A movie’s box office performance is often determined by the hype and anticipation surrounding its release in the world of film. Then again, some movies pull through, surpassing all expectations and becoming unexpected billion-dollar hits. Not only did these visual surprises confuse viewers everywhere, but they also permanently altered the course of box office successes.
Animated adventures and superhero epics alike, these films soared past early projections to join the exclusive billion-dollar club. So we will explore the incredible stories of ten films that defied all expectations to become blockbusters and show that the only thing that is consistent in the world of film is unpredictableness.
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10. Minions (2015)
Minions did an amazing job of capturing the lighthearted charm and fun that made these creatures fan favorites to viewers of the Despicable Me movies. Both kids and adults like the slapstick humor, as well as the Minions’ silly language and crazy mischievousness. Bright and animated, it brings the Minions’ shenanigans to life in a visually captivating way.
While these films have the same basic plot of any children’s movie, it succeeds in entertaining viewers with humor and touching moments. Minions blew everyone away at the box office, surpassing all expectations. The movie made nearly $1.1 billion at the box office, while having a budget of only $74 million and green lighting a sequel.
9. Alice in Wonderland (2010)
The fantastic, imaginative visual retelling of the well-loved novel Alice in Wonderland directed by Tim Burton is a colorful and surreal imagery combined with Burton’s characteristic dark and eerie aesthetic create a terrifying and vaguely eerie Wonderland. The cast is filled with new upcoming actress and of course, those closest to Tim Burton, Johnny Depp‘s portrayal of the Mad Hatter adds a humorous element to the story. While this version of Alice by Mia Wasikowska is a tough and independent take on the role. Finally, Helena Bonham Carter‘s fierce portrayal of the Red Queen makes her a memorable antagonist.
Critics gave the movie mixed reviews; with some praise for its visual flare but concerns about the story. However, it unquestionably presents a novel interpretation of the beloved story. In addition to being a financial hit, Alice in Wonderland went on to become one of the highest-grossing movies of 2010. With a budget of over $200 million, the movie brought in more than $1 billion worldwide. The film’s success at the box office can be attributed to the merging of Tim Burton’s directing approach, the renowned cast, and the continuing appeal of the original material. Not much could have been said for the sequel unfortunately.
8. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)
With a new filmmaker Rob Marshall at the wheel, On Stranger Tides gives us a new look for the Pirates of the Caribbean series. Rather than having a singular plot over 3 films, this entry is more concentrated and revolves around the search for the Fountain of Youth, while retaining the humor and charm of the original three films. With his signature eccentricity, Johnny Depp‘s Captain Jack Sparrow is as brilliant as ever, while Penélope Cruz brings a strong presence as the mysterious Angelica.
While critics praised its singular story, others voiced concerns about how the film departed from the unique narrative of the previous 3 films. Still, fans of the Pirates series will find the action, comedy, and swashbuckling nature of the film to be engaging. On Stranger Tides carried on the Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise’s history of box office success. In spite of having a production budget of about $379 million, the movie brought in nearly $1.045 billion worldwide. The movie’s financial success proved that audiences wanted more of Captain Jack Sparrow’s adventures despite the film’s mixed reviews from critics.
7. Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014)
Michael Bay‘s continues his love for big explosions and robots fighting for the fate of Earth to the Transformers franchise in the fourth installment with Age of Extinction. This time we are introduced with a new character played by Mark Wahlberg‘s, Cade Yeager joins the Autobots and the Dinobots in the battle against Decepticons. The film is known for its signature over-the-top Bayhem, which consists of intense action scenes, enormous explosions, and state-of-the-art visual effects the Transformer films have become known for.
Even though the movie’s length and confusing plot were criticized, long time fans of the franchise who value the world building of the universe, appreciated it for what it was. The film’s visuals, which uses cutting-edge CGI and entertaining action sequences to bring the famous Transformers to life, is its strongest point. Transformers: Age of Extinction continued the franchise’s dominance at the box office, just as the previous films did. With a budget of over $210 million, the movie brought in over $1.1 billion worldwide. Its financial success, especially in foreign markets, confirmed the Transformers brand’s enduring appeal with 3 additional films that have released since this installment.
6. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018)
The tone of the Jurassic Park film series is considerably darker and more suspenseful in Jurassic Park: Fallen Kingdom. More suspenseful scenes and a hint more terror than in the preceding parts are added by director J.A. Bayona, who injects his unique flair. The film skillfully strikes a balance between the breathtaking grandeur of dinosaurs and a more private, cramped setting, giving the story greater depth. Along with the introduction of new characters that offer fresh, original concepts to the series, Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard make a welcomed comeback from the previous film.
While some viewers faulted the plot’s deviation from the conventional dinosaur theme park backdrop like in the previous films, others applauded the movie for its willingness to venture into uncharted ground for the franchise. With its spectacular action sequences and emotional depth, Fallen Kingdom is a riveting continuation of the Jurassic Park tale. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom carried on the successful box office history of the franchise. With a budget of around $170 million, the movie brought in over $1.3 billion worldwide. I think its safe to say, people still really love seeing dinosaurs on the big screen.
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5. Zootopia (2016)
An engaging and mysterious plot, humor, and heart are all combined in the charming and socially important animated picture Zootopia. Film buffs of all ages can enjoy this film’s straightforward treatment of ideas like tolerance, inclusivity, and overcoming prejudices. The voice acting, especially that of Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman, is excellent and adds a charming depth to the animated characters. Their performance paired with the hilarious writing, make for some of the most memorable new characters to come out of Disney.
The lively and creative animation we are use to seeing from Disney effectively conveys the variety of settings found in Zootopia, from the busy city to the composed jungle neighborhood. A sophisticated touch that appeals to both kids and adults is added by the film’s utilization of animal traits to discuss present-day challenges. Both critically and commercially, Zootopia surpassed expectations. The movie made over $1.02 billion in revenue worldwide, with a budget of around $150 million. Its ideas are relatable, the narrative is skillfully done, and the characters make it a hit with a wide audience.
4. The Lion King (2019)
A new generation of viewers are given a fresh perspective on the classic story we all grew up with in The Lion King (2019), an gorgeously stunning production. The film’s use of CGI is truly amazing; as it pays homage to the original animation classic with stunning scenery while also adding photorealistic figures of the animals. Additionally, the legendary James Earl Jones makes and incredible return as Mufasa, with modern additions like Donald Glover and Beyoncé adds to the films pleasing modernization.
Thankfully the movie sticks rather close to the original’s plot, it makes a few minor tweaks and additions that heighten the emotional effect the original film had. The iconic songs from the first animated film are included in the musical score, which gives the whole experience a strong, sentimental touch we had as kids. At the box office, The Lion King (2019) soared to glory. Despite having a production expenditure of about $260 million, the movie brought in over $1.6 billion worldwide. Reminiscence, technological advancement, and the timeless attraction of the classic tale all contributed to its huge profitability.
3. Frozen II (2019)
By reintroducing its breathtaking graphics and captivating narrative, Frozen II expands on the success of its predecessor. A mysterious and wintry backdrop is created for the incredible animation by the elemental spirits and the legendary woodland. Once again, Idina Menzel and Kristen Bell give Elsa and Anna a sense of realism by gracefully and deeply inhabiting their roles. Examining issues of identity, fate, and familial ties, the film gives the cherished characters we met in the first film fresh dimension.
With new songs like “Into the Unknown,” the musical score captures the essence of the classic soundtrack from the first movie. The film also appeals to both younger audiences and adults who grew up with the original Frozen by balancing humor, heart, and adventure. The series’ domination at the box office continued with Frozen II. The movie made about $1.45 billion in the box office, while having a budget of about $150 million. Its massive success confirmed both the Frozen franchise’s cultural influence and Elsa and Anna’s ongoing appeal. Fans just cant seem to let it go.
2. Aquaman (2018)
A new and stunning take on the superhero genre fans haven’t seen in previous comic book movies, Aquaman takes a deep dive into the aquatic worlds of the DC Universe. The character Arthur Curry gains charm and comedy from Jason Momoa‘s entertaining portrayal, which elevates Aquaman to the status of an engaging and approachable hero. The underwater scenes in the movie are a visual feast that highlight both James Wan‘s skill as a director, proving he has skills outside of the horror genre.
Identity, ancestry, and the responsibility that accompanies power are among the many issues explored in the story. Momoa’s portrayal is enhanced and the ensemble is given more depth by the supporting cast, which stars Patrick Wilson as Orm and Willem Dafoe as Vulko. One of the highest-grossing DCEU movies, Aquaman made a big splash at the box office. The movie made nearly $1.14 billion in revenue worldwide, while having a production budget of about $160 million. James Wan’s innovative direction, Jason Momoa’s star power, and the film’s appeal to both comic book fans and broad moviegoers are all factors in its success.
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1. Joker (2019)
Joaquin Phoenix‘s dark and transformational performance as Arthur Fleck makes Joker a cinematic masterpiece. Investigating the cultural elements that lead to the Joker’s spiral into madness, the movie takes an approach in examining his mental state and asks the audiences some difficult questions. The fragility, suffering, and chaos that define Phoenix’s character are all shown in this compelling portrait. The film is a unique take on the superhero genre, as a comic book film that doesn’t try to make its protagonist into a hero. But rather someone misunderstood.
Gotham City is made gloomy and moody by Todd Phillips‘ directing, which highlights the realistic and gritty tone of the movie, which is what fans are expecting from Gotham since Burton’s take in Batman (1989). Because of the slow burn of the story, the audience is able to delve deeply into Arthur’s mind, which makes his eventual transition into the The Clown Prince of Crime both tragic and captivating. Beyond all predictions, Joker became a cultural phenomenon and one of the highest-grossing R-rated movies. Despite having a relatively small budget of about $55 million, the movie brought in over $1 billion worldwide at the box office.
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