Only 11 Movies Have Made Over $1 Billion at the Box Office Since the…

11. Jurassic World Dominion (2022) – $1.002B

Dinosaurs and nostalgia make a pretty strong box-office cocktail, even if critics weren’t exactly roaring with approval. Jurassic World Dominion brought back the original cast and threw them together with Chris Pratt’s dino-wrangling crew for one last hurrah. The action sequences were big, the CGI prehistoric predators were bigger, and the global ticket sales were absolutely massive. Still, many fans admitted the story was overstuffed, and the franchise’s sense of wonder had thinned since the original Jurassic Park. Yet audiences showed up in droves, proving that dinosaurs, no matter how messy the script, remain an unshakable draw. Love it or not, this was the billion-dollar farewell. | © Universal Pictures

10. Lilo & Stitch (2025) – $1.009B

Not every live-action remake earns applause, but Disney’s Lilo & Stitch rode a wave of nostalgia and family-friendly charm straight to a billion. The CGI Stitch wasn’t everyone’s favorite (critics noted the design tweaks), but younger audiences embraced the chaos, and the story’s “ohana means family” heart still struck home. Some called it safe and formulaic, others praised its warmth and Hawaiian setting, but either way, it became a global hit. Disney knows the remake formula well: lean on childhood memories, throw in modern spectacle, and watch families fill theaters. Stitch’s mischievous energy – and the emotional bond with Lilo – carried it past skepticism. Not perfect, but undeniably profitable. | © Walt Disney Pictures

9. Moana 2 (2024) – $1.059B

Few doubted that Moana would sail back successfully, though not everyone was convinced this sequel added much beyond glossy animation. Moana 2 gave audiences more adventures, new songs, and the same lush Polynesian magic that made the first film so beloved. For kids and families, it was a hit, but some critics called it more “safe follow-up” than groundbreaking storytelling. Still, Disney sequels don’t need to reinvent the wheel when the characters are this adored. The visuals, humor, and heart gave fans exactly what they came for, even if it wasn’t quite as fresh as the original voyage. A billion at the box office proves the demand for Moana’s story was still riding high. | © Walt Disney Animation Studios

8. Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) – $1.338B

Not all Marvel movies have been thriving lately, but Deadpool & Wolverine proved that R-rated mayhem and star power still pack theaters. Fans loved the fourth-wall breaks, Hugh Jackman’s return, and the sheer chaos of tossing these two icons together. Critics were more split – some praised the humor and action, others said the plot felt like a messy excuse for fan service. But honestly? For most audiences, the spectacle was more than enough. This wasn’t a polished, dramatic superhero film – it was a knowingly wild, self-aware blockbuster that laughed at itself as much as it punched things. Love it or not, it revitalized Marvel’s box office fortunes with sheer audacity. | © Marvel Studios

7. The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) – $1.361B

Bright, loud, and packed with Easter eggs, The Super Mario Bros. Movie leaned heavily on nostalgia rather than depth – and it worked like a 1-Up Mushroom at the global box office. Fans of the games had a blast spotting references, singing along to Bowser’s viral ballad, and watching Mushroom Kingdom come alive. Critics, however, were far less impressed, pointing out its thin plot and safe, kid-glove storytelling. Still, kids adored it, parents enjoyed the family outing, and longtime gamers got their nostalgia fix. It wasn’t groundbreaking animation, but it was a cultural event that proved beloved IP plus Illumination’s colorful style equals serious money. | © Universal Pictures

6. Barbie (2023) – $1.447B

Greta Gerwig’s Barbie was the definition of a cultural moment, though not without its detractors. Audiences embraced the satire, style, and existential humor, and Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling’s performances turned memes into box-office gold. Critics mostly praised its boldness, though some felt the messaging was heavy-handed or inconsistent. That didn’t matter much once pink fever swept the globe – audiences dressed up, shared viral jokes, and made it the summer’s must-see event. Was it polarizing? Yes. Was it fun, dazzling, and impossible to ignore? Absolutely. Barbie didn’t just break box-office records; she rebranded herself as an icon of pop culture reinvention. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

5. Top Gun: Maverick (2022) – $1.496B

Who would have thought that after nearly four decades, a sequel to an ’80s classic would end up flying higher than anyone expected? Top Gun: Maverick wasn’t just a movie; it was an event that pulled people of all ages back into theaters. Tom Cruise did what Tom Cruise does best: defy gravity, time, and perhaps even box office expectations. With breathtaking aerial stunts and a surprisingly heartfelt story, it gave audiences nostalgia wrapped in adrenaline. Critics hailed it as the film that “saved cinema” after the pandemic slump, and the numbers certainly prove it. Whether you came for the jets, the music, or Cruise’s death-defying dedication, you probably walked away satisfied. Love it or not, it became a cultural moment, proving that sometimes sequels really can soar. | © Paramount Pictures

4. Inside Out 2 – 2024 – $1.699B

Few thought an animated sequel about emotions could dominate the global box office, yet here we are. Inside Out 2 tapped into something universal: the messy, funny, and oh-so-relatable chaos of growing up. This time, Riley’s emotions faced brand-new challenges, and audiences connected in droves. Pixar leaned into what it does best: clever storytelling that makes kids laugh while making adults cry into their popcorn. Box office results showed just how much people needed a movie that felt both deeply human and wildly imaginative. Some argue the sequel didn’t quite capture the magic of the original, but that didn’t stop it from becoming one of Pixar’s biggest hits ever. It’s proof that joy, sadness, and even a little anxiety can sell tickets – lots of them. | © Pixar Animation Studios

3. Spider-Man: No Way Home – 2021 – $1.921B

If nostalgia could print money, it would look a lot like Spider-Man: No Way Home. Marvel and Sony pulled off the ultimate fan-service trick by bringing together three generations of Spideys, and the world lost its collective mind. Packed theaters erupted when familiar faces stepped out of portals, and for many, it was worth the ticket price alone. But beyond the cameos, the movie managed to weave a surprisingly emotional story about identity, sacrifice, and what it really means to be a hero. The fact that it became one of the highest-grossing films of all time after the pandemic is a testament to Spider-Man’s global pull. Of course, not everyone was sold – some critics called it overstuffed – but fans didn’t care. For them, it was pure cinematic magic. | © Marvel Studios / Sony Pictures

2. Ne Zha 2 – 2025 – $2.215B

Western audiences might not fully realize just how huge Ne Zha 2 was, but in China it became nothing short of a box office juggernaut. Following up on the first animated hit, this sequel dove deeper into the mythology while upgrading the visuals to jaw-dropping levels. Families, fans of folklore, and animation lovers packed theaters, turning it into one of the most profitable films in history. The movie’s cultural resonance played a massive role, connecting traditional Chinese legends with blockbuster spectacle. And yet, outside of Asia, its success might feel like it came out of nowhere. It’s a reminder that billion-dollar hits don’t always have to be Hollywood-made. Whether you’ve seen it or not, its financial performance speaks for itself: this was a global milestone for animation. | © Beijing Enlight Pictures

1. Avatar: The Way of Water – 2022 – $2.320B

James Cameron did it again. Avatar: The Way of Water took over a decade to arrive, and skeptics doubted whether audiences even cared about Pandora anymore. The result? Over two billion dollars later, it’s clear they did. With groundbreaking visuals and an even more immersive dive into the alien oceans of Pandora, the sequel reminded audiences why Cameron is the king of spectacle. It wasn’t just a movie; it was a technical showcase designed to be seen on the biggest screen possible. Sure, the story divided audiences – some found it predictable, others called it deeply moving – but there’s no denying its box office dominance. Love him or roll your eyes at his ambition, Cameron continues to prove he knows how to draw a crowd. | © 20th Century Studios