , Anthony Mackie , Elizabeth Olsen , Robert Downey Jr. , Scarlett Johansson , Mark Ruffalo , Sebastian Stan , Paul Rudd , Chadwick Boseman , Don Cheadle , Samuel L. Jackson , Josh Brolin , Tom Holland , Evangeline Lilly , Paul Bettany , Chris Evans , Jeremy Renner Director Joe Russo , Anthony Russo Main Genre Adventure Writers Stephen McFeely , Christopher Markus Studio(s) Marvel Distributor(s) Disney Expand
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When it comes to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, The Avengers movies are the heaviest hitters. They’re a clear-cut example of the modern blockbuster. From a big-picture perspective, their success is almost guaranteed. The films essentially take the most popular franchise members and group them into a unified story. Consequently, there is something for everyone to enjoy from the get-go. However, the Avengers installments went the extra mile in all respects.
The characters are brought together in a plot that has an immense amount of emotional depth for a superhero franchise. Avengers: Infinity War set the bar even higher than the first two films, expanding the conflict across the universe and introducing a masterful villain. The special effects, narrative, and action seem to improve with each subsequent release, which is a rare occurrence. Unsurprisingly, the highest-grossing charts are scattered with Avengers content.
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3 Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015)
Worldwide Gross: $2,056,046,835
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18 7.4/10 Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens PG-13ActionAdventureFantasy Sci-Fi
Set 30 years after Star Wars: Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, Star Wars: The Force Awakens teams new heroes Finn (John Boyega), Rey (Daisy Ridley), and Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) with Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher), who is now a General in the Rebel Alliance. Together they try to track down Luke Skywalker while battling the First Order, led by the villainous Kylo Ren. The Force Awakens is the first Star Wars film to be produced by Disney and was directed by JJ Abrams.
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*Availability in US Release Date December 17, 2015 Runtime 136 Minutes Cast Daisy Ridley , John Boyega , Oscar Isaac , Harrison Ford , Mark Hamill , Carrie Fisher , Adam Driver , Andy Serkis , Lupita Nyong’o , Max Von Sydow , Peter Mayhew , Simon Pegg Director J.J. Abrams Main Genre Sci-Fi Writers Lawrence Kasdan , J.J. Abrams , Michael Arndt Studio(s) Lucasfilm Ltd. , Bad Robot Distributor(s) Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Expand
Deciding to bring back one of cinema’s most popular franchises was an incredibly controversial move. On one hand, people thought that the story had already been told and there was no reason to explore it further. On the other hand, the Star Wars universe has a virtually unlimited number of potential plotlines, which makes it the perfect target for sequel production.
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Regardless of any opinions towards Star Wars Ep. VII: The Force Awakens, the monetary results speak for themselves. The film generated $247,966,675 on its opening weekend, reaching the billion mark after only 12 days. Despite some audiences being against the concept as a whole, the franchise revival drew in millions of viewers, stoked to get a taste of nostalgia. Episode VII ushered in a new era for the series, and several new Star Wars movies are set to be released shortly.
2 Avatar: The Way Of Water (2022)
Worldwide Gross: $2,317,514,386
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When James Cameron first released Avatar in 2009, it was as if the industry was advanced 10 years into the future. The breathtaking visual effects were the first of their kind and set a new standard for later projects. Cameron introduced several new technological innovations, including stereoscopic 3D capturing using fusion camera systems, which made the movie a one-of-a-kind experience.
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Given that the original is the most successful film ever made, Avatar: The Way of Water was undoubtedly going to make big waves at the box office. The highly anticipated sequel didn’t disappoint and was an absolute slam dunk in theaters. Although the follow-up didn’t make quite as much of a leap in visuals, the improvement was undeniable. The second installment took the story in an imaginative direction that demonstrated the potential of Pandora’s world-building. The franchise isn’t nearly over, as there are many upcoming Avatar movies scheduled for the next seven years.
1 Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Worldwide Gross: $2,748,242,781
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53 9.5/10 Avengers: Endgame PG-13AdventureActionSci-FiSuperhero
Avengers: Endgame, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, concludes the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Infinity Saga. It follows the remaining Avengers as they attempt to reverse the destruction caused by Thanos, navigating complex dynamics and forging alliances to restore balance to the universe.
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*Availability in US Release Date April 26, 2019 Runtime 181 Minutes Cast Robert Downey Jr. , Chris Evans , Mark Ruffalo , Chris Hemsworth , Scarlett Johansson , Jeremy Renner , Josh Brolin , Don Cheadle , Paul Rudd , Benedict Cumberbatch , Chadwick Boseman , Brie Larson , Tom Holland , Karen Gillan , Zoe Saldana , Evangeline Lilly , Tessa Thompson , Rene Russo , Elizabeth Olsen , Anthony Mackie , Sebastian Stan , Tom Hiddleston , Danai Gurira , Benedict Wong , Pom Klementieff , Dave Bautista , Letitia Wright , John Slattery , Tilda Swinton , Jon Favreau , Hayley Atwell , Natalie Portman , Marisa Tomei , Taika Waititi Director Anthony Russo , Joe Russo Main Genre Adventure Writers Keith Giffen , Stan Lee , Larry Lieber , Don Heck , Jim Starlin , Joe Simon , Steve Englehart , Jack Kirby , Steve Gan , Bill Mantlo , Stephen McFeely , Christopher Markus Expand
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It makes perfect sense that Avengers: Endgame is the most successful movie sequel ever created. Truth be told, the odds were stacked against the franchise finale from the start. Given the sheer number of events that happened throughout the Infinity saga, it seems impossible to finish off the story in a manner that checks all the boxes. Despite the high stakes and naysayers, Marvel delivered a classic that blew expectations out of the water.
Avengers: Endgame demonstrated the right way to put a series to rest. After the previous film’s tragic ending, audiences were dying to see how the curtain would close. The introduction of time travel allowed the heroes to get another shot at Thanos (Josh Brolin), but more importantly, it provided the opportunity to pay homage to the old films. Thus, the characters were effectively moving the plot forward while revisiting important moments from the franchise. Surprisingly enough, the saga will carry on with Avengers: Doomsday, rumored to hit screens in 2026.
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