2024 was an exciting year for movie lovers around the globe. Hollywood delivered a mix of highly anticipated sequels, original stories, and adaptations that captivated audiences worldwide. Let’s take a closer look at the 10 most-watched Hollywood films of 2024, based on their global box office performance and popularity.
1. Inside Out 2
The long-awaited sequel to Pixar’s beloved 2015 film “Inside Out” took the world by storm in 2024. This animated adventure once again dove into the mind of Riley, now a teenager, as she navigates new emotions and challenges.
The film’s clever humor, heartfelt moments, and stunning animation resonated with audiences of all ages. It explored themes of growing up, changing relationships, and the complexity of human emotions in a way that was both entertaining and thought-provoking.
“Inside Out 2” broke several records, including becoming the highest-grossing animated film of all time. Its worldwide box office earnings of over $1.6 billion solidified its place as the most-watched movie of 2024.
2. Deadpool & Wolverine
The much-anticipated team-up of two of Marvel’s most popular characters did not disappoint. This R-rated superhero film combined Deadpool’s irreverent humor with Wolverine’s gritty action, creating a unique and thrilling experience for fans.
The movie’s success was driven by its star power, with Ryan Reynolds returning as Deadpool and Hugh Jackman reprising his iconic role as Wolverine. The film’s clever writing, exciting action sequences, and numerous pop culture references delighted audiences worldwide.
“Deadpool & Wolverine” earned over $1.3 billion at the global box office, making it the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time.
3. Despicable Me 4
The fourth installment in the popular “Despicable Me” franchise continued to charm audiences with its lovable characters and family-friendly humor. This animated comedy followed Gru, his wife Lucy, their children, and of course, the mischievous Minions on another hilarious adventure.
The film’s success was driven by its appeal to both children and adults, with clever jokes and heartwarming moments that resonated across generations. Its colorful animation and catchy soundtrack also contributed to its worldwide popularity.
“Despicable Me 4” earned nearly $1 billion at the global box office, proving that audiences still can’t get enough of Gru and his Minions.
4. Moana 2
Disney’s sequel to the 2016 hit “Moana” took viewers on another epic journey across the Pacific. This animated musical adventure expanded on the rich mythology and vibrant world introduced in the first film.
The movie featured stunning visuals, catchy new songs, and a powerful story about bravery, identity, and protecting the environment. Audiences around the world were drawn to its celebration of Polynesian culture and its messages of empowerment and conservation.
“Moana 2” was a massive hit, earning over $700 million worldwide and reinforcing Disney’s dominance in the animated film market.
5. Dune: Part Two
The second part of Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of Frank Herbert’s science fiction classic “Dune” lived up to the high expectations set by its predecessor. This epic space opera continued the story of Paul Atreides as he united with the Fremen to liberate the desert planet Arrakis.
The film’s breathtaking visuals, complex world-building, and stellar performances from its ensemble cast, including Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, captivated audiences worldwide. Its blend of action, politics, and philosophical themes appealed to both fans of the book series and newcomers to the “Dune” universe.
“Dune: Part Two” was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $600 million globally and cementing its place as one of the most-watched films of 2024.
6. Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire
The latest entry in the MonsterVerse franchise brought together two of cinema’s most iconic monsters for another epic showdown. This action-packed spectacle featured jaw-dropping battles between giant creatures, set against the backdrop of a global threat to both humanity and the titans.
Audiences around the world flocked to theaters to see Godzilla and Kong clash on the big screen. The film’s impressive special effects, intense action sequences, and the sheer scale of its monster battles made it a must-see theatrical experience.
“Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” roared to success with over $570 million in worldwide box office earnings.
7. Wicked
The long-awaited film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical “Wicked” finally arrived in theaters in 2024, and it did not disappoint. This magical musical told the untold story of the witches of Oz, exploring themes of friendship, prejudice, and the nature of good and evil.
Starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, the movie dazzled audiences with its spectacular musical numbers, stunning visuals, and emotional storytelling. The film’s popularity was boosted by its built-in fanbase from the stage musical and the universal appeal of its reimagining of the classic “Wizard of Oz” story.
“Wicked” cast a spell on moviegoers worldwide, earning over $570 million at the global box office.
8. Kung Fu Panda 4
The lovable Po returned for another action-packed adventure in the fourth installment of the “Kung Fu Panda” franchise. This animated comedy continued to blend martial arts action with humor and heart, as Po faced new challenges and discovered more about his past.
The film’s success was driven by its appeal to both children and adults, with its mix of slapstick comedy and deeper themes of self-discovery and personal growth. The return of familiar characters voiced by an all-star cast, along with the introduction of new and exciting elements to the “Kung Fu Panda” world, kept audiences engaged and entertained.
“Kung Fu Panda 4” kicked its way to over $540 million in global box office earnings, proving that Po’s popularity remains strong worldwide.
9. Venom: The Last Dance
The third film in the Venom series brought Tom Hardy back as Eddie Brock and his symbiote alter ego for another thrilling adventure. This superhero movie blended action, horror, and comedy as Venom faced off against new threats from both Earth and space.
The film’s success was driven by its unique take on the antihero genre, with Venom’s unpredictable nature and dark humor setting it apart from more traditional superhero movies. The movie’s intense action sequences and Hardy’s committed performance continued to draw audiences to the franchise.
“Venom: The Last Dance” chomped its way to over $475 million at the worldwide box office, solidifying Venom’s place as one of Hollywood’s most popular antiheroes.
10. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Tim Burton returned to one of his most beloved creations with this long-awaited sequel to the 1988 cult classic “Beetlejuice.” The film brought back Michael Keaton as the mischievous bio-exorcist, along with Winona Ryder and Catherine O’Hara reprising their roles from the original movie.
This supernatural comedy delighted audiences with its quirky humor, imaginative visuals, and nostalgic callbacks to the first film. The movie’s success was driven by both longtime fans eager to return to Burton’s whimsical afterlife and new viewers drawn in by its unique blend of horror and comedy.
“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” conjured up over $450 million at the global box office, proving that the ghost with the most still has plenty of life left in him.
Conclusion
The most-watched Hollywood films of 2024 showcased the industry’s ability to captivate global audiences with a diverse range of stories and genres. From animated family adventures to superhero epics, musicals to monster movies, these films demonstrated the enduring power of cinema to bring people together and transport them to new worlds.
The success of sequels like “Inside Out 2” and “Deadpool & Wolverine” highlighted audiences’ love for familiar characters and universes. At the same time, the popularity of adaptations like “Wicked” and “Dune: Part Two” showed that there’s always an appetite for fresh takes on beloved stories.