After a promising 2023 that featured blockbusters like “Barbenheimer” and “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” the 2024 box office is projected to experience a decline. According to Gower Street Analytics, the 2024 global box office is expected to be less than 2023’s total. Although the domestic market saw a slight uptick of 1% above projections during the first three months of 2024, the release calendar was dotted with financial disappointments, most notably “Madame Web.” The summer movie slate faced challenges in May due to underwhelming financial performances from “The Fall Guy” and “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.” However, June presented a different story altogether, thanks to the success of sequels from established franchises. Further bolstering the box office are upcoming releases like “Twisters” and “Deadpool & Wolverine,” with the latter vying for the title of 2024’s biggest movie.
Below are the 10 most popular movies of 2024, ranked by domestic gross, based on Box Office Mojo data from July 10. This list only includes films released in 2024.
10. Bob Marley: One Love ($96,893,170)
“Bob Marley: One Love” emerged as the surprise hit of 2024. Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, the film stars Kingsley Ben-Adir as the iconic Jamaican singer and songwriter. The narrative begins in 1976 with an assassination attempt on Marley and his wife Rita (Lashana Lynch) during a peace concert. Following this harrowing event, “One Love” chronicles Marley’s career over the subsequent years, from the recording of “Exodus” to his meteoric rise to global stardom. While the film doesn’t reinvent the biopic genre, Ben-Adir’s compelling performance and the inclusion of landmark reggae songs are sure to resonate with Marley fans. The film exceeded expectations by grossing over $50 million during its six-day Valentine’s Day week opening, with its current domestic total surpassing $96 million. You can stream “Bob Marley: One Love” on Paramount+.
9. IF ($110,857,288)
After captivating audiences with the chilling “A Quiet Place” franchise, writer/director John Krasinski traded in menacing aliens for endearing creatures in “IF.” Shortly after relocating to New York City, 12-year-old Bea (Cailey Fleming) discovers a unique ability: she can see everyone’s “IF,” a term for their “imaginary friend.” These IFs are left behind by children who grow up and forget about their creations. One evening, Bea encounters Blue (Steve Carrell), a large purple monster searching for his creator. Blue leads Bea to Cal (Ryan Reynolds), a man dedicated to pairing IFs with new children. Ultimately, Bea agrees to assist Cal in his quest to find suitable homes for the IFs. “IF” is a film that encourages children to dream and reminds adults to embrace their creative side. Its domestic total currently sits at $110 million, a figure that likely won’t rise significantly due to its early availability on streaming. Stream “IF” on Paramount+.
8. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire ($113,376,590)
In 2024, the answer to “Who you gonna call?” remains unchanged: the Ghostbusters. The paranormal investigators return to their roots, New York City, in “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.” Three years have passed since the events of “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” and the Spengler family—Callie (Carrie Coon), Trevor (Finn Wolfhard), and Phoebe (Mckenna Grace)—relocate to the Big Apple with Gary Grooberson (Paul Rudd) to help reestablish the Ghostbusters. The quartet joins forces with Ray Stantz (Dan Aykroyd) and Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson) to combat a new evil force that threatens to plunge the world into a second Ice Age. “Frozen Empire” is a nostalgic venture with mixed results. Although plans for another sequel exist, a lackluster box office performance for “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” has put the franchise on hold for the time being. Buy or rent “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” on Prime Video, YouTube, Apple, or Google.
7. Despicable Me 4 ($131,885,255)
Never underestimate the power of the minions. These lovable yellow creatures return for a new adventure in “Despicable Me 4.” Gru (Steve Carrell) is still happily married to Lucy Wilde (Kristen Wiig) and is the adoptive father of Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier), and Agnes (Madison Polan). However, the family expands with the arrival of Gru and Lucy’s biological child, Gru Jr., who unfortunately harbors a dislike for his father. Adding to the family’s challenges, Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell) returns, teaming up with his girlfriend Valentina (Sofía Vergara) to seek revenge on Gru. Forced to relocate to a safer location, Gru and his family adopt new identities. But Gru can’t escape Maxime forever, leading to an inevitable confrontation between the two. “Despicable Me 4” opened to an impressive July Fourth weekend total of $120 million. The minions are set to continue attracting audiences to theaters throughout the summer. “Despicable Me 4” is currently playing in theaters.
6. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes ($169,721,843)
What a wonderful day! It’s been seven years since “War for the Planet of the Apes,” the final installment of the fantastic reboot trilogy. 2024 witnessed the return of the apes with new characters and a compelling new story in “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.” Three hundred years after Caesar (Andy Serkis) led his tribe to their promised land, ape civilizations have become the dominant species, while humans have devolved into feral beings. After his friends are kidnapped, a young ape named Noa (Owen Teague) embarks on a mission to rescue his tribe. Along his journey, Noa encounters Mae (Freya Allan), a young woman who possesses the ability to speak and think unlike her fellow humans. Mae joins forces with Noa to save his tribe, though she also has a significant mission of her own. Audiences’ enduring love for the “Apes” franchise is evident in the film’s $169 million domestic gross and plans for a sequel. “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is currently playing in theaters.
5. Bad Boys: Ride or Die ($178,165,954)
Nostalgia holds a powerful grip in Hollywood. Audiences revel in revisiting their favorite heroes and embarking on new adventures alongside them. The box office success of “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” is a testament to this sentiment. Following the success of “Bad Boys for Life,” Will Smith and Martin Lawrence reprise their roles as Detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett in the franchise’s fourth installment, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die.” After the late Captain Howard (Joe Pantoliano) is falsely implicated in drug cartels, Mike and Marcus set out to clear his name and prove his innocence. After a lackluster start to the summer box office in May, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” ushered in June with a strong opening weekend gross of $56.5 million. These promising box office numbers suggest that we haven’t seen the last of Mike and Marcus. “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” is currently playing in theaters.
4. Kung Fu Panda 4 ($193,590,620)
Never underestimate the power of Jack Black. The 54-year-old comedian has become a celebrated family movie star thanks to recent hits, including “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” two “Jumanji” films, and “The House with a Clock in Its Walls.” Black recently returned to his kid-friendly martial arts comedy franchise for a fourth time in “Kung Fu Panda 4.” Po (Black) embarks on a quest to find his successor as the Dragon Warrior. However, the shapeshifting creature, The Chameleon (Viola Davis), threatens the Valley of Peace with her ability to mimic kung fu techniques. Po reluctantly joins forces with the mischievous Zhen (Awkwafina) to protect the kung fu masters from Chameleon’s wrath. Due to the scarcity of family movies in the first quarter of the year, “Kung Fu Panda 4” has garnered a sizable audience in theaters, earning over $193 million domestically. As long as “Kung Fu Panda” continues to draw in viewers, “Kung Fu Panda 5” is likely to become a reality. Stream “Kung Fu Panda 4” on Peacock.
3. Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire ($196,350,016)
Critics were never going to be enamored with “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.” But here’s the truth: who truly enjoys these monster movies? Audiences. Despite a simultaneous release in theaters and on streaming in 2021, “Godzilla vs. Kong,” the predecessor to “Godzilla x Kong,” shattered several pandemic box office records on its way to a worldwide gross of $470 million. In 2024, the two sworn enemies forge an unlikely alliance to combat a new threat in “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.” While efforts were made to craft an engaging and thought-provoking narrative, “MonsterVerse” fans are drawn to the epic battles between Godzilla and Kong, not necessarily their mythology. In terms of spectacle, “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” delivers. The “Godzilla and Kong” saga is set to continue with a sequel slated for a 2026 release. Stream “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” on Max.
2. Dune: Part Two ($282,144,358)
The movie event of 2024, to this point, has been “Dune: Part Two.” Denis Villeneuve’s highly anticipated sequel to 2021’s “Dune” has garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews for its stunning visuals, exhilarating action, and exceptional direction. “Dune: Part Two” continues to chronicle the rise of Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), the gifted Duke who yearns to liberate the Fremen and exact revenge on the Harkonnens for the murder of his father. Initially scheduled for a November 2023 release, Warner Bros. postponed the film to March 2024 due to the actor and writer strikes. This gamble proved to be a wise one, as “Dune: Part Two’s” $282 million domestic total surpasses the $108 million earned by its predecessor. “Dune: Part Two” is likely to remain among the top 10 films throughout the year and is poised to be a major contender at the 2025 Oscars. Stream “Dune: Part Two” on Max.
1. Inside Out 2 ($537,948,505)
After a series of minor hits and direct-to-Disney+ releases, Pixar needed to reassert its dominance in theaters. Enter “Inside Out 2,” the long-awaited sequel to the Academy Award-winning “Inside Out.” Riley Andersen (Kensington Tallman) is now 13 years old and navigating the challenges of high school. Joy (Amy Poehler), one of Riley’s emotions, remains at the helm of her mind, alongside Sadness (Phyllis Smith), Fear (Tony Hale), Anger (Lewis Black), and Disgust (Liza Lapira). The arrival of Anxiety (Maya Hawke) threatens to disrupt their carefully crafted system, prompting Joy to attempt to fill Riley’s mind with only happy thoughts. “Inside Out 2” achieved a remarkable $154.2 million opening weekend, the largest of 2024. “Inside Out 2” has already crossed the $537 million mark domestically and continues to grow. The film has amassed a global gross of $1.2 billion and is on track to become the highest-grossing animated film of all time if it surpasses “The Lion King’s” $1.6 billion haul from 2019. “Inside Out 2” is currently playing in theaters.
