#29. 2006 - Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest
If you were born in 2006, you were born the same year of the sequel of the first Pirates Of The Caribbean film series. Starred Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley as the main characters, the film was a box office hit earning more than $1 billion.
The plot and the characters became so popular to the audience, especially Depp’s character Jack Sparrow that Disney decided to make three more movies. The last one was realized in 2017. The last film was not an old-fashionable and earned more than $794 million in the world.
#28. 2005 - Star Wars Episode III: Revenge Of The Sith
For fans of the Star Wars franchise, the sixth entry was something that everyone was waiting for. Episode III was released in 2006, six years later from The Phantom Menace and was the last one from the prequel trilogy.
The last episode was a huge success around the world, earning more than $848 million worldwide. It was even better in numbers than its 1999 predecessor. The whole trilogy won more than $4 billion around the world and nowadays, Lucas is still working in the project.
#27. 2004 - Shrek 2
There’s must be something about Shrek and his hilarious friend Donkey that attracts too many people around the world. For no reason, it became one of the highest-grossing animated movies of all time. Perhaps it’s because its principal character is an ogre that falls in love with a princess and has a donkey friend that can speak. A plot that the audience hadn’t seen before it.
Whatever is the reason, in 2004 Shrek 2 earned $919 million. Also, great actors and actresses were the voices of the characters like Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy, Antonio Banderas and Julie Andrews. See which film was the most successful in 2003!
#26. 2003 - Finding Nemo
Raise your hand if you have never cried with Finding Nemo. Perhaps if you were a child, you found funny and attractive the scenes under the scene. But if you were older, for sure you cried at the end of it. The story between an overprotective clownfish called Marlin and his son Nemo it’s touching and funny at the same time.
The film had the participation of talented celebs like Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres and Willem Dafoe. The film grossed more than $940 million and only its sequel, Finding Dory in 2016 could beat it earning over $1 billion.
#25. 2002 - Spider Man
Many of us grew up in the time that comic-books and animated TV shows of superheroes were populars. That’s why when in 2002, was released the first Spider-Man movie, everyone wanted to see their superhero in a human form. Even, its principal actor Tobey Maguire had a lot of pressure on him.
Starred in the company of Kirsten Dunst as the mythical Jane, Willem Dafoe and James Franco, the film was a box office success. The film earned only $114 million during the first week of the premiere and in the end, it won more $821 million. Two more films were filmed with the same actors and then Marvel decided to remake the movie.
#24. 2001 - Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone
The genius behind the success of the Harry Potter films is the British writer who created the story, J.K. Rowling. The writer was always present when the producers started to cast young boys and girls that would bring into life her precious characters. Rowling and the producers choose young actors Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson for roles of Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger and Harry Potter.
Every fan of Harry Potter’s book went crazy when it was announced the first movie adaptation. The audience fell in love with the actors and the movie was a huge worldwide success, it grossed over $975 million at the box office.
#23. 2000 – How The Grinch Stole Christmas
In every holiday, How The Grinch Stole Christmas has become a classic for children and adults. Based on Dr. Seuss’s 1957 book of the same name, the film was a box office hit when it was released and grossed $345.
Some interesting facts about the film are that it was the first Dr. Seuss book that was adapted to a film. Also, actors like Jack Nicholson or Eddie Murphy were considered for the role of the Grinch but in the end, Universal Studios decided to choose the eclectic Jim Carrey and we couldn’t be more agree!
#22. 1999 – Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace
The entire world of Star Wars franchises it synonymous of success, even if some of the movies were not what fans expected. In 1999, The Phantom Menace was released after 16 years of no movies of the franchise. The Return Of The Jedi was released in 1983 and was a complete hit.
Fans were disappointed by the final results of the 1999 film but still producers won more than $1 billion at the box office. Believe it or not, there were many bad reviews of the film but nowadays is still one of the highest-grossing films in Hollywood.
#21. 1998 – Saving Private Ryan
Saving Private Ryan reunited the talented and great director Steven Spielberg and well-known actors like Tom Hanks, Ben Affleck and Bruce Willis. The epic war film goes around the events during the Invasion Of Normandy in World War II and shows us the cruelty and intensity of the times of war.
The performances were incredible and the movie became of the favorites of the audience. It grossed more than $482 over the $140 million budget. The film even won to its opponent Armageddon that was released in the same year and it became the most successful film of the year.
#20. 1997 – Titanic
If you were born in the ‘90s, you probably had a crush on actor Leonardo DiCaprio and we imagine the reason! The film Titanic directed by James Cameron put the young actor under the spotlights. Also, the actress Kate Winslet rose to fame because of the film. The love story between Winslet and DiCaprio’s characters made us cry and we all wanted Jack to be saved!
When Titanic was released it became the most expensive film that was ever made in the world, with a budget of more than $200. Cameron didn’t worry about that because the film earned more than $1.84 billion around the world! Also, the film was nominated for 14 Academy Award and won 11 of them. What a great year for Cameron!
#19. 1996 – Independence Day
Perhaps Independence Day is one of the most memorable films that Will Smith was part of. The disaster film includes action, extraterrestrial attacks and men who save the world. It’s considered one of the most successful action films of all time. Starring Smith, Jeff Goldblum and Bill Pullman.
The film received many positive reviews and earned more than $817 million worldwide. Also, the film won an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects and has a sequel, Independence Day: Resurgence that was released ten years later. Did you were born in 1995? See which film was the highest-grossing of that year!
#18. 1995 - Toy Story
We don’t know who came up with the fantastic idea to create a film about what our toys do when we are not watching them. Toy Story was the perfect film not just for children, also for adults. Incredible touching and funny, the film goes around the adventures of Andy’s toys and the importance of friendship.
With the voices of actors Tom Hanks and Tim Allen, for the principal characters of Woody and Buzz, Toy Story was the first film that was produced by Pixar. It earned $373 in 1995 beating Batman Forever. The film had three more sequels and is still one of our favorites.
#17. 1994 - The Lion King
Disney has been part of many childhoods from different generations of all time. From 1989 to 1995, the films that were produced by the company are part of the Disney Renaissance, like the successful The Lion King in 1994. Directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff, the film grossed $422 and became the highest-grossing movie of the year, even it won more than Forest Gump.
With the voices of actors and actresses like Whoopi Goldberg, Jeremy Iron, Matthew Broderick, James Ear Jones and Rowan Atkinson, the film is still these days a classic. In 2019, it was released the remake with more realistic animals.
#16. 1993 - Jurassic Park
Steven Spielberg’s highest-grossing move is still the first movie of Jurassic Park. Based on Michael Crichton’s sci-fi novel, the film adaptation was a huge success around the world. Starred by Samuel L. Jackson, Jeff Goldblum, Richard Attenborough and Laura Dern, the film had all the ingredients to become a hit.
The film earned an incredible worldwide amount of $1 billion! It was considered a massive hit and producers decided to continue with the sequel of Jurassic World films with the actor Chris Pratt.
#15. 1992 - Aladdin
Another film from the Disney Renaissance was the film directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, Aladdin. Based on a tale from One Thousand And One Nights, the film became a huge success in 1992. It grossed $504 million at the box office. The film goes around the adventures of Aladdin trying to win Princess Jasmine’s heart and with the company of an eccentric genie.
The great Robin Williams was in the voice of the genie, Scott Weinger in the voice of Aladdin. In 2019, a new live-action version was released and stars Naomi Scott and Mena Massoud were in the role of Princess Jasmine and Aladdin. The recent film earned $922 million, a complete hit!
#14. 1991- Beauty And Beast
Beauty And Beast came out in 1991 and it became the first successful animated movie of the decade. It won the amount of $424 million at box offices around the world. It’s based on a French tale as old as the hills. Walt Disney Pictures tried to make an animated adaptation in 1950 but it wasn’t successful.
The 1991 film featuring the voices of Robby Benson and Paige O’Hara was an instant box office hit. Also, it was the first animated film that became nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture. In 2917, it was released a live-action remake with Emma Watson as Belle.
#13. 1990 - Home Alone
The ‘90s are just around the corner and it seems that it has passed a long time when we re-watched Home Alone. Starred a young Macaulay Culkin, the film became so popular that nowadays it is a classic for Christmas and holidays. Every kid wanted to be like Kevin and have their houses for their own!
With profits of $476 million, the film also received two Golden Globe Award nominations for Best Motion Picture and Best Comedy. After the film, Culkin became a celebrity in Hollywood although fame and pressure were sometimes hard for him to control. Nowadays, the actor thanks to the film and the success of it.
#12. 1989 – Batman
The first movie of the superhero Batman was filmed by the great Tim Burton and it was released in 1989. Starring Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne or Batman and Jack Nicholson as The Joker, the film was surprisingly successful, especially for the fans of the comic-books.
The film grossed $411 million at box offices around the world and won more money than films like Indiana Jones or Ghostbusters. The film received many award nominations but only won an Academy Award. If you like the new Batman’s version, we highly recommend you to see this classic.
#11. 1988 - Rain Man
Apart from action movies, Tom Cruise has memorable performances in movies like Rain Man from 1988. Directed by Barry Levinson, the actor was in the company of the talented and well-known Dustin Hoffman. The couple showed great chemistry on-screen and the filmed earned $354 million.
The film received four Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Director and Best Actor for Hoffman. It became the most successful film from the year and still these days the performances are in our minds. Don't miss the last 10!
#10. 1987 - Three Man And A Baby
Nowadays it’s common to see different types of family, we mean a family with two moms or two dads, there’s not a unique choice and everyone is free to raise a child with love and respect. Back in the ’80s, families were different. Imagine three bachelors that suddenly have to take care of a baby without any idea of how to do it. Three Man And A Baby had all the ingredients for the perfect comedy.
Starred Tom Selleck, Ted Danson and Steve Guttenberg, the film earned $167 million at America box offices over the $11 million budget. Believe it or not, the film was directed by the well-known Star Trek star Leonard Nimoy.
#9. 1986 - Top Gun
Definitely, the ‘80s were one of the best decades for Tom Cruise. The film was Top Gun directed by Tony Scott and starred Cruise, Kelly McGillis, Val Kilmer and Meg Ryan. Cruise was considered one the nicest faces in Hollywood, surely the film it was going to be a success.
The film earned $356 million around the world and put Cruise in every magazine. Also, the film won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for the touching and legendary song Take My Breath Away by Berlin.
#8. 1985 – Back To The Future
Imagine a sci-fi film in the ‘80s that goes around the things that are going to happen in the future and the consequences if you change something. Back To The Future was a huge success that also showed things that actually happened years later. The film grossed $381 million at the box office and still these days it’s considered a classic.
Starring Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Crispin Glover and Lea Thompson the film has become a cultural icon for many generations. The film has two more sequels that were released in 1989 and 1990 and also it was created many video games.
#7. 1984 – Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom
Directed by Steven Spielberg, Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom is the second film of the franchise. It’s considered one of the worst of Indiana Jones although it was the highest-grossing film in 1984. Starring Harrison Ford, Cate Capshaw and Amrish Puri.
Many reviews said the film was a little insensitive to Hinduism and Indians. Also, Spielberg said in an interview that he didn’t like the final results of the films too. Despite the critics, it earned $330 million at the box offices.
#6. 1983 – Star Wars: Return Of The Jedi
Episode VI of Star Wars was a huge success at the box office, like every Star Wars film. Directed by Richard Marquand and written by George Lucas, the events of the film happen one year later from The Empire Strikes Back.
Starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker and Frank Oz. The film had a budget of $32 million but earned more than $475 million around the world. Imagine, just 80 million tickets were sold in America!
#5. 1982 – E.T The Extra-Terrestrial
Still these days we’re in love with the adventures of the adorable extraterrestrial “ET” and his friend Elliott. Not to mention the performance of a very young Drew Barrymore. The film directed by Steven Spielberg exceeded all expectations by earning $792 million around the world over the $10 million budget.
The story was based on a Spielberg’s real experience when he was a child. The director had an imaginary friend that helped him through the divorce of his parents. We can say that all of us wanted to have a friend like ET!
#4. 1981 – Indiana Jones And The Raiders Of The Lost Ark
Every franchise has its start and in the case of Indiana Jones franchise, it started in 1981 with Indiana Jones And The Raiders Of The Lost Ark, directed once again by Steven Spielberg. The film goes about the battle between Indiana Jones and a group of Nazis for the Ark of the Covenant.
Fans and critics say that the first film was the best of the entire franchise. It earned $389 million around the world. It received eight Academy Award nominations and won for Best Art Direction, Film Editing, Sound and Visual Effects. Also, it’s one of the best films that Harrison Ford was ever part of.
#3. 1980 – Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
Directed by Irvin Kershner and with the help of George Lucas, the Episode V it’s considered the best one of the Star Wars franchise, even better than the prequel. It grossed more than $550 million over the $23 budget, becoming the highest-grossing movie of 1980.
One interesting fact the Star Wars franchise is that its creator George Lucas was going to make only one Star Wars film but everything changed after his draft was too long. Luckily for the fans, we had great movies that are considered legends.
#2. 1979 – Moonranker
Surely we know 007 Secret Agent James Bond and the films that go around the adventures of him. None of the movies had reached such success as the eleventh installment Moonranker in 1979. Starred by actor Roger Moore as James Bond and Lois Chiles as Holly Goodhead, the film earned $210 million over the $34 budget.
Not like other James Bond movies, at this installment, the secret agent took a trip into space. It could sound unbelievable nowadays, but at that time the special effects that were used in the film were exceptional. Also, the film received an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.
#1. 1978 - Grease
In 1978, Grease became the highest-grossing musical film of all time. The film stars were a good-looking John Travolta and a beautiful Olivia Newton-John, in the company of stars like Stockard Channing, Eve Arden, Frankie Avalon, Joan Blondel and Edd Bynes.
The plot has all the ingredients to be perfect: handsome actors, catchy songs and chit chats talk about sex that made more than one blush. Also, the film became a legacy to the following musicals of Hollywood.