25 Highest Grossing Movies of All Time (Inflation Adjusted)

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Ever debated what the greatest movie of all time is? Well, we’re counting cash, not critics. Here’s an inflation-adjusted roundup of the top 25 box office champions—because modern-day blockbusters can’t just inflate their way to the top! This list represents the highest-grossing movies of all time.

1. Gone with the Wind

Gone With the Wind
image Credit: Silver Screen Collection

Parts of this sweeping Old South epic haven’t aged well, but it’s still one worth seeing if just for the sets, the classic lines, and the unforgettable performances. One of the first color movies, it has grossed $4,192,000,000 in today’s dollars worldwide.

2. Avatar

Scene from Avatar
Image Credit: Twentieth Century Fox

This 2009 sci-fi epic captivated audiences with its story and special effects and spawned a series. Its gross take is now $3,824,000,000.

3. Titanic

Titanic
Image Credit: Paramount Pictures

Romance and disaster proved to be a powerful combination as millions flocked to see this 1997 epic that was inspiring and heartbreaking at the same time. The numbers don’t lie: $3,485,000,000 in inflation-adjusted numbers at the box office.

4. Star Wars: A New Hope

Star Wars A New Hope
image Credit: Lucasfilm Ltd

If you weren’t around in 1977, it’s hard to describe the cultural phenomenon that the original three Star Wars films became. This was the first of them all, a sci-fi adventure with a stellar cast that had a rapport few others ever have had since. Here, we meet the young Luke Skywalker before he becomes a Jedi and before he learns that Darth Vader…we shouldn’t say more in case you haven’t seen them. The gross box office take: $3,443,000,000.

5. Avengers: Endgame

Scene from Avengers Endgame
Image Credit: Marvel Studios

Released in 2019, this film was the sequel to Avengers: Infinity War. An ensemble cast and a wish to see the actions of arch-villain Thanos from the previous film undone drew millions of moviegoers to the tune of $3,165,000,000 in ticket sales.

6. The Sound of Music

Sound of Music
Image Credit: Silver Screen Collection

One of the best musicals of all time, this 1965 classic did more than make a number of its songs part of our popular culture. It also created a tale of suspense and daring as the Von Trapp family attempts to flee Austria as Nazi Germany takes over. Taking in $2,884,000,000 total in today’s dollars, this movie once surpassed Gone with the Wind as the top-grossing movie of all time.

7. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Image Credit: Universal Studios

When a friendly alien is left behind on Earth, a boy befriends him and thus begins the adventure of a lifetime. At times hilarious, heartbreaking, and joyful, this movie was able to melt even the hardest of hearts. Its inflation-adjusted box office take is $2,815,000,000.

8. The Ten Commandments

Ten Commandments
Image Credit: Paramount Pictures

This 1956 religious epic earned $2,665,000,000 in today’s dollars. With an all-star cast, it tells much of the story of the Book of Exodus, including the escape of the Hebrew slaves from Egypt.

9. Dr. Zhivago

Dr. Zhivago
Image Credit: Warner Bros.

This 1965 historical romance captured hearts and minds all over the world as it told the tale of the doomed love between Yuri and Lara amidst the Russian Revolution and the changes it wrought. Its box office take in today’s dollars is $2,526,000,000.

10. Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Star Wars The Force Awakens - Lucasfilm
Image Credit: Lucasfilm

Longtime Star Wars fans were disappointed by the “Prequels” (Episodes 1-3), but when the final trilogy got its start in 2015, many were excited at the promise of both a fresh start and throwback vibes to the original trilogy. So, apparently, was a new generation of fans, and the film earned $2,491,000,000 worldwide.

11. Jurassic Park

Jurassic Park
Image Credit: Universal Pictures

In 1993, this movie brought realistic-looking dinosaurs to the big screen, and moviegoers loved it, especially the terrifying T-Rex. Adjusted for inflation, the film has earned $2.41 billion.

12. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Image Credit: Disney

This 1937 classic was the first full-length animated film. Although based on an old fairy tale from the Brothers Grimm, it was many people’s introduction to the story. Earnings: $2.36 billion.

13. Avatar: The Way of Water

Avatar The Way of Water
Image Credit: Lightstorm Entertainment

Despite a 13-year wait, or maybe because of it, moviegoers were excited for this 2022 release that has grossed $2.32 billion. Human protagonist Jake Sully joins the fight against an old foe with unfinished business to settle.

14. Jaws

Jaws
Image Credit: Universal City Studios, Inc.

Countless people found themselves terrified to go back to the beach after this 1975 thriller about a massive great white shark terrorizing a coastal town. It also gave us one of the most haunting, recognizable musical scores ever. Gross take: $2.31 billion.

15. Avengers: Infinity War

Avengers Infinity War
Image Credit: Marvel Studios

The powerful Thanos seeks to devastate and end the universe, and only the Avengers can stop him. This intense sequel earned $2.29 billion.

16. The Exorcist

The Exorcist
Image Credit: Warner Bros

Horror films usually rely on jump scares, and this 1973 film about a girl possessed by a demon had a few, but the real terror was spiritual and psychological. It has taken in $2.09 billion.

17. One Hundred and One Dalmatians

One Hundred and One Dalmatians
Image Credit: Warner Bros.

This is the Disney film that in 1961 gave us the aptly named Cruella De Vil, one of the most sadistic movie villains ever. With earnings of $2.07 billion, it’s the second-most successful animated film of all time.

18. The Lion King

The Lion King -
Image Credit: Disney Enterprises, Inc.

The original animated 1994 classic pleased audiences to the tune of $2.01 billion. Its themes of coming of age, revenge, and redemption connected with audiences of all ages. It was all “hakuna matata” with beating the budget on this one.

19. Spider-Man: No Way Home

Spider-Man No Way Home
Image Credit: Marvel Studios

Dangerous beings arrive from another world and challenge Spider-Man as he never has been before, and he combats them with help from Dr. Strange. Released in just 2021, the movie has earned $2 billion.

20. Jurassic World

Jurassic Park -
Image Credit: Universal Pictures

It wasn’t hard to imagine what would happen when scientists created a genetically modified super-predator called Indominus Rex. The real stars, though, were the Raptors. At the box office, the film took in $2 billion.

21. The Jungle Book

Jungle Book
Image Credit: Walt Disney

Released in 1967, this animated classic has earned $1.95 billion over the years since. Memorable characters and the adventures of Mowgli have made this one of the most beloved animated films ever.

22. Ben-Hur

Ben-Hur
Image Credit: Warner Bros.

A Jewish prince betrayed and forced into slavery regains his freedom and returns for revenge. Although released in 1959, the film’s chariot race still ranks among the best action sequences ever created on film. Worldwide gross: $1.94 billion.

23. Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace

Star Wars Episode I The Phantom Menace
Image Credit: Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM

The first of the “prequels” meant to detail the rise of the Empire and corruption of Anakin Skywalker into Darth Vader, this was one of the most highly anticipated “sequels” ever, which explains its $1.91. Unfortunately, a slow plot, wooden acting, and a much-hated new character combined to make this movie most people’s least-favorite of the franchise.

24. Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

Star Wars
Image Credit: Lucasfilm, Ltd.

If you grew up with the original films, you probably remember the devastation you felt at the end of this film that’s often called the best in the series and the best sequel of all time. The original run plus some re-releases have resulted in worldwide earnings of $1.9 billion.

24. The Avengers

Avengers
Image Credit: Warner Bros.

The series original from 2012 is still many people’s vote for its best thanks to the newness of it all and the rapport among cast members. Earth’s greatest heroes join together to thwart the evil Loki from enslaving humanity. The movie’s gross take is $1.87 billion.

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Top Gun - Maverick
Image Credit: Paramount Pictures.

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wedding crashers 2005
Image Credit: Richard Cartwright – New Line Cinema

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This article was produced by Our Woven Journey. Source

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Robert Sihler is an educator, freelance writer, and rock climbing guide and instructor living with his family in Driftwood, Texas. In his spare time, he enjoys reading fiction, streaming films, completing crossword puzzles, and rock climbing. When he goes on vacation, he likes to visit the mountains of the West and climb remote, obscure peaks that have seen few or no prior ascents.