Box office figures from around the globe have been rounded to the nearest million or billion dollars, with data sourced from Box Office Mojo.
Overall, 2024 has emerged as a remarkable year for cinema, showcasing an eclectic mix of genres and storytelling styles. Audiences enjoyed a rich array of films, ranging from epic science fiction adventures and thrilling action comedies to darkly humorous body horrors and captivating musicals. Notably, this year saw several major movie sequels outdo their predecessors at the box office, highlighting intriguing trends in cinematic storytelling.
Regardless of whether these sequels emerged from fresh franchises or resurrected long-dormant series, a selection of 2024’s most significant sequels not only broke box office records but also did so despite mixed critical responses. While it may seem inequitable that some outstanding films fail to secure sequels, it exemplifies a vital truth in Hollywood: commercial success frequently overshadows critical acclaim.
10 Terrifier 3
Worldwide Gross: $89 Million
The third chapter in Damien Leone’s Terrifier franchise, Terrifier 3 continues the thrilling tale of supernatural horror, featuring David Howard Thornton’s iconic character, Art the Clown, against a chilling Christmas backdrop. This installment debuted at Fantastic Fest in September and secured a commendable Rotten Tomatoes score of 78%, reflecting positive critical reception.
In terms of financial performance, Terrifier 3 significantly outperformed its predecessor, Terrifier 2, which grossed only $15.7 million. This latest release earned approximately $89 million globally, proving once again that high-quality horror can capture audiences and generate substantial box office returns.
9 Detective Conan: The Million-Dollar Pentagram
Worldwide Gross: $108 Million
As the twenty-seventh entry in the beloved Japanese Case Closed series, Detective Conan: The Million-Dollar Pentagram has emerged as a box office phenomenon that many casual cinema-goers might overlook. This animated mystery film, crafted by Chika Nagoaka, chronicles the latest escapades of the titular detective and, despite receiving mixed critical reviews, has enamored audiences.
Historic in terms of commercial success, the film achieved over $108 million globally, surpassing its preceding release, Detective Conan: Black Iron Submarine, which amassed $106 million. Consequently, it stands as the highest-grossing Japanese film of 2024 and the most profitable entry in the Case Closed franchise’s history.
8 Alien: Romulus
Worldwide Gross: $351 Million
2024’s Alien: Romulus marks a triumphant return for one of sci-fi horror’s most iconic franchises. Directed by Fede Álvarez, this standalone spin-off sequel set between the Alien films provides a gripping narrative that follows six colonists who encounter formidable Xenomorphs aboard a forsaken spacecraft. Critics have acclaimed this film as potentially the best addition to the Alien saga since 1986’s Aliens.
The film not only captured audience imaginations but also achieved remarkable financial success, collecting $351 million during its August release. Ranking as the second highest-grossing installment in the franchise—behind only the $402 million of Prometheus—Alien: Romulus concluded the year as 2024’s top-grossing horror film.
7 Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Worldwide Gross: $451 Million
Reviving the beloved characters of 1988’s Beetlejuice, Tim Burton’s 2024 film brings back Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder, who reprise their iconic roles to much enthusiasm. This sequel details Betelgeuse’s reappearance in Lydia Deetz’s life, successfully capturing the whimsical yet eerie charm of the original, bolstered by Burton’s distinctive direction.
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Beetlejuice Franchise Rotten Tomatoes Approval Rating |
|
|---|---|
|
Beetlejuice (1988) |
83% |
|
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024) |
76% |
With a respectable total of $84.6 million generated against a $15 million budget, the original Beetlejuice achieved commercial viability, but 2024’s sequel took it to another level.
6 Kung Fu Panda 4
Worldwide Gross: $548 Million
In a delightful return after an eight-year hiatus, Kung Fu Panda 4 features Jack Black as the beloved character Po, who embarks on a quest to train a new Dragon Warrior and confronts a formidable evil shape-shifting sorceress known as the Chameleon. Despite encountering mixed reviews, the film displayed significant box office strength.
Notably, while Kung Fu Panda 2 remains the franchise’s highest earner, grossing over $665 million, Kung Fu Panda 4 achieved $548 million globally. This reflects the franchise’s enduring appeal, despite occasional concerns about decline.
5 Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire
Worldwide Gross: $572 Million
Marking the fifth film in the Monsterverse franchise, Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire features the iconic titans uniting against a formidable foe, the Skar King. While the film received a mere 54% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes—criticized for its lack of engaging storytelling—its visual spectacle and monster-action sequences proved irresistible for audiences.
Ultimately, this sequel racked up over $572 million worldwide, outpacing its predecessor by $100 million and solidifying its status as a major commercial success for the franchise.
4 Dune: Part Two
Worldwide Gross: $714 Million
Following up on the 2021 installment, Dune: Part Two has been heralded as one of the finest movie sequels in cinematic history. Showcasing Paul Atreides’ mission to regain control over Arrakis from House Harkonnen, Denis Villeneuve’s vision garnered praise, with many asserting it outshone its predecessor.
With a jaw-dropping global gross of over $714 million, this sequel has established itself as the fifth-highest-grossing film of 2024, illustrating an extraordinary success in the franchise.
3 Seas 2
Worldwide Gross: $960 Million
Continuing the beloved story three years after 2016’s Moana, the much-anticipated Moana 2 features the original cast embarking on a quest for the elusive lost island of Motufetu. Despite mixed reviews highlighting its perceived inferiority compared to its predecessor, the film achieved impressive box office numbers.
Ending the year as the fourth-highest-grossing movie behind Despicable Me 4, Moana 2 amassed over $960 million worldwide, which is nearly $300 million more than the first film’s total. This demonstrates the enduring popularity of Disney’s animated offerings.
2 Deadpool & Wolverine
Worldwide Gross: $1.3 Billion
After a six-year break, Deadpool & Wolverine arrived as a revitalizing entry into the MCU. Ryan Reynolds reprises his role as Deadpool, joining forces with Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine in a nostalgic buddy-superhero adventure. Garnering a solid approval rating of 78% on Rotten Tomatoes, it resonated well with fans and critics alike.
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Highest-Grossing R-Rated Movies Of All Time |
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|---|---|
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Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) |
$1.3 Billion |
|
Joker (2019) |
$1 Billion |
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Oppenheimer (2023) |
$977 Million |
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Deadpool 2 (2018) |
$786 Million |
|
Deadpool (2016) |
$783 Million |
Following the tradition of its predecessors, Deadpool & Wolverine became the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time, surpassing notable titles like Joker and Oppenheimer, and amassed a staggering $1.3 billion globally by year’s end.
1 Inside Out 2
Worldwide Gross: $1.7 Billion
As a sequel to the acclaimed 2015 film, Kelsey Mann’s Inside Out 2 has proven to be an extraordinary success for Pixar, who has begun to reevaluate their approach to sequels. This animated coming-of-age tale showcases a range of anthropomorphized emotions navigating the life of a young girl. Featuring a stellar cast that includes Amy Poehler and Lewis Black, the film has received widespread critical acclaim.
Boasting a phenomenal worldwide gross of nearly $1.7 billion, Inside Out 2 not only eclipsed its predecessor (which grossed over $850 million) but also secured its place as the highest-grossing of 2024 and the all-time highest-grossing animated film ever, affirming the enduring appeal of Pixar’s storytelling.
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