The highly-anticipated ‘Barbenheimer’ weekend, which combined Greta Gerwig’s Barbie and Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, exceeded all expectations and struck box office gold. As moviegoers flocked back to theaters, the social media frenzy surrounding the films propelled it to extraordinary success, offering a glimmer of hope to the struggling movie business, despite ongoing strikes.
Barbie, produced by Warner Bros., dominated the weekend box office, raking in a staggering $155 million from 4,243 theaters across North America. This outstanding performance not only surpassed the opening numbers of The Super Mario Bros. Movie but also outshined every Marvel film released this year, establishing itself as the highest-grossing opening of the year so far. Additionally, the film achieved another milestone by breaking the record for the biggest opening weekend for a film directed by a woman.
In recent years, the entertainment industry has witnessed a remarkable surge in female-led films that not only challenge gender norms but also shatter box office records. The world has embraced these empowering narratives, proving that strong, diverse female characters can carry a film to unprecedented heights of commercial success. Ahead, we will delve into the highest grossing female-led films of all time, celebrating the impact these movies have had on the global cinematic landscape.
Frozen II (2019) - Directed by Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck
With a soaring box office collection of over $1.45 billion worldwide, Frozen II takes the top spot as the highest-grossing female-led film to date. The sequel to the wildly successful Frozen, this animated masterpiece follows the journey of sisters Anna and Elsa as they venture into the unknown to uncover the secrets of their kingdom’s past. The film’s themes of sisterhood, self-discovery, and empowerment resonated with audiences of all ages, propelling it to astronomical success.
Watch it here.
Wonder Woman (2017) - Directed by Patty Jenkins
Proving that a female superhero can dominate the box office, Wonder Woman soared to an impressive $821 million worldwide. Gal Gadot’s portrayal of the iconic DC Comics character brought strength, compassion, and grace to the big screen, inspiring audiences and breaking barriers for women in the superhero genre. Director Patty Jenkins also made history as the first woman to direct a major superhero film, further emphasising the film’s impact.
Watch it here.
Captain Marvel (2019) - Directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck
Captain Marvel solidified its place as a groundbreaking film, becoming the first female-led superhero film to surpass the $1 billion mark globally. Brie Larson’s portrayal of Carol Danvers, a powerful and resilient Air Force pilot turned superhero, resonated with audiences around the world. The film’s financial success shattered misconceptions about female-led action films and opened the door for greater representation of women in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Watch it here.
Beauty and the Beast (2017) - Directed by Bill Condon
Emma Watson’s enchanting portrayal of Belle, alongside an ensemble cast, breathed new life into the classic fairy tale Beauty and the Beast. The live-action adaptation waltzed its way to a box office gross of over $1.2 billion, captivating audiences with its timeless tale of love, inner beauty, and acceptance.
Watch it here.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) - Directed by J.J. Abrams
Though ensemble-driven, Daisy Ridley’s performance as Rey, a scavenger-turned-Jedi, played a pivotal role in the monumental success of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The film’s global box office haul of over $2 billion demonstrated that female characters can command the iconic Star Wars franchise, paving the way for more diverse and empowering storytelling in future instalments.
Watch it here.
Moana (2016) - Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker
Moana is a heartwarming animated tale that takes audiences on a voyage across the Pacific Ocean, following the courageous and determined young Polynesian princess, Moana. With an impressive worldwide box office gross of over $690 million, the film celebrates Polynesian culture and mythology while delivering a powerful message of self-discovery, bravery, and the importance of following one’s dreams. Auli’i Cravalho’s portrayal of Moana and the film’s captivating storytelling captivated audiences, proving that diverse, female-led animated films can make a substantial impact at the box office.
Watch it here.
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013) - Directed by Francis Lawrence
Based on the best-selling novel by Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is the second installment of the dystopian adventure franchise. Jennifer Lawrence’s portrayal of Katniss Everdeen, a resilient young woman who becomes a symbol of hope and rebellion, struck a chord with audiences worldwide. The film grossed over $865 million globally, showcasing the immense popularity of a strong female protagonist in a captivating and action-packed narrative.
Watch it here.
From animated tales of sisterly love to empowering superhero sagas, these films have shattered box office records and proven that female-led stories have universal appeal. As wecelebrate the success of these groundbreaking films, it becomes evident that representation matters, and the world is hungry for more diverse and empowering stories that reflect the strength and resilience of women in all their forms. As the film industry continues to evolve, we eagerly anticipate even more female-led blockbusters that will inspire generations to come.
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