Here’s a list of the highest-grossing films of all time adjusted for inflation and the modern economy, ranked by total earnings.
25. Iron Man 3
Release: 2013
Worldwide: $1,214,811,252 | Domestic: $409,013,994 | International: $805,797,258
“Iron Man 3” (2013) highlights Stark’s vulnerability and resilience, exploring themes of identity, heroism, and facing personal demons while featuring action-packed sequences and the signature humor and wit of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
24. The Fate of the Furious
Release: 2017
Worldwide: $1,236,005,118 | Domestic: $226,008,385 | International: $1,009,996,733
“The Fate of the Furious” (2017) continues the high-octane action of the Fast & Furious franchise.
The story takes the team on a thrilling ride across multiple locations, involving high-speed chases, intense action sequences, and jaw-dropping stunts. With Cipher’s ambitions escalating and Dom seemingly against them, the team faces numerous challenges.
23. Incredibles 2
Release: 2018
Worldwide: $1,243,089,244 | Domestic: $608,581,744 | International: $634,507,500
“Incredibles 2” (2018) picks up where the first movie left off, with the Parr family—Bob, Helen, Violet, Dash, and Jack-Jack—facing the consequences of their vigilante superhero activities.
It’s not just an action-packed animated film but also delves into the challenges of family dynamics, role reversals, and the importance of balancing individual abilities and responsibilities within a family unit.
22. Beauty and the Beast
Release: 2017
Worldwide: $1,273,576,220 | Domestic: $504,481,165 | International: $769,095,055
“Beauty and the Beast” (2017) is a live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated classic. The story follows Belle, a smart and independent young woman who lives in a small French village. Belle is considered an outsider due to her love for reading and her unique perspectives. She is pursued by the arrogant and self-absorbed Gaston, who desires to marry her.
21. Frozen
Release: 2013
Worldwide: $1,281,508,100 | Domestic: $400,953,009 | International: $880,555,091
“Frozen” (2013) is a Disney animated film that tells the story of two royal sisters, Elsa and Anna, living in the kingdom of Arendelle. Elsa, the elder sister, possesses magical ice powers that she struggles to control. After accidentally injuring Anna with her powers, Elsa isolates herself to protect her sister and the kingdom from her abilities.
The film is a heartwarming tale that emphasizes the strength of sisterhood, love, self-acceptance, and the importance of understanding and embracing one’s true nature.
20. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom
Release: 2017
Worldwide: $1,310,466,296 | Domestic: $417,719,760 | International: $892,746,536
In “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” (2018), the storyline follows the aftermath of the previous film, “Jurassic World,” where the theme park on Isla Nublar was destroyed, and the dinosaurs were left roaming freely. The situation becomes urgent as the island’s dormant volcano threatens to erupt, posing a massive threat to the remaining dinosaurs.
The film explores themes of morality, genetic manipulation, and the consequences of humanity’s interference with nature, and sets the stage for further exploration of the relationship between dinosaurs and mankind.
19. Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Release: 2017
Worldwide: $1,332,698,830 | Domestic: $620,181,382 | International: $712,517,448
“Star Wars: The Last Jedi” continues the saga in a galaxy far, far away. The film follows the Resistance, led by General Leia Organa, as they’re desperately fleeing the First Order, which is led by Supreme Leader Snoke and his apprentice, Kylo Ren.
18. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2
Release: 2011
Worldwide: $1,342,359,942 | Domestic: $381,447,587 | International: $960,912,355
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” (2011) is the epic conclusion to the Harry Potter film series, based on the book by J.K. Rowling. The film picks up where the previous one left off, with Harry, Ron, and Hermione continuing their quest to destroy the remaining Horcruxes, which hold fragments of Voldemort’s soul and grant him immortality.
17. Black Panther
Release: 2018
Worldwide: $1,347,597,973 | Domestic: $700,426,566 | International: $647,171,407
“Black Panther” (2018) follows the story of T’Challa, the newly crowned king of the technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda, following the death of his father, King T’Chaka, in “Captain America: Civil War.”
16. The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Release: 2023
Worldwide: $1,361,772,504 | Domestic: $574,934,330 | International: $786,838,174
“The Super Mario Bros. Movie” (2023) tells the story of two Italian brothers who work as plumbers faced with the threat of Bowser, the Koopa King, who invades the Mushroom Kingdom. The film is an adaptation of the iconic duo that set the standard for the video game industry back in 1985.
15. Avengers: Ages of Ultron
Release: 2015
Worldwide: $1,402,809,540 | Domestic: $459,005,868 | International: $943,803,672
“Avengers: Age of Ultron” (2015) is an action-packed superhero film that continues the story of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The movie centers around the Avengers—Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow, and Hawkeye—as they team up to confront a new threat: Ultron, an artificial intelligence program created by Tony Stark (Iron Man) and Bruce Banner (Hulk).
14. Barbie
Release: 2023
Worldwide: $1,441,484,916 | Domestic: $635,884,916 | International: $805,600,000
“Barbie” (2023) takes place in the seemingly perfect and colorful world of Barbie Land. Featuring the story of two characters, Barbie and Ken, they are given an opportunity to visit the real world in which they discover the perils and joys of living among human beings.
13. Frozen II
Release: 2019
Worldwide: $1,450,026,933 | Domestic: $477,373,578 | International: $972,653,355
“Frozen II” (2019) continues the story of Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Kristoff, and Sven in the kingdom of Arendelle. The film delves deeper into the origins of Elsa’s powers and the sisters’ family history. Elsa, the Snow Queen, is drawn by a mysterious voice that calls out to her, leading her to embark on a journey to discover the source of her magical abilities and the truth about their past.
12. Top Gun: Maverick
Release: 2022
Worldwide: $1,495,696,292 | Domestic: $718,732,821 | International: $776,963,471
Pete “Maverick” Mitchell serves as a courageous test pilot after spending more than 30 years as a top aviator in the Navy. In an effort to avoid an advancement in rank that would see him grounded, Maverick works to train a series of graduates for a new assignment. During the film, he is forced to confront his deepest fears and ghosts of his past, in a mission that demands the ultimate sacrifice.
11. Furious 7
Release: 2015
Worldwide: $1,515,341,399 | Domestic: $353,007,020 | International: $1,162,334,379
“Furious 7” (2015) is the seventh installment in the “Fast & Furious” film series. The story continues the adventures of Dominic Toretto, Brian O’Conner, and their team as they face new challenges and adversaries.
The film pays tribute to the late Paul Walker, who portrayed Brian O’Conner. As Walker tragically passed away during the film’s production, his brothers Caleb and Cody, as well as CGI and body doubles, were used to complete his scenes. The movie respectfully honors Walker’s character and marks his departure from the franchise.
10. The Avengers
Release: 2012
Worldwide: $1,518,815,515 | Domestic: $623,357,910 | International: $895,457,605
“The Avengers” (2012) is a superhero film directed by Joss Whedon that brings together iconic Marvel characters from previous individual films to form a super team. The movie unites Iron Man (Tony Stark), Captain America (Steve Rogers), Thor, Black Widow (Natasha Romanoff), Hawkeye (Clint Barton), and the Hulk (Bruce Banner), as they face a common threat to save the world.
9. The Lion King
Release: 2019
Worldwide: $1,663,250,487 | Domestic: $543,638,043 | International: $1,119,612,444
“The Lion King” (2019) is a live-action/CGI adaptation of the classic 1994 animated film by Disney. Directed by Jon Favreau, the movie retells the beloved story of Simba, a young lion cub destined to become king. It follows the original narrative of the animated classic, delivering a visually stunning, emotionally rich portrayal with impressive CGI animation and beloved songs from the original soundtrack. It emphasizes themes of identity, responsibility, and the circle of life.
8. Jurassic World
Release: 2015
Worldwide: $1,671,537,444 | Domestic: $653,406,625 | International: $1,018,130,819
“Jurassic World” (2015) is a science fiction adventure film and a soft reboot of the “Jurassic Park” franchise. The movie takes place 22 years after the events of the original “Jurassic Park.” It’s set on Isla Nublar, where a new dinosaur theme park, Jurassic World, has been successfully opened and is thriving.
7. Spider-Man: No Way Home
Release: 2021
Worldwide: $1,901,228,407 | Domestic: $804,789,334 | International: $1,096,439,073
“Spider-Man: No Way Home” is the third installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Spider-Man series, following “Spider-Man: Homecoming” and “Spider-Man: Far From Home.” This movie features Tom Holland reprising his role as Peter Parker, the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.
The film is a compelling, emotional, and action-packed superhero film that explores themes of identity, sacrifice, and the consequences of meddling with the fabric of reality.
6. Avengers: Infinity War
Release: 2018
Worldwide: $2,048,359,754 | Domestic: $678,815,482 | International: $1,369,544,272
“Avengers: Infinity War” (2018) is a superhero film within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, directed by the Russo brothers. The movie brings together an extensive ensemble cast of iconic characters from various Marvel films, uniting the Avengers in an epic battle against the formidable cosmic villain, Thanos.
5. Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Release: 2015
Worldwide: $2,069,521,700 | Domestic: $936,662,225 | International: $1,132,859,475
“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (2015) is the seventh installment in the Star Wars saga, directed by J.J. Abrams. The film is set approximately 30 years after the events of “Return of the Jedi.” In it, the evil First Order, an organization that rose from the remnants of the Galactic Empire, seeks to control the galaxy and extinguish the Resistance, led by General Leia Organa.
4. Titanic
Release: 1997
Worldwide: $2,201,647,264 | Domestic: $659,363,944 | International: $1,542,283,320
“Titanic” (1997) is a romantic disaster film directed by James Cameron that tells the story of the ill-fated maiden voyage of the RMS Titanic. This movie tells a compelling story of love, tragedy, and the historic disaster of the Titanic’s sinking, emphasizing the poignant and timeless romance between two people from different worlds.
3. Avatar: The Way of Water
Release: 2022
Worldwide: $2,320,250,281 | Domestic: $684,075,767 | International: $1,636,174,514
“Avatar: The Way of Water” sees Jake Sully and his family live together on Pandora, but the RDA retaliates to invade and capture the planet after the initiative’s failure in the first film.
2. Avengers: Endgame
Release: 2019
Worldwide: $2,799,439,100 | Domestic: $858,373,000 | International: $1,941,066,100
“Avengers: Endgame” (2019) is an epic superhero film and the culmination of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Infinity Saga, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo.
The narrative builds toward an epic final battle, with the restored heroes, including the once-vanished characters, facing Thanos and his forces. A colossal and intense battle unfolds, highlighting the immense scale of the conflict and the stakes at hand.
1. Avatar
Release: 2009
Worldwide: $2,923,707,026 | Domestic: $785,221,649 | International: $2,138,484,377
“Avatar” (2009), directed by James Cameron, is a science fiction epic set in the mid-22nd century on the lush, alien moon of Pandora. The story follows Jake Sully, a disabled former Marine, who is chosen to take part in the Avatar Program, a project where human “Avatars” remotely control genetically engineered Na’vi bodies to explore Pandora and gain the trust of the indigenous Na’vi people.
The film explores themes of environmentalism, colonialism, and the clash between different cultures, emphasizing the importance of respecting nature and the beliefs of indigenous peoples. It stands as a visual and technological achievement in filmmaking and remains one of the highest-grossing films in history.