2024 was a rollercoaster at the box office—think Hollywood strikes shaking up schedules, then a flood of sequels and family flicks saving the day. Global ticket sales hit around $32.3 billion, down 3% from 2023’s $33.9 billion, but the hits? Oh, they hit hard. Here’s the rundown of the movies that packed theaters and raked in the cash last year.
1. Inside Out 2 – $1.7 Billion Worldwide
Pixar’s emotional sequel stole the crown, grossing $653 million domestically and $1.05 billion internationally. Riley’s puberty woes—hello, Anxiety (Maya Hawke)—struck a chord, making it the top animated film ever (unadjusted). That $154 million opening weekend? A summer game-changer.
2. Deadpool & Wolverine – $1.34 Billion Worldwide
Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman’s R-rated MCU mashup smashed records with a $211 million debut—the biggest for an R-rated flick. It hauled $637 million stateside and $701 million abroad, proving mutants still rule. Blood, laughs, and box office glory—$1.34 billion says it all.
3. Moana 2 – $906 Million Worldwide (and Climbing)
Disney’s oceanic sequel sailed in late 2024, nabbing $404 million domestic and $502 million international by year-end. With a record-breaking animated opening and Dwayne Johnson’s Maui charm, it’s on track to crack $1 billion in early 2025. Family vibes paid off big.
4. Wicked – $634 Million Worldwide
The Wizard of Oz prequel soared with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, pulling $424 million domestically and $210 million overseas by December 29. Not a sequel, but a Broadway juggernaut turned cinema gold—it’s the rare original that broke the mold.
5. Despicable Me 4 – $969 Million Worldwide
Gru and his Minions kept the laughs coming, snagging $361 million in the U.S. and $608 million globally. Seven years since the last one, this fourth outing proved the franchise’s still a “sure thing” with nearly $1 billion in the bank.
