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The Top 10 Movies of 2024 (Ranked): Blockbusters Continue To Dominate Theaters In 2025

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3 hours ago

Jan 13, 2025.

The Top 10 Movies of 2024 (Ranked)

As the first few weeks of 2025 continue to unfold, the top-grossing films of 2024 continue to capture audiences’ attention, with several high-profile releases still dominating theaters.

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EKO HOT BLOG gathered that notable entries include Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out 2, which leads the pack with an impressive $652.9 million in domestic earnings, followed closely by Deadpool & Wolverine and Wicked.

The Inside Out sequel tops the charts with a strong performance, continuing the beloved emotional journey inside Riley’s mind. Deadpool & Wolverine also performed well, with Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman reprising their iconic roles, while Wicked, the cinematic adaptation of the popular Broadway musical, brought star power in the form of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.

Other major releases include the eagerly awaited Moana 2, Despicable Me 4, and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, all making waves at the box office. The continuation of the Dune saga, Twisters, and the high-energy Sonic the Hedgehog 3 also contributed significantly to the year’s success.

Notably, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, which continues the Monsterverse legacy, rounds out the top 10 despite mixed critical reception. As 2025 ushers in its own crop of films, these 2024 blockbusters are sure to be remembered for their sizable impact.

2024 was a year to remember for cinema lovers and industry watchers alike, with a series of high-budget, highly anticipated films hitting the big screen. As of January 2025, the dominance of several titles continues, leaving a significant mark on the domestic box office landscape.

At the forefront is Inside Out 2, the much-anticipated follow-up from Disney and Pixar.

The film’s success can be attributed to its captivating storyline, which once again dives into the emotional lives of its characters. Directed by Kelsey Mann and featuring the return of Amy Poehler as the voice of Joy, the movie took in an extraordinary $652.9 million, a remarkable feat for an animated film.

The Top 10 Movies of 2024

Synopsis Inside Out 2: The little voices inside Riley’s head know her inside and out—but next summer, everything changes when Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out 2 takes her on a journey that will change the way we look at emotions.
Starring: Amy Poehler, Kensington Tallman, Maya Hawke, Lilimar
Directed By: Kelsey Mann

Meanwhile, Deadpool & Wolverine brought fans of the X-Men universe back to theaters in full force. The reunion of Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman proved to be a winning formula, earning the film a strong $636.7 million. The film’s blend of humor, action, and beloved characters resonated with audiences, further cementing Reynolds’ status as a superhero film heavyweight.

Synopsis Deadpool & Wolverine: Deadpool’s peaceful existence comes crashing down when the Time Variance Authority recruits him to help safeguard the multiverse. He soon forms an unlikely partnership with Wolverine to tackle threats from beyond the known universe.
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin, Morena Baccarin
Directed By: Shawn Levy

Another box office juggernaut was Wicked, the long-awaited film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical. With performances by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, it raked in $450.5 million. The film’s visually stunning sequences and compelling narrative pulled in theatergoers who were already fans of the stage production, while attracting a new generation to the story.

The Top 10 Movies of 2024

Synopsis Wicked: Wicked tells the untold story of the witches of Oz, offering a unique perspective on the characters we thought we knew. Starring Broadway’s Cynthia Erivo and pop sensation Ariana Grande, it unveils the mysterious bonds and battles that define the iconic witches of the land.
Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater
Directed By: Jon M. Chu

In the world of animated films, Moana 2 and Despicable Me 4 performed admirably. Both sequels tapped into familiar fanbases, with Moana 2 continuing the adventures of its beloved characters, including Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as Maui, while Despicable Me 4 brought Gru back for another round of mischievous antics. Together, they accounted for $425.2 million and $361 million, respectively.

Synopsis (Moana 2): In this epic animated sequel, Moana embarks on a daring voyage, joined by her friend Maui and a new crew, in a quest to restore balance to the ocean.
Starring: Auli’i Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Alan Tudyk, Temuera Morrison
Directed By: David G. Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, Dana Ledoux Miller

Synopsis (Despicable Me 4): Gru returns for the first time in seven years, now working for the Anti-Villain League. When a new villain threatens the world, Gru and his mischievous Minions must come together to stop a greater disaster.
Starring: Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Pierre Coffin, Joey King
Directed By: Chris Renaud

Meanwhile, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice resurrected the cult classic, bringing Michael Keaton’s eccentric character back into the spotlight. Tim Burton’s film grossed $294 million, showing that nostalgia still holds significant sway at the box office.

Synopsis Beetlejuice Beetlejuice: After an unexpected family tragedy, the Deetz family returns to their home in Winter River, where they encounter the troublesome, mischievous spirit Beetlejuice once again.
Starring: Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, Jenna Ortega
Directed By: Tim Burton

The Dune saga’s continuation with Dune: Part Two also stood tall, grossing $282.1 million. The film’s epic scale, breathtaking visuals, and deep narrative earned it a strong place among 2024’s top performers. Following a similar vein of blockbuster action was Twisters, which also proved successful, earning $267.7 million, while Sonic the Hedgehog 3 made its debut, securing $204.5 million.

Synopsis (Dune: Part Two): Dune: Part Two continues the story of Paul Atreides as he joins forces with Chani and the Fremen to take on the oppressive forces controlling their world, setting the stage for an epic rebellion.
Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem
Directed By: Denis Villeneuve

Synopsis (Twisters): Daisy Edgar-Jones stars as Kate Cooper, a former storm chaser haunted by a devastating encounter with a tornado. When a new storm system threatens her home, she must confront her past and her fear.
Starring: Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Maura Tierney, Harry Hadden-Paton
Directed By: Lee Isaac Chung

The Monsterverse franchise closed the top 10 with Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, which grossed $195.8 million despite receiving mixed reviews. Its box office performance demonstrated the strength of iconic franchises in today’s market, even when critical reception is divided.

Synopsis Godzilla x Kong: This latest entry in the Monsterverse franchise follows Godzilla and Kong as they are forced to unite once again to combat a new threat that endangers the entire planet.
Starring: Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Dan Stevens, Kaylee Hottle
Directed By: Adam Wingard

These top-performing films showcase a mix of sequels, reboots, and original concepts, illustrating the diversity of what audiences flocked to see in 2024. With 2025 now underway, these films will be remembered as some of the biggest cinematic events of the decade.

Top 10 Highest-Grossing Movies of 2024: