There’s a possibility that we might be partly responsible for Hollywood’s continued reliance on franchises, sequels, and prequels. While 2024 offered a variety of films, animation dominated in terms of quality and box office performance, even amidst technological advancements that challenged the industry.
On the other hand, although there were many good movies in 2024, most of the best-performing—though not necessarily the best—were sequels or part of a franchises.
As of December 2024, these are the 20 highest-grossing Hollywood movies. Note that box office numbers are continually updated.
The Minions are the sole reason this franchise continues to thrive.
Synopsis: Gru and the Minions embark on a new adventure to stop a villain threatening world peace.
Budget: $100 million
Worldwide Gross: $969,459,798
Moana 2 (Sequel)
I wasn’t impressed by this movie, but like other animated films on this list, it found its audience.
Synopsis: Moana sets sail on another epic journey to save her island and discover her true destiny, encountering new friends and foes.
Budget: $150 million
Worldwide Gross: $729,676,035
Dune: Part Two (Continuation)
Perfectly set up by the first film and developed by an exceptional director, it’s no surprise this movie ranks among the year’s best cinematic experience.
Synopsis: Paul Atreides continues his journey to avenge his family and save the universe, facing new challenges and forging alliances.
Synopsis: Godzilla and Kong face a new threat that could destroy the world, leading to an epic showdown.
Budget: $135 -150 million
Worldwide Gross: $571,750,016
Kung Fu Panda 4 (Sequel)
Four movies in and somehow we still can't enough of this panda.
Synopsis: Po and his friends must stop a new villain threatening the Valley of Peace, with plenty of kung fu action and humor.
Budget: $85 million
Worldwide Gross: $547,689,492
Wicked
The studio was and has been very quiet about this being a part one, but the musical is decent. Ariana Grande's involvement likely contributed to its success.
Synopsis: The untold story of the witches of Oz, focusing on the friendship between Elphaba and Glinda before Dorothy’s arrival.
Budget: $145 million
Worldwide Gross: $540,278,875
Venom: The Last Dance (Sequel)
The final instalment of the Venom series and the doomed sony villians universe and perhaps the best of the three Venom movies. It was a decent outing for Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock.
Synopsis: Eddie Brock and Venom face their greatest challenge yet, testing their bond and abilities.
Most people probably watched this out of curiosity. No one asked for the sequel and it looked basic but the strong trailers helped make it work.
Synopsis: A new generation of storm chasers faces unprecedented tornadoes, pushing their skills and courage to the limit.
Budget: $100 million
Worldwide Gross: $370,962,265
It Ends with Us
A decent drama elevated by a strong lead actress. For that budget this was a big success.
Synopsis: Based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, this drama explores themes of love, resilience, and personal growth.
Budget: $25 million
Worldwide Gross: $350,960,656
Alien: Romulus (Franchise)
A strong return to the Alien franchise under a fantastic director. While the ending is polarizing, it’s generally a won back the "Alien" fans.
Synopsis: A new chapter in the Alien saga, exploring the origins of the Xenomorphs and the horrors they bring.
Budget: $80 million
Worldwide Gross: $350,865,342
The Wild Robot
The biggest surprise of the year, a smart yet deep and sometimes funny story. Fantastic animation and Lupita Nyong’o’s voice work was amazing. Without a doubt one of my favourite of the year.
Synopsis: A robot stranded on an island learns to survive, forming unexpected bonds with the island’s inhabitants.
Budget: $78 million
Worldwide Gross: $324,201,065
A Quiet Place: Day One (Prequel)
Starring Lupita Nyong’o, this prequel captured the terrifying chaos of an alien invasion brilliantly.
Synopsis: A prequel exploring the origins of the alien invasion and humanity’s initial struggle for survival.
Budget: $67 million
Worldwide Gross: $261,786,322
The Garfield Movie (Franchise)
The move to 3D worked surprisingly well, with a heartfelt and funny story that gave the character depth.
Synopsis: Garfield embarks on a new adventure filled with humour and mischief, bringing his classic charm to the big screen.
Budget: $60 million
Worldwide Gross: $234,546,781
Joker: Folie à Deux (Sequel)
Polarising is an understatement. Many disliked this movie, yet it made the top 20 highest-grossing films of 2024. I thought it was too much of an art film for the general audience.
Synopsis: The sequel to Joker, exploring Arthur Fleck’s next chapter and descent into madness.
Budget: $200 million
Worldwide Gross: $206,400,287
Honorable Mentions:
Some films released later in the year show promise, like Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Mufasa: The Lion King. Others, such as Transformers One, Furiosa, The Substance, Smile 2, and Bob Marley: One Love, Heretic, Late Night with the Devil were notable but didn’t make the list.
Numbers don't lie, looking ahead, it seems likely we’ll see even more sequels and prequels in the coming year.
