The global film industry had a spectacular year in 2025, grossing a record $33.5 billion at the box office; an impressive 10% increase from 2024. From blockbuster sequels to nostalgic reboots, audiences flocked back to theaters, proving that big-screen storytelling is far from dead.
But what made 2025 stand out? Was it the rise of animation, the dominance of franchises, or the power of international markets? Let’s break it down.
Top 10 Films of 2025
Here’s a detailed look at the highest-grossing films globally in 2025 and what made them resonate with audiences.
- Ne Zha 2 — $2.15B (China)
China leads the way in animation. Ne Zha 2 topped the global box office with $2.15 billion, demonstrating the country’s growing influence in film. This sequel blended rich Chinese mythology with breathtaking visuals, appealing not just domestically but also internationally.
The film proves that China is no longer just a market for Hollywood, it’s a creative powerhouse, exporting stories with global appeal.
- Zootopia 2 — $1.46B (USA/Disney)
Disney knows how to craft stories that hit home. Zootopia 2 combined humor, heart, and a clever social message, earning $1.46 billion worldwide. The sequel appealed to both children and adults, proving that animated films can carry meaning while still being wildly entertaining.
- Lilo & Stitch — $1.03B (USA/Disney)
Nostalgia sells, and Disney tapped into it perfectly. The reboot of Lilo & Stitch earned over $1 billion, reminding audiences of the warmth of Hawaiian-themed adventures while introducing these characters to a new generation.
For studios, this shows that smart reboots done with care and creativity can be both commercially successful and culturally resonant.
- Minecraft — $958M (USA/WB)
Video games on the big screen continue to thrive. Minecraft, based on the world-famous game, earned $958 million, highlighting the power of interactive IPs in cinemas.
The movie’s visuals were a spectacle, translating the game’s iconic blocky universe into a cinematic experience that fans and newcomers could enjoy alike.
- Jurassic World — $869M (USA/NBC)
Dinosaurs never go out of style. The latest Jurassic World installment delivered familiar thrills with modern CGI, earning $869 million worldwide. The film proved that franchises with proven formulas sci-fi, adventure, and awe-inspiring creatures can still dominate the box office.
- Avatar — $851M (USA/Disney)
James Cameron’s Avatar remains a powerhouse. Despite being more than a decade old, the franchise continues to impress with cutting-edge visuals and immersive storytelling, grossing $851 million.
Cameron’s dedication to technological innovation ensures that Avatar isn’t just a film; it’s an experience, and audiences are clearly willing to pay for it.
- Demon Slayer — $795M (Japan/Sony)
Anime is officially global. Demon Slayer earned $795 million, proving that Japanese animation isn’t niche; it’s mainstream.
Its success is a combination of beautiful visuals, compelling storytelling, and a loyal fanbase. For the global market, it signals that cultural export through animation is a major growth area.
- How to Train Your Dragon (HTTYD) — $636M (USA/NBC)
DreamWorks ended the year on a high note. The How to Train Your Dragon finale earned $636 million, delivering heartfelt storytelling and jaw-dropping animation.
Franchise longevity is key here; HTTYD proves that even after multiple installments, emotional resonance and world-building keep fans returning to theaters.
- F1 Movie — $632M (USA/Apple)
Apple’s foray into cinema paid off. The F1 Movie brought the thrill of racing to the big screen, earning $632 million. Beyond adrenaline-pumping action, the film tapped into global motorsport fandom, showing that films based on sports and real-life events can be highly lucrative.
- Superman — $617M (USA/WB)
The superhero genre isn’t slowing down. Superman grossed $617 million, blending nostalgia with modern storytelling. Even after decades, iconic characters remain a safe bet for studios, proving that familiarity and fan loyalty are major box office drivers.
What This Means for 2026 and Beyond
With $33.5 billion in global revenue, 2025 confirms that cinema is far from dying. Audiences are clearly hungry for cinematic experiences that feel bigger than life, whether that’s dragons, superheroes, or mythical heroes like Ne Zha.
The upcoming year will likely continue these trends, with more sequels, ambitious animations, and international collaborations shaping the box office landscape. For moviegoers and industry watchers alike, 2026 promises to be just as exciting.