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The film industry has seen remarkable growth in 2024, with several movies breaking box office records and achieving incredible profitability. This year has been particularly noteworthy for sequels and franchise films that have captivated audiences worldwide, leading to record-breaking box office performances. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the ten most profitable movies of 2024, examining their financial success and what contributed to their popularity.
From animated adventures to superhero epics, the diversity of films this year highlights the evolving tastes of moviegoers. Let’s dive into the details of these cinematic triumphs, showcasing not only their impressive box office numbers but also the creative minds and narratives behind them. These rankings are based on stats fromBox Office Mojo.
1Inside Out 2
A still from Inside Out 2 | Walt Disney Pictures
Inside Out 2, the long-awaited sequel to Pixar’s beloved 2015 film, has emerged as the highest-grossing film of 2024 and the most profitable animated film of all time. Directed by Kelsey Mann, this animated coming-of-age story explores the emotional growth of Riley as she navigates new feelings that arise during her teenage years. With a talented voice cast that includes Amy Poehler and Maya Hawke, the film resonated with audiences of all ages.
The production’s journey began in 2020, driven by a desire to expand on the rich emotional landscape introduced in the original. Premiering on June 03, 2025, and officially released on June 14, the film received widespread acclaim from critics, praised for its heartfelt storytelling and innovative animation techniques. Its box office success reflects the enduring appeal of Pixar’s storytelling prowess.
2Deadpool & Wolverine
Marvel’sDeadpool & Wolverinehas taken the superhero genre by storm, grossing over $1.33 billion globally. As the 34th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it brings together fan-favorite characters Deadpool and Wolverine, portrayed by Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, respectively. Directed by Shawn Levy, this film seamlessly integrates the humor and action of the previous Deadpool films while expanding the universe through multiverse elements.
The film’s release on August 23, 2025, followed a highly anticipated marketing campaign that generated excitement among fans. It has become the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time, a testament to its wide-reaching appeal. The blend of action, comedy, and nostalgia has attracted both hardcore comic fans and casual viewers, ensuring its position as a major box office success.
3Despicable Me 4
Despicable Me 4, produced by Universal Pictures and Illumination, has charmed audiences with its humor and heart. This animated sequel follows the reformed supervillain Gru as he confronts new challenges with his family while dealing with a revenge-seeking rival, Maxime Le Mal. The film’s strong voice cast, including Steve Carell and Kristen Wiig, helped attract audiences, while the familiar charm of the Minions continued to resonate.
Premiering in mid-2024,Despicable Me 4tapped into nostalgia while offering fresh, family-friendly entertainment. It garnered more than $963 million at the box office, solidifying its place among the most profitable films of the year.
4Dune: Part Two
Directed by Denis Villeneuve,Dune: Part Twocontinues the epic saga of Paul Atreides as he aligns with the Fremen people to confront House Harkonnen. This highly anticipated sequel builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, capturing the complex narrative and stunning visuals that fans have come to expect. The film features a star-studded cast, including Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya.
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Released in November 2024,Dune: Part Twohas received critical acclaim for its storytelling and production quality. With a box office gross exceeding $700 million, it demonstrates the successful continuation of a franchise that has captivated audiences worldwide, making it a prominent player in 2024’s box office landscape.
5Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire
The latest installment in the Monsterverse, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, directed by Adam Wingard, showcases the clash of titans in spectacular fashion. Featuring returning characters alongside new threats, this film has captured the imagination of monster movie fans, delivering the action and spectacle that the franchise is known for.
With a box office performance of over $571 million, the film successfully capitalized on the popularity of its predecessors, attracting a broad audience eager for thrilling monster battles. The engaging storyline and impressive visual effects have solidified its status as one of the most profitable films of 2024.
6Kung Fu Panda 4
Kung Fu Panda 4marks the return of Po and his friends in a new adventure that combines action and humor with valuable life lessons. Directed by Mike Mitchell, this animated film showcases Po’s journey as he seeks to train a successor and combat a new evil sorceress threatening his homeland.
Released in the summer of 2024, the film has grossed over $549 million at the box office, proving that the beloved franchise continues to resonate with audiences. The mix of comedy, martial arts, and heartfelt moments ensures that Kung Fu Panda 4 remains a significant entry in the animated film landscape.
7Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
A sequel to the cult classic Beetlejuice, the 2024 film revives the spooky charm that fans loved. This comedy horror film brings back the iconic character while introducing new twists and turns that cater to both old fans and new viewers. The film’s unique blend of humor and horror has contributed to its impressive box office performance.
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With a gross of over $434 million, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice successfully taps into nostalgia while delivering fresh content. Its creative storytelling and engaging performances have solidified its place among the year’s top films, showcasing the enduring appeal of classic franchises.
8Bad Boys: Ride or Die
The latest installment in the Bad Boys franchise, Bad Boys: Ride or Die, reunites Will Smith and Martin Lawrence as they navigate a new case that challenges their bond and skills. Directed by Adil & Bilall, this action-comedy successfully blends humor with thrilling action sequences that fans have come to expect.
Premiering in early 2024, the film has grossed over $404 million, reinforcing the franchise’s enduring popularity. The chemistry between the leads, coupled with a captivating plot, has made this sequel a must-see for action-comedy enthusiasts.
9Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apescontinues the thought-provoking narrative of the Planet of the Apes series, exploring themes of coexistence and survival. Directed by Wes Ball, this film follows a new generation of apes as they navigate challenges and conflicts in their evolving world.
With a box office gross nearing $400 million, the film successfully draws audiences with its compelling storytelling and impressive visual effects. The franchise’s ability to address complex themes while providing engaging entertainment ensures its place among the most profitable films of the year.
10Twisters
Twisters, a modern take on the disaster genre, has captivated audiences with its thrilling portrayal of storm chasers and the challenges they face. This film combines action, suspense, and human drama, making it a compelling watch for fans of the genre.
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With over $370 million at the box office, Twisters showcases the continued interest in disaster-themed films. Its engaging narrative and spectacular special effects have helped it carve out a place among the year’s top earners.
Rishabh Bhatnagar
Editor/Reviewer
Articles Published :315
Rishabh Bhatnagar is an Entertainment and pop culture journalist/editor with Fandom Wire. He has more than 6 years of experience working for multiple major platforms and is himself an avid consumer of worthwhile content. A natural storyteller, Rishabh has a unique way with words and is always looking to improve, as a storyteller, writer, and a journalist.
