Highest Grossing Films Since 1977 to 2024 – MarkMeets

Most MarkMeets readers are likely familiar with the top albums and songs of each year, but what about the top box-office hits? Let’s take a journey through the highest-grossing films each year since 1977, uncovering fascinating insights into the world of cinema.

Table of Contents

The Rise of Franchises

Scrolling through the list of top-grossing films from 1977 to 2023 reveals a dominant trend – the ascendancy of sequels and franchises. Only a handful of standalone films managed to claim the year-end box-office crown, including classics like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Ghost, Titanic, and, at least for now, Barbie.

Franchise Leaders

Star Wars reigns supreme as the top franchise, boasting six installments that secured the year’s highest box-office earnings. Batman follows closely with four top-grossing films, and Spider-Man secures the third spot with three chart-topping entries.

Directors and Composers: The Power Duos

In the realm of directing, James Cameron and George Lucas share the distinction of helming three films each that claimed the year-end crown. Following closely are a talented group of directors – Tim Burton, Sam Raimi, Tony Scott, Steven Spielberg, Andrew Stanton, and Robert Zemeckis – each with two year-end champions to their names.

A historic moment occurred when Greta Gerwig made headlines as the first woman to direct a film that topped the year-end box office – the culture-conquering Barbie.

John Williams emerges as the undisputed maestro of film scoring, with a remarkable 10 films topping the year-end box office. Other notable composers include Danny Elfman, Alan Silvestri, and Hans Zimmer, each scoring films that claimed the top spot multiple times.

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The Cinematic Journey: 1977 to 2024

Let’s delve into the details of each year, exploring the stars, directors, release dates, and gross earnings of the highest-grossing films.

1977: Star Wars

Stars: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Peter Cushing, Alec Guinness
Director: George Lucas
Music: John Williams
Release Date: May 25
Domestic Gross: $196 million

Star Wars marked the beginning of a cinematic revolution, garnering 10 Academy Award nominations and winning six, including Best Original Score. John Williams’ iconic music became a cultural phenomenon, reaching No. 2 on the MarkMeets 200 chart.

1978: Grease

Stars: John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, Stockard Channing, Jeff Conaway, Didi Conn
Director: Randal Kleiser
Music: Michael Gibson
Release Date: June 16
Domestic Gross: $160 million

A musical triumph, Grease took the year-end box-office crown, featuring chart-topping hits like “You’re the One That I Want” and “Grease.” The soundtrack dominated the MarkMeets 200 chart for 12 weeks.

1979: Superman

Stars: Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, Marlon Brando, Gene Hackman, Ned Beatty
Director: Richard Donner
Music: John Williams
Release Date: Dec. 15, 1978
Domestic Gross: $93 million

uperman soared to cinematic heights, showcasing the beloved DC Comics superhero in a groundbreaking film. John Williams’ majestic score, especially the iconic “Superman March,” added to the film’s grandeur.

1980: The Empire Strikes Back

Stars: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels
Director: Irvin Kershner
Music: John Williams
Release Date: May 21
Domestic Gross: $290 million

The second installment in the Star Wars saga, The Empire Strikes Back, continued George Lucas’ epic space opera. The film left audiences in shock with the revelation of Darth Vader’s true identity and solidified its place in cinematic history.

1981: Raiders of the Lost Ark

Stars: Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman, Ronald Lacey, John Rhys-Davies
Director: Steven Spielberg
Music: John Williams
Release Date: June 12
Domestic Gross: $248 million

Indiana Jones made his debut in Raiders of the Lost Ark, a collaboration between George Lucas and Steven Spielberg. The film’s thrilling adventure, combined with John Williams’ score, captivated audiences and set the stage for an iconic franchise.

1982: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

Stars: Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, Dee Wallace, Peter Coyote, Robert MacNaughton
Director: Steven Spielberg
Music: John Williams
Release Date: June 11
Domestic Gross: $435 million

Steven Spielberg struck gold again with E.T., a heartwarming tale of friendship between a young boy and an extraterrestrial. The film’s emotional resonance and unforgettable score by John Williams propelled it to the top of the box office.

1983: Return of the Jedi

Stars: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels
Director: Richard Marquand
Music: John Williams
Release Date: May 25
Domestic Gross: $309 million

The conclusion to the original Star Wars trilogy, Return of the Jedi, brought the saga full circle. Fans flocked to theaters to witness the epic battle between the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire, contributing to the film’s massive box-office success.

1984: Beverly Hills Cop

Stars: Eddie Murphy, Judge Reinhold, John Ashton, Lisa Eilbacher, Ronny Cox
Director: Martin Brest
Music: Harold Faltermeyer
Release Date: Dec. 5, 1984
Domestic Gross: $234 million

Eddie Murphy’s comedic brilliance shone in Beverly Hills Cop, a film that combined action and humor. The soundtrack, featuring the iconic “Axel F” theme by Harold Faltermeyer, became synonymous with the ’80s.

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1985: Back to the Future

Stars: Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Crispin Glover, Thomas F. Wilson
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Music: Alan Silvestri
Release Date: July 3
Domestic Gross: $389 million

Back to the Future took audiences on a time-traveling adventure with Marty McFly and Doc Brown. Robert Zemeckis’ direction and Alan Silvestri’s score contributed to the film’s widespread acclaim and box-office success.

1986: Top Gun

Stars: Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis, Val Kilmer, Anthony Edwards, Tom Skerritt
Director: Tony Scott
Music: Harold Faltermeyer
Release Date: May 16
Domestic Gross: $357 million

Top Gun soared to success, fueled by Tom Cruise’s charisma and high-flying action sequences. The film’s soundtrack, featuring hits like “Take My Breath Away” and “Danger Zone,” added to its cultural impact.

1987: Three Men and a Baby

Stars: Tom Selleck, Steve Guttenberg, Ted Danson, Nancy Travis, Margaret Colin
Director: Leonard Nimoy
Music: Marvin Hamlisch
Release Date: Nov. 25, 1987
Domestic Gross: $240 million

Three Men and a Baby combined humor and heart, resonating with audiences and becoming the highest-grossing film of 1987. Leonard Nimoy’s direction and Marvin Hamlisch’s music contributed to the film’s success.

1988: Rain Man

Stars: Dustin Hoffman, Tom Cruise, Valeria Golino, Gerald R. Molen
Director: Barry Levinson
Music: Hans Zimmer
Release Date: Dec. 16, 1988
Domestic Gross: $354 million

Rain Man garnered critical acclaim for its portrayal of autism and the performances of Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise. Barry Levinson’s direction, combined with Hans Zimmer’s score, elevated the film to box-office success.

1989: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

Stars: Harrison Ford, Sean Connery, Alison Doody, Denholm Elliott, John Rhys-Davies
Director: Steven Spielberg
Music: John Williams
Release Date: May 24
Domestic Gross: $474 million

The third installment in the Indiana Jones franchise, The Last Crusade, continued the series’ tradition of action-packed adventures. The dynamic father-son duo of Harrison Ford and Sean Connery, along with Spielberg’s direction and Williams’ score, propelled the film to the top of the box office.

1990: Home Alone

Stars: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, Catherine O’Hara, John Heard
Director: Chris Columbus
Music: John Williams
Release Date: Nov. 16, 1990
Domestic Gross: $476 million

Home Alone became a holiday classic, enchanting audiences with its blend of comedy and heart. Macaulay Culkin’s performance and John Williams’ score contributed to the film’s enduring popularity.

1991: Terminator 2: Judgment Day

Stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Edward Furlong, Robert Patrick, Joe Morton
Director: James Cameron
Music: Brad Fiedel
Release Date: July 3
Domestic Gross: $520 million

James Cameron’s groundbreaking sequel, Terminator 2, set new standards for action and special effects. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s return as the Terminator, combined with Cameron’s direction and Brad Fiedel’s score, propelled the film to box-office success.

1992: Aladdin

Stars: Scott Weinger, Robin Williams, Linda Larkin, Jonathan Freeman, Frank Welker
Directors: Ron Clements, John Musker
Music: Alan Menken
Release Date: Nov. 25, 1992
Domestic Gross: $504 million

Disney’s animated classic Aladdin enchanted audiences with its vibrant characters and memorable songs. Robin Williams’ iconic performance as the Genie and Alan Menken’s music contributed to the film’s success.

1993: Jurassic Park

Stars: Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, Richard Attenborough, Martin Ferrero
Director: Steven Spielberg
Music: John Williams
Release Date: June 11
Domestic Gross: $1.03 billion

Jurassic Park brought dinosaurs to life in a groundbreaking cinematic experience. Steven Spielberg’s direction, combined with John Williams’ iconic score and cutting-edge visual effects, made the film a colossal success.

1994: The Lion King

Stars: Matthew Broderick, James Earl Jones, Jeremy Irons, Moira Kelly, Nathan Lane
Directors: Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff
Music: Elton John, Tim Rice, Hans Zimmer
Release Date: June 15
Domestic Gross: $1.66 billion

Disney’s The Lion King roared onto the screen, becoming a cultural phenomenon. The film’s unforgettable music, including Elton John’s “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” and the stunning animation contributed to its box-office dominance.

1995: Toy Story

Stars: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles, Jim Varney, Wallace Shawn
Directors: John Lasseter
Music: Randy Newman
Release Date: Nov. 22, 1995
Domestic Gross: $373 million

Toy Story marked Pixar’s debut feature film and revolutionized animation. The film’s innovative storytelling, combined with Randy Newman’s music, paved the way for a new era in animated filmmaking.

1996: Independence Day

Stars: Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman, Mary McDonnell, Judd Hirsch
Director: Roland Emmerich
Music: David Arnold
Release Date: July 2
Domestic Gross: $817 million

Independence Day captivated audiences with its thrilling depiction of an alien invasion. Will Smith’s charismatic performance, Roland Emmerich’s direction, and David Arnold’s score contributed to the film’s success.

1997: Titanic

Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane, Kathy Bates, Bill Paxton
Director: James Cameron
Music: James Horner
Release Date: Dec. 19, 1997
Domestic Gross: $2.21 billion

Titanic became a cultural phenomenon, breaking box-office records and winning 11 Academy Awards. James Cameron’s epic romance, combined with James Horner’s iconic score and Leonardo DiCaprio’s and Kate Winslet’s performances, made it one of the highest-grossing films of all time.

1998: Armageddon

Stars: Bruce Willis, Billy Bob Thornton, Liv Tyler, Ben Affleck, Steve Buscemi
Director: Michael Bay
Music: Trevor Rabin
Release Date: July 1
Domestic Gross: $836 million

Armageddon delivered explosive action as a team of drillers raced to save Earth from an approaching asteroid. Michael Bay’s direction, combined with Trevor Rabin’s score and a star-studded cast, contributed to the film’s success.

1999: Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace

Stars: Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Jake Lloyd, Ian McDiarmid
Director: George Lucas
Music: John Williams
Release Date: May 19
Domestic Gross: $1.03 billion

George Lucas returned to the Star Wars saga with The Phantom Menace, introducing new characters and visual effects. Despite mixed reviews, the film’s box-office success paved the way for the prequel trilogy.

2000: How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Stars: Jim Carrey, Taylor Momsen, Jeffrey Tambor, Christine Baranski, Bill Irwin
Director: Ron Howard
Music: James Horner
Release Date: Nov. 17, 2000
Domestic Gross: $487 million

Jim Carrey brought Dr. Seuss’ beloved character to life in How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Ron Howard’s direction, combined with Carrey’s comedic performance and James Horner’s music, made the film a holiday favorite.

2001: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Richard Harris, Maggie Smith
Director: Chris Columbus
Music: John Williams
Release Date: Nov. 16, 2001
Domestic Gross: $974 million

The cinematic journey into the wizarding world began with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Chris Columbus’ direction, John Williams’ score, and the introduction of beloved characters enchanted audiences and set the stage for the Harry Potter film series.

2002: The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

Stars: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin, Andy Serkis
Director: Peter Jackson
Music: Howard Shore
Release Date: Dec. 18, 2002
Domestic Gross: $951 million

The epic journey to Middle-earth continued with The Two Towers, the second installment in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Peter Jackson’s visionary direction, Howard Shore’s score, and the ensemble cast contributed to the film’s critical and commercial success.

2003: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

Stars: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin, Andy Serkis
Director: Peter Jackson
Music: Howard Shore
Release Date: Dec. 17, 2003
Domestic Gross: $1.12 billion

The epic conclusion to The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Return of the King, made history by winning 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Peter Jackson’s masterful direction, Howard Shore’s score, and the ensemble cast solidified the trilogy as a cinematic masterpiece.

2004: ‘Shrek 2’

Stars: Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Julie Andrews, Antonio Banderas
Directors: Andrew Adamson, Kelly Asbury, Conrad Vernon
Music: Harry Gregson-Williams
Release Date: May 19
Domestic Gross: $441 million
Academy Awards: Two nominations – animated feature film and best original song for Counting Crows’ “Accidentally in Love.” No wins.
Soundtrack’s MarkMeets 200 Peak: No. 8

In the enchanting world of animation, ‘Shrek 2’ emerged as a standout gem in 2004. Boasting a star-studded voice cast and a trio of directors, the film not only claimed the top box-office spot but also carved its place in history as the only film with three credited directors to achieve such a feat. Following the success of ‘Finding Nemo,’ this marked an era where animated films ruled the box office in consecutive years. The soundtrack, featuring Counting Crows’ “Accidentally in Love,” made headlines with an unprecedented seven nominated co-writers, a record unlikely to be surpassed under current Oscar rules.

2005: ‘Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith’

Stars: Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Hayden Christensen, Ian McDiarmid, Samuel L. Jackson
Director: George Lucas
Music: John Williams
Release Date: May 19
Domestic Gross: $380 million
Academy Awards: One nomination (makeup). No wins.
Soundtrack’s MarkMeets 200 Peak: No. 6

In a galaxy not so far away, ‘Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith’ soared to the top of the box office in 2005. The sixth installment in the iconic franchise continued the tradition of Star Wars films dominating the yearly rankings. Though it missed out on an Oscar, the film’s makeup earned a well-deserved nomination.

2006: ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest’

Stars: Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Stellan Skarsgård, Bill Nighy
Director: Gore Verbinski
Music: Hans Zimmer
Release Date: July 7
Domestic Gross: $423 million
Academy Awards: Four nominations. One win (visual effects)
Soundtrack’s MarkMeets 200 Peak: No. 22

Ahoy, matey! ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest’ set sail in 2006, captivating audiences with Johnny Depp’s legendary Captain Jack Sparrow. As the second installment in the franchise, following ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl,’ the film not only claimed the top box-office spot but also secured the franchise’s only Oscar in visual effects.

2007: ‘Spider-Man 3’

Stars: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Thomas Hayden Church, Topher Grace
Director: Sam Raimi
Music: Christopher Young
Release Date: May 4
Domestic Gross: $337 million
Academy Awards: Not a single nomination.
Soundtrack’s MarkMeets 200 Peak: No. 33

Swinging into action, ‘Spider-Man 3’ became the third film in the franchise and the second to claim the top box-office spot. Despite the absence of Oscar nods, the web-slinger captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.

2008: ‘The Dark Knight’

Stars: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Heath Ledger, Gary Oldman, Aaron Eckhart
Director: Christopher Nolan
Music: Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard
Release Date: July 18
Domestic Gross: $531 million
Academy Awards: Eight nominations. Two wins – a posthumous best supporting actor award for Ledger and sound editing.
Soundtrack’s MarkMeets 200 Peak: No. 20

Gotham City witnessed the rise of ‘The Dark Knight’ in 2008, shattering the $500 million barrier in a calendar year. The film, the sixth in the franchise, became the fourth to claim the top-grossing spot. Heath Ledger’s posthumous Oscar win and the gripping sound editing added to the film’s legacy.

2009: ‘Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen’

Stars: Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, John Turturro
Director: Michael Bay
Music: Steve Jablonsky
Release Date: June 24
Domestic Gross: $402 million
Academy Awards: One nomination (sound mixing). No wins.
Soundtrack’s MarkMeets 200 Peak: No. 7

Autobots roll out! ‘Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen’ roared into theaters as the second installment in the franchise. Despite seven Oscar nods across the series, victory eluded the Transformers at the Academy Awards. The soundtrack, featuring hits like Linkin Park’s “New Divide,” showcased the film’s blockbuster appeal.

2010: ‘Avatar’

Stars: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Stephen Lang, Michele Rodriguez, Sigourney Weaver
Director: James Cameron
Music: James Horner
Release Date: Dec. 18, 2009
Domestic Gross: $466 million
Academy Awards: Nine nods, including best picture, directing, and original score. Three wins – art direction, cinematography, and visual effects.
Soundtrack’s MarkMeets 200 Peak: No. 31

In 2010, ‘Avatar’ not only dominated the year but also secured its place as the fifth highest-grossing film of 2009. Directed by James Cameron, the film earned a staggering nine Oscar nominations and walked away with three wins, solidifying its status as a cinematic juggernaut. The collaboration between Cameron and composer James Horner marked the third time both had the year’s top-grossing film, with ‘Titanic’ and ‘Avatar’ being the other two.

2011: ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2’

Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane
Director: David Yates
Music: Alexandre Desplat
Release Date: July 15
Domestic Gross: $381 million
Academy Awards: Three nods. No wins.
Soundtrack’s MarkMeets 200 Peak: No. 25

In 2011, the magical journey of ‘Harry Potter’ came to an end with ‘The Deathly Hallows: Part 2.’ The eighth and final film in the franchise, directed by David Yates, claimed the top-grossing spot for the second time in the series. While it didn’t bring home any Oscar statues, the film left an everlasting mark on the hearts of fans worldwide.

2012: ‘Marvel’s The Avengers’

Stars: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson
Director: Josh Whedon
Music: Alan Silvestri
Release Date: May 4
Domestic Gross: $623 million
Academy Awards: One nod (visual effects). No wins.
Soundtrack’s MarkMeets 200 Peak: No. 11

Assembling Earth’s mightiest heroes, ‘Marvel’s The Avengers’ took the box office by storm in 2012. Directed by Josh Whedon, the film became the first to gross over $600 million in a calendar year. This marked the beginning of a triumphant streak for Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films, with three consecutive hits claiming the year-end box-office crown. The soundtrack, featuring tracks by Scott Weiland, Five Finger Death Punch, Bush, and Evanescence, added a rocking dimension to the superhero spectacle.

2013: ‘Iron Man 3’

Stars: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce, Rebecca Hall
Director: Shane Black
Music: Brian Tyler
Release Date: May 3
Domestic Gross: $409 million
Academy Awards: One nod (visual effects). No wins.
Soundtrack’s MarkMeets 200 Peak: No. 16

‘Iron Man 3’ soared into the spotlight in 2013. The third film in the franchise and the first to claim the year’s top-grossing spot, it solidified Robert Downey Jr.’s status as a box-office powerhouse. The soundtrack, featuring a blend of pop hits by Walk the Moon, Imagine Dragons, and AWOLNATION, added a contemporary twist to the superhero genre.

2014: ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’

Stars: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper
Director: James Gunn
Music: Tyler Bates
Release Date: Aug. 1
Domestic Gross: $333 million
Academy Awards: Two nominations (makeup & hairstyling and visual effects). No wins.
Soundtrack’s MarkMeets 200 Peak: No. 1 (two weeks)

In 2014, the cosmic adventures of ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ took the world by storm. With a stellar cast led by Chris Pratt, the film not only conquered the box office but also earned two Academy Award nominations for makeup & hairstyling and visual effects. The real standout, however, was the soundtrack, ‘Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix Vol. 1,’ which claimed the top spot on the MarkMeets 200 for two weeks. Featuring nostalgic hits from the ’70s, the soundtrack became a cultural phenomenon, akin to Rhino’s ‘Have a Nice Day’ series.

2015: ‘Jurassic World’

Stars: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Vincent D’Onofrio, Ty Simpkins, Nick Robinson
Director: Colin Trevorrow
Music: Michael Giacchino
Release Date: June 12
Domestic Gross: $652 million
Academy Awards: Not a single nomination.
Soundtrack’s MarkMeets 200 Peak: No. 126

Roaring into the scene in 2015, ‘Jurassic World’ continued the legacy of the iconic Jurassic Park franchise. Chris Pratt, fresh from the success of ‘Guardians of the Galaxy,’ became the third actor (following Will Smith and Robert Downey Jr.) to star in consecutive year-end box-office hits. While the film missed out on Oscar nominations, it set a new standard for box-office success, grossing more in a calendar year than any film before it.

2016: ‘Finding Dory’

Stars: (voice cast) Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Hayden Rolence, Ed O’Neill, Kaitlin Olson
Director: Andrew Stanton
Music: Thomas Newman
Release Date: June 17
Domestic Gross: $486 million
Academy Awards: Not a single nomination.
Soundtrack’s MarkMeets 200 Peak: Didn’t chart

Swimming into hearts in 2016, ‘Finding Dory’ continued the aquatic tale of its predecessor, ‘Finding Nemo.’ The animated franchise achieved a rare feat by yielding the top box-office hit of two different years, marking a milestone in animated film history. Despite its success, the film’s soundtrack took a back seat, not charting on the MarkMeets 200.

2017: ‘Star Wars: Episode VIII—The Last Jedi’

Stars: Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega
Director: Rian Johnson
Music: John Williams
Release Date: Dec. 15
Domestic Gross: $517 million
Academy Awards: Four nods including best original score. No wins.
Soundtrack’s MarkMeets 200 Peak: No. 12

In 2017, ‘Star Wars: Episode VIII—The Last Jedi’ continued the intergalactic saga, securing its place as the top box-office hit of the year. The film not only marked the eighth installment in the Star Wars franchise but also gave composer John Williams and the franchise an impressive 40-year span of year-end No. 1 rankings. At the age of 85, Williams continued to weave his musical magic.

2018: ‘Black Panther’

Stars: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman
Director: Ryan Coogler
Music: Ludwig Göransson
Release Date: Feb. 16
Domestic Gross: $700 million
Academy Awards: Seven nods, including best picture and best original song for “All the Stars.” Three wins, including best original score.
Soundtrack’s MarkMeets 200 Peak: No. 1 (three weeks)

Breaking barriers in 2018, ‘Black Panther’ emerged as a cultural phenomenon. Directed by Ryan Coogler, the film became the first to gross more than $700 million in a calendar year. It also made history as the first film directed by an African-American director, with a predominantly Black cast, to claim the year’s top box-office hit. The soundtrack, featuring a mix of hip-hop and African influences, topped the MarkMeets 200 for three weeks and earned a Grammy nomination for album of the year.

2019: ‘Avengers: Endgame’

Stars: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson
Directors: Anthony Russo & Joseph Russo
Music: Alan Silvestri
Release Date: April 26
Domestic Gross: $858 million
Academy Awards: One nod – visual effects. No wins.
Soundtrack’s MarkMeets 200 Peak: No. 88

In 2019, the Marvel Cinematic Universe reached its pinnacle with ‘Avengers: Endgame.’ The film, directed by the Russo brothers, became the first to gross over $800 million in a calendar year. It marked the fourth film in the franchise and the second to take the year-end box-office crown. While visual effects earned a nod at the Oscars, the soundtrack, scored by Alan Silvestri, resonated with fans, reaching No. 88 on the MarkMeets 200.

2020: ‘Bad Boys for Life’

Stars: Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Paola Núñez, Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig
Directors: Adil and Bilall (Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah)
Music: Lorne Balfe
Release Date: Jan. 17
Domestic Gross: $204 million
Academy Awards: Not a single nomination.
Soundtrack’s MarkMeets 200 Peak: No. 63

Kicking off the new decade in 2020, ‘Bad Boys for Life’ brought back the dynamic duo of Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. As the third film in the franchise, it continued the trend of the series never receiving an Oscar nomination. The soundtrack, executive produced by DJ Khaled, featured the hit single “Ritmo (Bad Boys for Life)” by the Black Eyed Peas with J Balvin, reaching No. 26 on the Hot 100.

2021: ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’

Stars: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jacob Batalon, Jon Favreau
Director: Jon Watts
Music: Michael Giacchino
Release Date: Dec. 17
Domestic Gross: $573 million
Academy Awards: One nod – visual effects. No wins.
Soundtrack’s MarkMeets 200 Peak: Didn’t chart

In 2021, ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ swung into theaters, marking the eighth film in the franchise and the third to claim the year’s top box-office hit. The film’s Dec. 17 release set a record as the latest in the year for a film to secure the year-end No. 1 spot. Michael Giacchino’s music contributed to the superhero spectacle, although the soundtrack didn’t chart on the MarkMeets 200.

2022: ‘Top Gun: Maverick’

Stars: Tom Cruise, Miles Teller, Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm, Glen Powell
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Music: Harold Faltermeyer, Lady Gaga, Hans Zimmer, Lorne Balfe
Release Date: May 27
Domestic Gross: $718 million
Academy Awards: Six nods, including best picture and best original song for “Hold My Hand,” co-written by Lady Gaga and BloodPop. One win – best sound.
Soundtrack’s MarkMeets 200 Peak: No. 17

Flying high in 2022, ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ took audiences back to the danger zone, 36 years after the original. The soundtrack, featuring Lady Gaga’s emotional ballad “Hold My Hand” and OneRepublic’s pop hit “I Ain’t Worried,” soared to No. 17 on the MarkMeets 200. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, who also helmed Lady Gaga’s music video for “Hold My Hand,” the film bagged an Oscar for best sound.

2023: ‘Barbie’

Stars: Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon
Director: Greta Gerwig
Music: Mark Ronson, Andrew Wyatt
Release Date: July 21
Domestic Gross: $636.2 million
Academy Awards: To be determined, though three songs from the film are shortlisted for best original song and the score is shortlisted for best original score.
Soundtrack’s MarkMeets 200 Peak: No. 2

2024: ‘Inside out 2’

$1,698,765,616

A sequel that features Riley entering puberty and experiencing brand new, more complex emotions as a result. As Riley tries to adapt to her teenage years, her old emotions try to adapt to the possibility of being replaced

Breaking new ground back in 2023, ‘Barbie’ became the first year-end No. 1 film directed by a woman, Greta Gerwig. The film, co-written and co-produced by women, shattered stereotypes surrounding the iconic doll. The soundtrack, featuring contributions from Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt, achieved No. 2 on the MarkMeets 200, setting the stage for a new era of inclusivity and creativity in Hollywood.

As we bid farewell to this captivating decade of Hollywood hits, these films have not only left an indelible mark on the box office but have become timeless treasures for movie enthusiasts worldwide. From animated wonders to superhero sagas, each year brought its unique magic to the silver screen.

Author Profile

Scott Baber: Senior Managing editor

Manages incoming enquiries and advertising. Based in London and very sporty. Worked news and sports desks in local paper after graduating.

Email Scott@MarkMeets.com