The Biggest Box Office Hits of 2025

2025 was a fantastic year for movie theaters, with large audiences returning to see a diverse range of films. Big studios released both fresh, new stories and exciting sequels, bringing energy back to the big screen across all types of genres. The year’s biggest hits – from superhero adventures to visually impressive family films – proved that going to the cinema is still a powerful experience. This list celebrates the films that were both box office successes and major talking points over the past year.

‘One Battle After Another’ (2025)

The epic film ‘One Battle After Another’ opened in IMAX theaters on September 26th and quickly became a hit. Over its time in cinemas, it earned $71.5 million from 3,634 screens. The film’s intense action and dramatic story were designed to take full advantage of the immersive IMAX format. Its success proves that audiences still enjoy seeing big, high-quality movies in theaters during the late summer.

‘Elio’ (2025)

Pixar’s new movie, ‘Elio,’ launched in theaters on June 20th and quickly became a hit with families. Playing in 3,750 locations nationwide, the film earned over $72.9 million. ‘Elio’ follows a relatable boy who’s accidentally chosen to represent Earth to a group of aliens. Thanks to its heartwarming story and bright animation, it’s become one of the year’s most popular family films.

‘Tron: Ares’ (2025)

The popular sci-fi series ‘Tron’ returned with ‘Tron Ares’ on October 10th, released by Walt Disney Studios. The film earned over $73 million in its opening weekend, playing in 4,000 theaters across the country. ‘Tron Ares’ centers on a powerful program named Ares, sent from the digital world to the real world on a risky assignment. The movie combined impressive new visual effects with the existing ‘Tron’ story, aiming to appeal to both longtime fans and a new audience.

‘Black Phone 2’ (2025)

‘Black Phone 2,’ the highly anticipated horror sequel from Universal Pictures, opened in theaters on October 17th and drew a large crowd of horror fans. The film grossed $77.4 million from 3,460 theaters during the Halloween season. Continuing the spooky themes of the original, the movie delves deeper into the unsettling link between the past and present. The film’s success proves that the suspenseful ‘Black Phone’ series remains popular with adults.

‘The Bad Guys 2’ (2025)

The popular animated movie ‘The Bad Guys’ returned with a sequel on August 1st. ‘The Bad Guys 2’, from Universal Pictures, earned over $82.5 million in theaters during its summer release. The film follows the reformed outlaws as they try to live up to their new heroic reputations while dealing with a brand new, puzzling danger. The movie’s box office success proves that families still love these clever and cool characters.

‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’ (2025)

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 zoomed into theaters on December 20th, earning a huge $236.1 million from 3,769 theaters. The movie, released by Paramount Pictures, was a big hit thanks to its exciting action and the introduction of the popular character Shadow the Hedgehog. The film’s success has cemented its place as one of the best video game movies ever made.

‘Snow White’ (2025)

Disney’s live-action version of ‘Snow White’ premiered on March 21st, exciting fans of the original animated film. The movie earned $87.2 million in theaters nationwide, playing in over 4,200 locations. This new take on the story used updated effects and a modern storyline to appeal to today’s viewers. It’s the latest example of Disney’s ongoing project to bring its beloved fairy tales to life on the big screen.

‘Predator: Badlands’ (2025)

The latest ‘Predator’ movie, ‘Predator Badlands’, launched on November 7th with 20th Century Studios. It earned over $90 million in theaters across 3,725 locations. The film features the deadly alien hunter in a new location, battling tough and determined human opponents. Its success at the box office demonstrates that the ‘Predator’ series is still popular within the action and science fiction genres.

‘Freakier Friday’ (2025)

The popular comedy ‘Freakier Friday’ returned to theaters on August 8th, released by Walt Disney Studios. The movie did very well, earning over $94 million from nearly 4,000 theaters during its run. It brought back the original actors for more hilarious body-swapping adventures and touching moments about family. The film’s success proves that familiar stories can still attract audiences of all ages to movie theaters.

‘Dog Man’ (2025)

The popular ‘Dog Man’ books came to life in animated form on January 31st, thanks to Universal Pictures. The movie was a big success with kids, earning nearly $98 million in 3,887 theaters. It successfully captured the unique humor and art style of Dav Pilkey’s original graphic novels, and its strong opening made it a tough act to follow for other animated films released this year.

‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’ (2025)

The popular horror series returned to theaters with ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’ on December 5th, released by Universal Pictures International. The film quickly became a hit, earning over $112 million from 3,579 theaters. The sequel built on the story of the haunted animatronics and presented even more frightening challenges for the characters. Its success with both gamers and horror fans led to strong ticket sales.

‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ (2025)

I was completely captivated by ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’! It was amazing to finally see Mufasa’s beginnings and learn about his relationship with Taka, who eventually became Scar. The movie looked incredible – so realistic! And clearly, I wasn’t the only one who loved it. It made over $254 million this year, playing in over 4,100 theaters! It just proves how much we all still care about the story and the world of The Lion King.

‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ (2025)

James Cameron’s highly anticipated return to the world of ‘Avatar’ arrived with ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ on December 19th, released by 20th Century Studios. The film grossed over $129.6 million during its opening weekend in 3,800 theaters. This new installment featured the introduction of the Ash People, a previously unseen Na’vi tribe, and continued the story of the Sully family. With its breathtaking visuals and captivating narrative, the movie quickly became a major highlight of the winter season.

‘Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle’ (2025)

As a huge ‘Demon Slayer’ fan, I was so excited to finally see ‘Infinity Castle’ in theaters on September 12th, thanks to Sony Pictures! It was incredible to see the story continue on the big screen, packed with the intense action we all love. The movie really focused on the epic battles inside the Infinity Castle, with our heroes facing off against the toughest demons yet. And honestly, the box office numbers – over $134 million from over 3,300 theaters – just prove how popular anime is becoming all over the world. It’s amazing to see Japanese animation taking over theaters like this!

‘Final Destination Bloodlines’ (2025)

The latest installment in the ‘Final Destination’ series, ‘Final Destination Bloodlines’, hit theaters on May 16th, earning over $138 million in 3,523 cinemas during the spring. The film centers around a new group of people trying to escape a deadly fate they foresaw. Known for its creative and frightening scenes, ‘Bloodlines’ continues the franchise’s tradition of suspenseful and original horror.

‘Weapons’ (2025)

The new thriller ‘Weapons’ premiered in theaters on August 8th, released by Warner Bros. Pictures. The film, from the director of ‘Barbarian,’ earned an impressive $151.55 million from 3,631 theaters. Known for its complex story and dark themes, ‘Weapons’ kept viewers on the edge of their seats and proved there’s a strong appetite for original, suspenseful movies.

‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ (2025)

Warner Bros. Pictures released ‘The Conjuring Last Rites’ on September 5th, marking the final case for the Warren family. The movie, which played in 3,802 theaters, grossed $177.8 million worldwide. It featured the renowned paranormal investigators facing what would be their most frightening and deeply personal challenge yet. The film’s success at the box office brought a satisfying end to a hugely popular horror series.

‘F1’ (2025)

The new racing movie ‘F1’ premiered in theaters on June 27th, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, and quickly became a box office hit. During the busy summer season, it grossed over $189 million in 3,732 theaters. The film combined real racing action with a talented cast, offering viewers an immersive experience into the world of Formula One. Its strong performance proves that audiences enjoy compelling sports stories, especially when they’re presented with impressive visuals and a grand cinematic scale.

‘Thunderbolts*’ (2025)

‘Thunderbolts,’ the latest film from Marvel Studios, opened on May 2 and quickly became a box office hit. The action movie, featuring a team of antiheroes, grossed over $190 million in theaters from 4,330 locations for Walt Disney Studios. The story centers around a group of ex-villains who are tasked with a dangerous mission by the government. The film’s success proves that the Marvel Cinematic Universe remains a powerful force in movie theaters.

‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’ (2025)

Tom Cruise reprised his role as Ethan Hunt in ‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One,’ which premiered on May 23 from Paramount Pictures. The film grossed $197.4 million in 3,861 theaters, continuing the popular series. Known for its incredible stunts and intricate storyline – where the IMF team faces a powerful new enemy – the movie’s success solidifies the franchise’s place as a benchmark for action films in theaters.

‘Captain America: Brave New World’ (2025)

Sam Wilson officially became Captain America in ‘Captain America: Brave New World,’ which premiered on February 14th from Walt Disney Studios. The film, a political thriller, grossed over $200.5 million in its first three months, playing in 4,105 theaters. It centers on Captain America uncovering a worldwide plot that reaches the highest levels of the U.S. government. The movie’s success ensures the character’s continued presence and broadens the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

‘How to Train Your Dragon’ (2025)

On June 13th, Universal Pictures released a live-action version of the popular animated ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ trilogy. The movie, a grand fantasy adventure, grossed over $262 million in 4,373 theaters. Using cutting-edge technology, the film beautifully brought the world of Berk and the special connection between Hiccup and Toothless to life. Its success at the box office shows that this touching story continues to connect with viewers of all ages.

‘The Fantastic 4: First Steps’ (2025)

As a huge Marvel fan, I was so excited to finally see the Fantastic Four join the MCU! ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ premiered on July 25th, and it absolutely smashed it at the box office, pulling in over $274 million from over 4,100 theaters worldwide. The movie gave us a fresh take on how the team got their powers and how they first dealt with some seriously dangerous, out-of-this-world villains. It was a massive win for Disney and definitely feels like the start of something big for the future of the MCU.

‘Sinners’ (2025)

I was so excited to see ‘Sinners’ when Warner Bros. released it on April 18th, and it definitely didn’t disappoint! It really grabbed everyone’s attention, and it was amazing to see it earn over $279 million with showings in 3,518 theaters this spring. What I loved most was that it was a completely original story – a really gripping mystery about what happens when strange things start happening in a small town and how the people there cope. It’s great to see that audiences are still hungry for fresh, well-made films that aren’t part of the same old franchises.

‘Zootopia 2’ (2025)

The animated sequel to ‘Zootopia,’ titled ‘Zootopia 2,’ premiered on November 26th and quickly became a holiday season success. Released in 4,000 theaters, the film earned over $296 million. The story follows Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde as they work to solve a new mystery that threatens the peace of their city. The movie’s impressive earnings prove that audiences still love these characters and the world of Zootopia.

‘Wicked: For Good’ (2025)

The story of the witches of Oz continued with the release of ‘Wicked For Good’ on November 17th, distributed by Universal Pictures. The musical earned over $324 million in theaters across 4,115 locations during its impressive fall run. The film focuses on the complicated friendship between Elphaba and Glinda as they deal with their very different paths in life. Its huge box office success proves that the popular Broadway show still resonates with audiences.

‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ (2025)

The ‘Jurassic World’ series entered a new chapter with the release of ‘Rebirth’ on July 2nd, distributed by Universal Pictures. The film was a huge summer hit, earning over $339 million from 4,324 theaters. It featured a new group of characters facing off against dangerous dinosaurs in a world that was quickly falling apart. The movie’s strong box office numbers demonstrate that audiences are still captivated by dinosaurs.

‘Superman’ (2025)

Superman soared back onto the big screen on July 11th, with the new film released by Warner Bros. Pictures. This version of the classic hero offered a modern take on the superhero story and grossed over $354 million worldwide. Playing in over 4,275 theaters, the movie explored the struggle between Superman’s alien origins and his life as a human, setting the stage for a new series of films and captivating audiences globally.

‘Lilo & Stitch’ (2025)

I was so excited for the live-action ‘Lilo & Stitch’ when it came out on May 23rd, and it totally delivered! It was a huge hit, making over $423 million worldwide in over 4,400 theaters. Seeing Lilo and Stitch’s story brought to life with all the new visual effects was amazing, and it’s already become one of Disney’s most successful live-action remakes – and honestly, I’m not surprised! It’s such a sweet story.

‘A Minecraft Movie’ (2025)

As a huge cinema fan, I was really interested to see how ‘A Minecraft Movie’ would do, and it absolutely smashed it! Released on April 4th by Warner Bros., it quickly became the highest-grossing film of the year. It made an incredible $423.9 million from over 4,200 cinemas worldwide. It was amazing to see so many fans of the game come out to experience that blocky world on the big screen. It just proves how powerful those big gaming franchises are when they make the jump to film – it’s a really exciting time for that kind of adaptation!

Share your favorite movie experiences from this year in the comments.

2025-12-27 16:48