Generally speaking, earning a billion dollars at the box office is often seen as a sign of an excellent movie. Nevertheless, it doesn’t necessarily mean that every high-grossing film is truly great.
Many highly successful movies throughout history have grossed over a billion dollars at the box office, yet this financial success doesn’t necessarily equate to them being deserving of such acclaim.
At times, people are attracted to cinemas due to cultural excitement or simple curiosity about a movie. On other occasions, they might be enticed by nostalgia or persuaded by companions such as friends or relatives.
Based on audience votes on Ranker, it appears that several highly-popular films throughout history may not live up to their impressive box office earnings, suggesting they’re not as great as their ticket sales might initially indicate.
From unimpressive blockbuster animations to underwhelming follow-ups and reimaginings that arguably weren’t worth producing, these films earned substantial profits; however, their financial success doesn’t automatically equate to them being well-made or maintaining relevance in the years following their premiere.
Worst Movies That Grossed Over a Billion
Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014)
Alice in Wonderland (2010)
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
The Lion King (2019)
Aladdin (2019)
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)
Fate of the Furious (2017)
Frozen II (2019)
Captain Marvel (2019)
Jurassic World Dominion (2022)
Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)
The ABCs of Movies: The Best Movie For Each Letter of the Alphabet
A: American Movie (1999)
In a straightforward yet engaging manner, this humorous yet poignant documentary titled “American Movie” follows aspiring filmmaker Mark Borchardt’s persistent endeavor to complete his long-nurtured creative project. The film presents a profoundly emotional and melancholic portrayal of unrealized aspirations as Mark encounters one obstacle after another, passionately expressing his artistic yearnings yet falling short of his goals. The narrative also beautifully unfolds the tale of friendship as Mark leans on his companion Mike for support in producing his shoestring budget films. This film is an enjoyable viewing experience when you’re young at heart and can be heartbreakingly profound when you’ve reached your 40s. Without a doubt, it stands among the most impactful American movies of our time.
B: Blow Out (1981)
In a departure from the original premise of ‘Blowup’, Brian De Palma’s renowned work delves into the cinematic realm, focusing on the intricate web of the film industry. The narrative centers around John Travolta’s character, a B-movie sound technician, who unwittingly records the sound of a staged car crash reminiscent of the Chappaquiddick incident involving Senator Ted Kennedy. With its innovative sound design, gripping suspense scenes, and biting commentary on film violence and its relevance to reality, ‘Blow Out’ stands as one of the most exceptional films ever crafted about the art of movie-making.
C: Citizen Kane (1941)
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> Some timeless classics, once deemed untouchable, may not hold up as effectively over time. However, this doesn’t apply to the iconic “Citizen Kane.” Released 80 years ago, it continues to dazzle audiences with its timeless appeal and relevance to contemporary politics. In fact, it surpasses most fictional films made in the last decade in terms of political insight. Moreover, it was a groundbreaking film, introducing or refining numerous cinematic techniques, and boasting some of the most striking images ever captured on film. It’s often described as a tiresome collection of overused tropes – a biopic about a wealthy, solitary man searching for peace, who ultimately pined for the enigmatic “Rosebud.” Yet, the true experience is far more profound, exciting, and insightful than one might anticipate.
D: Die Hard (1988)
In a blend of western and police movie style, the film “Die Hard” shines as the peak of ’80s action movies, set within the Nakatomi Tower-like environment. John McClane (Bruce Willis), a New York City cop, is in L.A. for a reunion with his estranged wife Holly (Bonnie Bedelia). However, when terrorists seize control of the Nakatomi Corporation’s Christmas party as hostages, it falls upon McClane to resolve the crisis. Stranded without any shoes and finding himself in an impossible situation, McClane transforms into one of cinema’s most memorable heroes – a man who happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time but needs to return home, and may have to embody his old cowboy idol Roy Rogers to do so. Catchphrase: Yippie-ki-yay.
E: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
F: The Fugitive (1993)
In creating lists, there’s often a bias towards movies with deep themes or complex symbolism. However, The Fugitive effortlessly elevates the large-scale chase genre to new heights. Far from being simple, crafting this film required exceptional talent and finesse, especially in the performance of Tommy Lee Jones as the relentless U.S. Marshal Sam Gerard. The reason why this movie remains enjoyable time and again is due to its exceptional quality – a level of skill and artistry that was already rare in 1993, and even more so now.
G: Goodfellas (1990)
If you could only ever watch one Martin Scorsese film, or one crime/gangster movie, for all eternity, make it “Goodfellas.” This is a laugh-out-loud, heartbreaking, violent, and insightful tale about the world of New York mobsters during the latter half of the 20th century. Each decision made – from casting to music to editing to voiceover to the stunning drug smuggling scene where Henry Hill (played by Ray Liotta) gets caught – is spot on. The reason “Goodfellas” has been continually referenced and imitated for the past 30 years is because no other filmmaker in the gangster genre has managed to surpass it since.
H: Hoop Dream (1994)
The groundbreaking sports documentary, “Hoop Dreams,” transcends its genre, offering much more than just athletic competitions. Unlike other films, it doesn’t conclude with the main characters’ final high school games, but rather their graduations. As Spike Lee points out during a visit to an elite college prospects camp, warning them about the larger system at play: “This whole thing revolves around money.”
In simpler terms, dreams can be captivating, but they can also fall short of reality. The lasting impression from “Hoop Dreams” is that there are two battles being fought; one on the court and another off-court, where coaches and scouts play their game. This second game appears to be manipulated. Yet, what other aspirations do these young men have?
I: It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
In what number of lives has the heartwarming masterpiece on selflessness and friendship by Frank Capra, titled “It’s a Wonderful Life,” touched people deeply? The tale suggests that it gained classic status due to repeated broadcasts on television, a result of the film accidentally entering public domain. However, this circumstance seems more like a stroke of genius from Capra rather than an accounting mishap; it appears to me as if divine intervention had a hand in this, ensuring that this movie and its eternal message would be shared with all.
J: Jaws (1975)
The movie “Jaws” had such an immense impact at the box office that it revolutionized Hollywood filmmaking and distribution, setting new standards. However, don’t let its historic significance overshadow its unique qualities. Compared to the numerous imitations that emerged over the decades, “Jaws” stands out as more profound, frightening, robust, and intelligent. Essentially, it’s a tragic tale about a group of heavy drinkers who hunt and kill a shark for being excessively hungry. Despite Spielberg’s later films boasting larger budgets, star-studded casts, and advanced special effects, nothing he has made since matches the perfection of “Jaws”. Every scene, every edit, every musical cue, every dialogue, every close-up on Roy Scheider’s fearful expression, is flawlessly executed.
K: The King of Comedy (1982)
As a movie enthusiast who found themselves captivated by the raw intensity of ‘Joker’, let me strongly recommend you to watch ‘The King of Comedy’ if you haven’t already. Todd Phillips’ acclaimed comic-book film bears striking resemblances to Martin Scorsese’s biting critique on celebrity culture, with Robert De Niro portraying the delusional aspiring comedian, Rupert Pupkin. His unrelenting pursuit of stardom knows no bounds, whether it be fame or infamy. Essentially, ‘The King of Comedy’, released in 1982, carries a message that is strikingly relevant in today’s world more than ever before.
L: L.A. Confidential (1997)
Reflecting on L.A. Confidential now, I’m pondering the depth of nostalgia deconstruction it embodies. Set in the 1950s, it echoes the essence of Chinatown from the 1970s, yet was crafted in the late 1990s, a time when it was still feasible to produce an expansive crime drama with minimal stars (Kevin Spacey and Kim Basinger being the exceptions among the main roles), untouched by superheroes, video games, or franchises. Just like its source novel by James Ellroy, L.A. Confidential dismantles the illusion of a simpler, happier era in sunny Los Angeles. As one character remarks, that idyllic image has been peddled to us; the harsh reality was largely concealed until Ellroy and director Curtis Hanson brought it to light.
M: Metropolis (1927)
It’s essential to include at least one silent film on such a list, and among all the silents, my personal favorite is Fritz Lang’s masterpiece, Metropolis, a groundbreaking science-fiction silent film. This movie, depicting the struggle between the classes in a futuristic city, has been remade and reinterpreted numerous times over the years; I’ve seen at least three distinct versions that I can recall immediately. Regardless of the version, Lang demonstrated the power of a camera and an active imagination to create a visual masterpiece – all without a single sound.
N: No Country For Old Men (2007)
In their illustrious filmmaking career, the Coen brothers have produced numerous masterpieces. However, among these, “No Country For Old Men” stands out as perhaps their most profound exploration of a theme they frequently revisit: The empty and ruinous chase for wealth above all else in life. A man (Josh Brolin) stumbling upon the remnants of a botched drug deal and grabbing millions, triggers a series of events leading to a chain of unavoidable, yet preventable deaths. Masterfully directed by the Coens, “No Country” portrays a world that is as indifferent, arbitrary, and merciless as the flip of a coin, based on Cormac McCarthy’s novel.
O: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)
In stark contrast to its dark subject matter, “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” stands out as one of Quentin Tarantino’s most charming films in recent years, or perhaps ever. Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt deliver exceptional performances as a duo of friends in 1960s Los Angeles. DiCaprio portrays a struggling TV star attempting to resurrect his career, while Pitt plays his calm stuntman and chauffeur. The film explores the conclusion of the 1960s, the twilight of cinema, and potentially even the end of Tarantino’s cinematic journey.
P: Playtime (1967)
Few movie experiences rival the joy of watching Jacques Tati’s masterpiece, “Playtime,” on a 70mm screen. On home video, Tati’s visual humor doesn’t shine as brightly; many jokes are so intricate that they can only be appreciated in a theater with a large screen. The film is not heavy on narrative; instead, it serves as a lengthy commentary on the absurdities of modern life, showcasing its eccentricities and madness. As we look back 55 years later, our world appears even more ludicrous, making “Playtime” one of the most visionary works of art from the last century.
Q: The Quiet Man (1952)
If you’re only familiar with John Ford as a director of Western films, the movie “The Quiet Man” might take you by surprise. It leans more towards a romantic comedy, featuring some of the most stunning Technicolor cinematography you’ve ever witnessed. Winton Hoch, the director of photography, deservedly won an Oscar for his work on this film. In the movie, John Wayne portrays an Irish-American boxer who comes back to Ireland and falls in love with a red-headed woman named Mary Kate, played by Maureen O’Hara. A dispute over her dowry (which later escalates into a comical and ongoing physical altercation) arises between Wayne and O’Hara’s brother, played by Victor McLaglen. While the portrayal of Ireland may not be historically accurate, you won’t find a more visually stunning film than this one.
R: Ran (1985)
Among all films directed by the renowned Akira Kurosawa, “Ran” holds a special place in my heart. It was made towards the end of his career and, unlike many of his other masterpieces, is presented in color. What makes it stand out for me is its exceptional use of color, particularly in the vibrant costumes of its characters. This color application serves as an unique form of punctuation, closing each cinematic thought, a technique that is hard to find matched, perhaps only by “The Quiet Man.
S: Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
Exploring another must-see genre, let’s delve into the musical masterpiece: Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly’s “Singin’ in the Rain.” Bursting with captivating melodies, imaginative dance routines, tender romance, iconic numbers like “Make ‘Em Laugh” and the dreamy “Broadway Melody” sequence, it’s hard to imagine anything going awry. A fresh viewing with my kids, their laughter drowning out Donald O’Connor’s voice as he playfully bounced around, rekindled my admiration for this timeless classic. What a delightful sensation!
T: 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
In the early 2000s, I watched “2001: A Space Odyssey,” realizing that humanity’s space journey wouldn’t start right away. At the time, I found the movie long, dull, and pompous. Looking back, I was ignorant, inexperienced, and narrow-minded. However, since then, I’ve watched “2001” at least ten times, and each viewing leaves me more awestruck by its visionary approach. Similarly to “Playtime,” watching it on a large screen enhances the experience. In 2018, an “unrestored” print of the film was released under Christopher Nolan’s supervision. Whether or not this version accurately represented Stanley Kubrick’s original intent, watching “2001” in 70mm was a truly mind-bending experience. (The zero gravity toilet joke is even funnier in 70mm!) This film’s grandeur can only be fully appreciated in a theater, where it undeniably lives up to its tagline as “the ultimate trip.
U: The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964)
To put it simply, there aren’t many films, whether they are well-made or poorly made, that begin with the letter “U.” However, Jacques Demy’s “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg” is a film worth considering for any list of all-time classics, despite its title. It’s one of the most beautiful musicals ever produced – and one of the saddest. Catherine Deneuve and Nino Castelnuovo portray lovers who are separated by war, destiny, and life’s difficult choices. If you haven’t seen it yet, consider watching it tonight. (Don’t forget to have plenty of tissues nearby.)
V: Videodrome (1983)
In the movie “Videodrome,” a shady television station owner (James Woods) discovers an underground broadcast named “Videodrome” with unprecedented levels of explicit content. Fascinated, he airs it on his channel. As he delves into the origins of this mysterious program, he becomes increasingly entangled in a reality where TV transcends mere entertainment; it becomes a form of religion and potentially even a manifestation of life itself. David Cronenberg’s “Videodrome” remains relevant as a thought-provoking critique of our television-dominated society.
W: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)
In a similar vein, not many films capture the essence of childhood dreams – endless sweets, rivers made of chocolate, and elevators that fly – as effectively as “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” Although it’s slightly longer at 100 minutes for children, the pace is more like a sprint. Once the Golden Ticket winners enter Willy Wonka’s enchanted factory, there’s no pause in the action until Willy Wonka and Charlie break through the roof of the chocolate factory, living happily ever after. (It’s debatable whether all children survive in this movie; some might argue that Willy Wonka may have had a more sinister role in their fate, but this dark humor only adds to the film’s appeal.)
X: X2 (2003)
In a somewhat surprising turn, “X2” may be the least enjoyable film on this list, but it could arguably hold the most significant importance among superhero films of the century. The first “X-Men” and “Spider-Man” movies demonstrated that cinema could capture the enchantment of comics. However, “X2” went a step further by outshining the comic book medium itself in sequences like Nightcrawler’s White House assault, which not only reenacted his iconic teleportation but made it visually more captivating with its seamless flow compared to static panels on a page. The climactic dam burst in the film can be likened to the proverbial opening of floodgates as the Hollywood Superhero Era truly took off. After “X2”, nothing was quite the same.
Y: Yojimbo (1961)
Akira Kurosawa’s “Yojimbo” serves as the foundation for numerous films that followed, with its story about a roaming swordsman caught in the crossfire of two feuding gangs being reimagined multiple times across different genres such as Westerns and gangster movies. The character, portrayed by Toshiro Mifune, often proves successful in these adaptations, becoming an iconic figure and the blueprint for countless other tough-as-nails cinematic warriors. If you’re looking for a cooler action hero than Sanjuro, chances are I can show you a character who was inspired by him directly.
Z: Zodiac (2007)
In “Zodiac,” director David Fincher masterfully untangled the complexities of extensive true-crime dramas. The ensemble cast, spearheaded by Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, and Robert Downey Jr., navigated decades of fruitless pursuit of the perpetrator behind a series of chilling San Francisco murders in the late 1960s. While “Zodiac” is an exceptional film about police investigations, it transcends into a timeless masterpiece, exploring the essence of obsession. Each lead character was gripped (and in some instances, damaged) by their relentless drive to unravel a mystery with no definitive answer.
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2025-05-02 18:57