The 25 Movies That Made the Most Money in the Past 28 Years

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Over the past few decades, cinema has seen some incredible box office successes in the contemporary fiction genre. From heart-pounding action flicks to side-splitting comedies and thought-provoking dramas, these movies have captivated audiences and left a lasting impact on the film industry.

Let’s journey through time and explore the top-grossing movies in the contemporary fiction genre from 1995 to 2023.

 

1. Top Gun: Maverick

DANNY RAMIREZ PLAYS "FANBOY" IN TOP GUN: MAVERICK FROM PARAMOUNT PICTURES, SKYDANCE AND JERRY BRUCKHEIMER FILMS.
Image Credit: CREDIT: Paramount Pictures/Paramount+.

 

The 2023 long-awaited sequel to the iconic ’80s film, “Top Gun,” “Top Gun: Maverick,” takes us back to the world of fighter pilots. While the exact ticket sales are yet to be determined, it’s undoubtedly one of the most anticipated movies of its time.

 

2. Barbie

RYAN GOSLING as Ken in Warner Bros. Pictures’ “BARBIE,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
Image Credit: Jaap Buitendijk/Warner Bros.

 

“Barbie” brings the beloved toy doll to life in an exciting live-action adventure. With the enduring popularity of Barbie, this film is expected to draw a massive audience. However, ticket sales figures are still to be determined as it was released earlier this year.

 

3. The Sixth Sense

The Sixth Sense.
Image Credit:
Hollywood Pictures.

 

Night Shyamalan’s supernatural thriller follows a child who claims to see and communicate with the dead. This film’s twist ending stunned audiences and contributed to its massive success. The 1999 flick sold over 318 million tickets.

 

4. Twister

Twister.
Image Credit: Warner Bros.

 

This disaster film revolves around storm chasers attempting to study and understand the destructive power of tornadoes. The thrilling visuals and action-packed sequences made it a hit. With 293 million tickets sold, it was a box-office success in 1996.

 

5. Meet the Fockers

Meet the Fockers.
Image Credit: Universal Pictures.

 

A comedy of errors and misunderstandings, “Meet the Fockers” follows the hilariously awkward meeting of two very different families, leading to numerous laugh-out-loud moments. The 2004 comedy sold over 276 million tickets.

 

6. Cast Away

Cast Away
Image Credit: Twentieth Century Fox.

 

Tom Hanks stars as a FedEx executive stranded on a deserted island. The film explores his fight for survival and his emotional journey. Released in 2000, it sold over 271 million tickets.

 

7. Furious 7

Image Credit: Universal Studios.

 

The 2015 high-octane “Fast & Furious” franchise continued to impress with “Furious 7.” The film paid tribute to Paul Walker, who tragically passed away during production, and featured exhilarating action scenes. The film sold over 250 million tickets.

 

8. My Big Fat Greek Wedding

My Big Fat Greek Wedding.
Image Credit: Alliance Cinema.

 

This 2002 romantic comedy revolves around a young Greek woman’s struggles to marry a non-Greek man, leading to humorous cultural clashes. Women and men alike loved the movie, buying over 250 million tickets.

 

9. Mission: Impossible

Mission: Impossible.
Image Credit:
Paramount Pictures.

 

Tom Cruise stars as Ethan Hunt in the first installment of the “Mission: Impossible” series in 1996, known for its intricate plot and thrilling action sequences. This action-packed adventure sold over 234 million tickets.

 

10. Bruce Almighty

Bruce Almighty.
Image Credit: Spyglass Entertainment.

 

Jim Carrey portrays a man who receives god-like powers, leading to hilarious and thought-provoking events. The 2003 film sold over 224 million tickets and led to sequels.

 

11. Mission: Impossible 2

Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One.
Image Credit: Paramount Pictures.

 

Tom Cruise reprises his role as Ethan Hunt in this action-packed 2000 sequel, featuring even more daring stunts and espionage. With over 215 million tickets sold, it was a success for the long-running franchise.

 

12. Rush Hour 2

Rush Hour 2.
Image Credit:
New Line Cinema.

 

Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker team up again in this 2001 action-comedy sequel, delivering laughs and jaw-dropping fight sequences. The second installment in the series sold over 210 million tickets.

 

13. Liar Liar

Liar Liar.
Image Credit: Universal Pictures.

 

Jim Carrey stars as a lawyer who suddenly becomes incapable of lying. His predicament leads to both comical and heartwarming moments. The 1997 comedy sold over 200 million tickets.

 

14. Up

Up!
Image Credit:
Pixar Animation Studios.

 

Pixar’s “Up” tells the touching story of an elderly man who fulfills his late wife’s dream of exploring the wilderness in a house attached to balloons. The 2009 film was loved by viewers of all ages, selling over 198 million tickets.

 

15. Skyfall

Skyfall (2012).
Image Credit: MGM.

 

The James Bond franchise continued its success with “Skyfall,” offering a gripping plot and stunning action sequences. The 2012 Bond film sold nearly 200 million tickets.

 

16. Air Force One

Air Force One.
Image Credit:
Columbia Pictures.

 

Harrison Ford stars as the President of the United States, fighting terrorists aboard Air Force One in this 1997 intense action thriller. Over 191 million tickets were sold for the film.

 

17. There’s Something About Mary

There's Something About Mary.
Image Credit: Twentieth Century Fox.

 

This outrageous romantic comedy features Ben Stiller and Cameron Diaz in hilarious and cringe-worthy situations. The 1998 heart-gripper sold over 185 million tickets.

 

18. The Hangover

The Hangover.
Image Credit:
Warner Bros.

 

A wild bachelor party in Las Vegas leads to a night of chaos and memory loss in this comedy that had audiences laughing hysterically. The debauchery brought in crowds in 2009, selling 182 million tickets.

 

19. Austin Powers in Goldmember

Austin Powers in Goldmember.
Image Credit:
New Line Cinema.

 

Mike Myers returns as the eccentric spy Austin Powers in this 2002 groovy adventure filled with humor and memorable characters. It was magic baby, selling over 181 million tickets sold.

 

20. Joker

Joaquin Phoenix in Joker (2019).
Image Credit: Warner Bros.

 

Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of the iconic Batman villain received critical acclaim, offering a dark and gritty take on the character’s origin story. The 2019 movie sold over 179 million tickets.

 

21. The Waterboy

The Waterboy.
Image Credit:
Robert Simonds Productions.

 

Adam Sandler plays a waterboy for a college football team, and his journey from underdog to hero provides plenty of laughs. The 1998 knee-slapping comedy sold 170 million tickets.

 

22. Jerry Maguire

Jerry Maguire.
Image Credit:
TriStar Pictures.

 

Tom Cruise stars as a sports agent who experiences a moral awakening, leading to personal and professional challenges. The inspirational film sold over 169 million tickets.

 

23. Gravity

Gravity.
Image Credit: Warner Bros.

 

Sandra Bullock and George Clooney star in this visually stunning and intense space thriller about survival in the vastness of space. This 2013 journey to the stars sold over 163 million tickets.

 

24. What Women Want

What Women Want.
Image Credit: Paramount Pictures.

 

Mel Gibson plays a man who gains the ability to hear women’s thoughts, leading to humorous and insightful revelations about relationships. The 2000 film sold 160 million tickets.

 

25. The Da Vinci Code

The Da Vinci Code.
Image Credit:
Columbia Pictures.

Based on Dan Brown’s bestselling novel, this thriller follows a Harvard symbologist as he unravels a complex conspiracy. This 2006 suspense film sold over 157 million tickets.

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Image Credit: Netflix.

 

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Evan Rachel Wood HBO Westworld Season 4 - Episode 7.
Image Credit: John Johnson/HBO.

 

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Image Credit: Netflix.

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THE LOST DAUGHTER. OLIVIA COLMAN as LEDA.
Image Credit: COURTESY OF NETFLIX.

 

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