Warner Bros.' Box Office: The 14 Highest-Grossing Movies of All Time
Warner Bros.' Box Office: The 14 Highest-Grossing Movies of All Time |
Warner Bros., a titan of Hollywood for over a century, has captivated audiences with iconic films spanning every genre imaginable. From legendary directors like Clint Eastwood and Christopher Nolan to beloved franchises like Harry Potter and DC, the studio boasts a rich cinematic legacy. But which of their films have truly topped the box office charts? Dive into the 14 highest-grossing Warner Bros. movies ever made, exploring a blend of established powerhouses and unexpected newcomers.
14. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005): $896 million
The magic heats up in the fourth installment of the beloved Harry Potter saga! Harry, now a teenager, finds himself thrust into the Triwizard Tournament, a perilous competition between rival wizarding schools. Facing fire-breathing dragons, underwater challenges, and a mysterious maze, he must navigate deadly tasks and confront a darkness that threatens the entire wizarding world.
Goblet of Fire wasn't just a magical adventure; it was a box office phenomenon. With a $150 million budget, it conjured up a staggering $896 million worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing film of 2005 and the sixth-highest-grossing film of the Harry Potter series. Its thrilling action sequences, darker themes, and breathtaking visuals captivated audiences of all ages, solidifying its place as a beloved chapter in the boy-who-lived's story.
So grab your wand, don your Hogwarts robes, and prepare to be spellbound. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is a must-watch for Potterheads and fantasy fans alike, offering a thrilling ride that will leave you breathless and wanting more.
13. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002): $926 million
Basilisk on the loose? Parseltongue whispers? In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Hogwarts isn't just a school of magic, it's a mystery waiting to be unraveled. Whispers of a dark history and petrified students send shivers down the spines of even the bravest Gryffindors. Harry, Ron, and Hermione must once again step up, unraveling ancient secrets and facing perilous encounters to save their friends and the very school they hold dear.
Chamber of Secrets wasn't just a thrilling adventure; it was a box office phenomenon. With a budget of $100 million, it conjured a spellbinding $926 million worldwide, becoming the fifth-highest-grossing film of 2002 and the third-highest-grossing film of the Harry Potter series at the time. Its captivating story, thrilling encounters with Dobby the house-elf and the terrifying Aragog, and a young Daniel Radcliffe perfectly embodying the curious and courageous Harry kept audiences spellbound.
So grab your wand, polish your Parseltongue, and prepare for a journey into the darkest corners of Hogwarts. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is a must-watch for Potterheads and fantasy fans alike, offering a captivating blend of mystery, courage, and friendship that will leave you wondering who the true heir of Slytherin is... until you watch the next film, of course!
12. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009): $934 million
Ah, teenage years – hormones, drama, and… oh yeah, Voldemort on the rise. In the penultimate chapter of the Harry Potter saga, Harry grapples with adolescence, brewing crushes on Ginny Weasley and Luna Lovegood, while a mysterious textbook, "The Half-Blood Prince," guides him in mastering advanced potions. But beneath the veneer of teenage angst lurks a darker reality. Dumbledore leads Harry on a quest to uncover Voldemort's Horcruxes, objects containing fragments of his soul, key to defeating the Dark Lord.
Half-Blood Prince wasn't just a coming-of-age story; it was a box office behemoth. With a budget of $250 million, it conjured a spellbinding $934 million worldwide, becoming the second-highest-grossing film of 2009 and the highest-grossing film of the Harry Potter series. Its emotional depth, action-packed Quidditch matches, and the ever-present shadow of Voldemort's reign of terror kept audiences riveted from start to finish.
So, brew up a cup of Butterbeer, snuggle into your Gryffindor scarf, and prepare for a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is a must-watch for Potterheads and film enthusiasts alike, offering a captivating blend of magic, mystery, and heart that will leave you yearning for more.
11. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007): $942 million
Get ready to don your invisibility cloak and join the resistance! In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry grapples with teenage angst, a dismissive Ministry of Magic, and the very real threat of Voldemort's return. Hogwarts becomes a training ground for Dumbledore's Army, a secret group honing their magical skills to prepare for the inevitable battle against the Dark Lord.
Order of the Phoenix wasn't just a coming-of-age story with teenage rebellion; it was a box office force to be reckoned with. With a budget of $150 million, it conjured up a magical $942 million worldwide, becoming the second-highest-grossing film of 2007 and the fifth-highest-grossing film of the Harry Potter series. Its action-packed duels, emotional confrontations, and the growing darkness surrounding Voldemort's resurgence kept audiences on the edge of their seats.
So grab your Phoenix feather wand, don your D.A. robes, and prepare for a thrilling ride into the heart of the resistance. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is a must-watch for Potterheads and fantasy fans alike, offering a captivating blend of magic, rebellion, and hope that will leave you yearning for more.
10. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013): $959 million
Bilbo Baggins' adventure takes a fiery turn in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug! The dwarves, led by the determined Thorin Oakenshield, finally reach the Lonely Mountain, only to find their path blocked by the fearsome dragon Smaug. Bilbo, armed with his wits and cunning, must navigate treacherous riddles and battle the ever-hungry Smaug to reclaim the dwarves' lost treasure. But the dangers don't stop there – Azog the orc and his legions threaten to plunge Middle-earth into war.
Desolation of Smaug wasn't just a spectacular visual feast; it was a box office behemoth. With a budget of $258 million, it roared into theaters to the tune of $959 million worldwide, becoming the fourth-highest-grossing film of 2013 and the ninth-highest-grossing film of all time at the time. Breathtaking CGI landscapes, fierce battle sequences, and Benedict Cumberbatch's chilling portrayal of Smaug kept audiences riveted from the first fiery blast to the last dramatic cliffhanger.
So grab your sword (or frying pan!), don your dwarven helmet, and prepare for a ride on the back of Smaug. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is a must-watch for fantasy fans and Tolkien enthusiasts alike, offering a thrilling blend of action, adventure, and dragon fire that will leave you breathless and yearning for the next chapter.
9. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014): $962 million
Bilbo Baggins' adventure takes its final stand in The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies! Smaug the dragon has unleashed fiery chaos upon Lake-town, while Thorin Oakenshield, consumed by dragon-sickness, clings to the Lonely Mountain's riches. As Orcs, Elves, and Men descend upon Middle-earth, Bilbo finds himself caught in a war that threatens to engulf everything he holds dear.
This epic finale wasn't just a visual spectacle; it was a box office behemoth. With a budget of $250 million, it amassed a staggering $962 million worldwide, becoming the second-highest-grossing film of 2014 and the 34th-highest-grossing film of all time at the time. Breathtaking CGI landscapes, heart-pounding battle sequences, and emotional character arcs kept audiences enthralled from the first dragon roar to the final triumphant note.
So grab your sword (or frying pan!), don your dwarven helmet, and prepare to witness a clash of legendary proportions. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies is a must-watch for fantasy fans and Tolkien enthusiasts alike, offering a thrilling conclusion to Bilbo's journey and a reminder that even the smallest hobbit can make a difference in the face of overwhelming odds.
8. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010): $977.1 million
The hunt for Horcruxes is on! In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, Harry, Ron, and Hermione embark on a perilous journey beyond the protective walls of Hogwarts. Hunted by Voldemort and his Death Eaters, they rely on their wits, dwindling supplies, and unwavering friendship to track down the fragments of the Dark Lord's soul. The trio grapples with loss, grief, and the ever-present threat of capture, their hope flickering amidst the growing darkness.
Deathly Hallows: Part 1 wasn't just a grim chapter in the Potter saga; it was a box office behemoth. Despite its darker tone, it conjured a spellbinding $977.1 million worldwide, becoming the third-highest-grossing film of 2010 and the third-highest-grossing film of the Harry Potter series. Its suspenseful atmosphere, emotional depth, and the ever-present shadow of Voldemort's reign of terror kept audiences on the edge of their seats.
So grab your invisibility cloak, pack your essentials (including bravery and plenty of chocolate!), and prepare for a heart-wrenching journey. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 is a must-watch for Potterheads and film enthusiasts alike, offering a captivating blend of suspense, sacrifice, and unwavering friendship that will leave you yearning for the final showdown.
7. The Dark Knight (2008): $1.006 billion
The Joker's devious grin haunts Gotham in The Dark Knight. Batman, forever the guardian, faces his ultimate test. The enigmatic Joker plunges the city into an escalating spiral of anarchy, forcing Batman to question his own morals and the line between hero and vigilante. Brace yourself for gritty action, mind-bending twists, and performances that redefined superhero cinema.
The Dark Knight wasn't just a comic book film; it was a cultural phenomenon. With a budget of $185 million, it soared to a staggering $1.006 billion globally, becoming the fourth-highest-grossing film of all time (then) and the highest-grossing superhero film ever. Heath Ledger's iconic, Oscar-winning Joker, coupled with Christopher Nolan's masterful direction and gritty realism, kept audiences breathless from the opening heist to the final emotional climax.
So don your mask, don't fear the darkness, and prepare to witness a superhero film unlike any other. The Dark Knight is a must-watch for fans of action, thrillers, and psychological mind games. It offers a gripping exploration of morality, chaos, and the enduring symbol of hope that shines even in Gotham's darkest night.
6. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012): $1.017 billion
Bilbo Baggins, a cozy hobbit with a penchant for pipeweed, finds his peaceful life upended in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Thrust into an epic quest alongside a band of adventurous dwarves led by the determined Thorin Oakenshield, Bilbo must face fire-breathing dragons, treacherous trolls, and the perils of Middle-earth. This journey will test his courage, wit, and perhaps even unearth a hidden hero within.
An Unexpected Journey wasn't just a gateway to Tolkien's beloved world; it was a box office bonanza. With a budget of $250 million, it amassed a treasure trove of $1.017 billion worldwide, becoming the fourth-highest-grossing film of 2012 and the 15th-highest-grossing film of all time at the time. Breathtaking landscapes, thrilling action sequences, and Martin Freeman's endearing portrayal of Bilbo captivated audiences from the cozy Shire to the perilous Misty Mountains.
So grab your walking stick, pack your elevensies, and prepare for an adventure beyond your wildest dreams. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is a must-watch for fantasy fans and Tolkien enthusiasts alike, offering a heartwarming tale of friendship, courage, and the unexpected heroes found in the most unlikely places.
Read Also : The Best Sci-Fi & Fantasy Movies of 2023 (Ranked!)
5. Joker (2019): $1.079 billion
Arthur Fleck, a struggling comedian in a grimy Gotham City, teeters on the edge of sanity. Bullied, ridiculed, and ignored, one bad day pushes him over the edge into a chilling transformation. The birth of the Joker. Brace yourself for a gritty descent into chaos, dark humor that dances with tragedy, and Joaquin Phoenix's Oscar-winning performance that redefined a comic book icon.
Joker wasn't just a superhero film; it was a cultural commentary that ignited conversation. With a modest budget of $55 million, it defied expectations, raking in a staggering $1.074 billion globally, becoming the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time and the seventh-highest-grossing film of 2019. Todd Phillips' masterful direction, Phoenix's unforgettable portrayal, and the film's unflinching exploration of mental health and societal failures left audiences shaken and debating long after the credits rolled.
So put on your fake smile, step into the grimy underbelly of Gotham, and witness the descent into madness you never knew you needed. Joker is a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers, character studies, and films that push boundaries. But be warned, this isn't your typical superhero fare – it's a raw, disturbing, and ultimately unforgettable journey into the depths of human darkness.
4. The Dark Knight Rises (2012): $1.085 billion
Eight years after vanishing into the shadows, Batman must rise again when Gotham faces its ultimate threat. Bane, a hulking terrorist, fractures the city with his siege, forcing Bruce Wayne out of retirement and back into the cowl. But years of wear and tear have taken their toll on both the man and the mask. This isn't a triumphant return, it's a desperate struggle for survival against a seemingly unbeatable foe. Prepare for epic battles, emotional sacrifice, and a thrilling conclusion to Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy.
The Dark Knight Rises wasn't just a superhero finale; it was a box office behemoth. With a budget of $250 million, it clawed its way to a colossal $1.085 billion worldwide, becoming the third-highest-grossing film of 2012 and the seventh-highest-grossing film of all time at the time. Tom Hardy's menacing Bane, Hans Zimmer's thunderous score, and Nolan's signature blend of action and thematic depth kept audiences on the edge of their seats from the fiery streets of Gotham to the final breathtaking duel atop Wayne Tower.
So don your mask, brace for the fall, and witness the epic conclusion of Batman's journey. The Dark Knight Rises is a must-watch for fans of superhero films, action spectacles, and stories that explore the depths of human resilience. It's a powerful examination of legacy, sacrifice, and the enduring symbol of hope that rises even from the ashes of a shattered city.
3. Aquaman (2018): $1.152 billion
Arthur Curry, half-Atlantean and reluctant hero, faces his destiny in Aquaman. Thrust into the heart of an underwater war for the throne, he must choose between the surface world he's always known and the ocean realm that calls to his blood. Prepare for breathtaking underwater visuals, epic sea creature battles, and Jason Momoa's charismatic portrayal of a reluctant king learning to embrace his aquatic powers.
Aquaman wasn't just a superhero splash; it was a box office tsunami. With a budget of $200 million, it plunged into an impressive $1.152 billion worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing DC Extended Universe film at the time and the seventh-highest-grossing film of 2018. James Wan's stunning direction, the film's vibrant underwater world, and Momoa's undeniable charisma kept audiences hooked from the thrilling kraken attack to the final epic showdown between brothers.
So grab your trident, don your wetsuit, and prepare to witness a superhero film like no other. Aquaman is a must-watch for fans of action, fantasy, and ocean adventures. It's a visually stunning and thrilling ride that plunges you into the depths of Atlantis and explores themes of family, legacy, and the power of finding your true place in the world.
2. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011): $1.342 billion
The Boy Who Lived faces his ultimate destiny in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2. Harry, Ron, and Hermione's desperate quest to find and destroy Voldemort's remaining Horcruxes culminates in an epic showdown at Hogwarts, where the fate of the wizarding world hangs in the balance. Prepare for spells flying, loyalties tested, and sacrifices made as good and evil clash in a battle for the ages.
Deathly Hallows: Part 2 wasn't just a movie; it was a cultural phenomenon. With a budget of $250 million (shared with Part 1), it conjured a spellbinding $1.342 billion worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing film of 2011 and the highest-grossing film in the Harry Potter series at the time. David Yates' masterful direction, the film's emotional weight, and the culmination of a decade-long story arc kept audiences on the edge of their seats from the heartbreaking death of a beloved character to the final, triumphant defeat of Voldemort.
1. Barbie (2023): $1.446 billion
Forget everything you thought you knew about plastic fantastic! The 2023 Barbie movie is a vibrant reinvention, bursting with empowering messages and dazzling visuals. Barbie, no longer just a doll in a dreamhouse, embarks on a journey of self-discovery, navigating the pressures of perfection and the allure of limitless options in a world obsessed with appearances. Prepare for witty exchanges, catchy musical numbers, and a diverse cast of characters who challenge stereotypes and redefine what it means to be "Barbie."
Barbie wasn't just a cultural reset; it was a box office phenomenon. With a budget of $180 million, it soared to a record-breaking $1.446 billion worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing film of 2023, the highest-grossing comedy film ever, and the first original film to cross $1 billion. Greta Gerwig's sharp direction, the film's playful yet poignant exploration of femininity, and Margot Robbie's charismatic portrayal of a Barbie with unexpected depths kept audiences laughing, reflecting, and cheering from the opening song to the empowering climax.