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The film industry has produced numerous iconic movies over the years, with some achieving exceptional box office success. Here, we explore films that not only captured the hearts of audiences but also had the unique distinction of having four-character titles or fewer. These films made their mark at the box office, surpassing hundreds of millions of dollars in earnings, and are the top 10 answers to the All Time Highest Worldwide Grossing Movies With Short Names.
Coco (2017) – $797 million
Coco (2017), an animated musical produced by Pixar and released by Walt Disney Pictures, stands as one of the highest-grossing animated films of all time with a total box office gross of $797 million. The movie, which explores themes of family and heritage through the vibrant celebration of the Mexican Day of the Dead festival, resonated with audiences worldwide. Its success can be attributed to its compelling storyline, beautiful animation, and catchy soundtrack, which features the Academy Award-winning song “Remember Me.” The film won numerous awards, including Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song at the Academy Awards. Its cross-cultural appeal and heartwarming narrative made it a standout at the global box office.
2012 (2009) – $757 million
2012 (2009), directed by Roland Emmerich, is a disaster film that grossed $757 million worldwide. The film, which depicts the global struggle for survival as catastrophic events unfold around the world, was a massive hit, especially for fans of action-packed disaster epics. The film’s success was driven by its high-octane special effects, large-scale destruction, and an ensemble cast led by John Cusack. It captured the fears and anxieties surrounding the Mayan calendar prophecy of the world ending in 2012, which was a popular topic at the time. Despite mixed critical reviews, audiences flocked to theaters to witness the spectacle, making it one of the highest-grossing films of its year.
Up (2009) – $731 million
Up (2009), a heartwarming animated film from Pixar, grossed $731 million worldwide. The film tells the story of Carl Fredricksen, a widowed, elderly man who embarks on an adventure to honor his late wife’s dream of visiting Paradise Falls. Accompanied by an unwitting young boy named Russell, Carl’s journey brings a flood of emotions that appealed to both children and adults alike. Up was a critical and commercial success, winning multiple Academy Awards, including Best Animated Feature. Its mix of humor, adventure, and emotional depth made it a unique and beloved entry in Pixar’s library, contributing to its impressive box office haul.
It (2017) – $701 million
It (2017), based on Stephen King’s horror novel, grossed $701 million globally, making it the highest-grossing horror film of all time. Directed by Andy Muschietti, the film follows a group of children who confront the sinister entity known as Pennywise the Dancing Clown, who preys on the town of Derry. The film’s success was attributed to its masterful blend of horror, humor, and nostalgia, as it captured the essence of King’s novel while adding a fresh spin for modern audiences. It was both a critical and financial triumph, propelling the film franchise into a massive success and leaving fans eagerly anticipating the sequel.
Sing (2016) – $631 million
Sing (2016), an animated musical comedy produced by Illumination Entertainment, grossed $631 million globally. The film tells the story of a group of animals competing in a singing competition, each with their own dreams and personal struggles. With a star-studded voice cast, including Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, and Scarlett Johansson, Sing became a crowd-pleaser for both children and adults. The movie’s catchy soundtrack, colorful animation, and heartwarming story contributed to its box office success, and it became one of the highest-grossing animated films of 2016.
Ted (2012) – $556 million
Ted (2012), a live-action comedy directed by Seth MacFarlane, grossed $556 million worldwide. The film centers around a man and his foul-mouthed, living teddy bear, Ted, who was magically brought to life when he was a child. The movie’s irreverent humor, adult themes, and combination of live-action with CGI made it a hit with adult audiences. The film’s success can be credited to MacFarlane’s unique comedic style, Mark Wahlberg’s performance, and the film’s shocking, yet hilarious moments. Ted became one of the highest-grossing R-rated comedies of all time and spawned a successful sequel.
Rio 2 (2014) – $492 million
Rio 2 (2014), the sequel to the 2011 animated film Rio, grossed $492 million worldwide. The movie follows Blu and Jewel as they travel to the Amazon rainforest, where they encounter new characters and face new challenges. The film’s stunning visuals, vibrant music, and captivating characters made it a hit among families. While not as successful as its predecessor, Rio 2 still garnered solid box office earnings due to its appeal to a young audience and its commitment to representing the beauty of Brazilian culture.
Rio (2011) – $487 million
Rio (2011) was a major box office success, grossing $487 million worldwide. The animated film from Blue Sky Studios follows Blu, a rare macaw who is taken to Rio de Janeiro for the first time and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and adventure. With its lively depiction of Brazilian culture, colorful animation, and a memorable soundtrack, Rio became a favorite for both children and adults. Its success led to the creation of a sequel, Rio 2, further cementing its place in animated film history.
Troy (2004) – $483 million
Troy (2004), a historical epic directed by Wolfgang Petersen, grossed $483 million worldwide. The film, based on Homer’s Illiad, tells the story of the Trojan War and features an all-star cast including Brad Pitt, Eric Bana, and Orlando Bloom. Despite its historical inaccuracies, Troy was praised for its epic battles, lavish production design, and strong performances, particularly from Pitt as Achilles. The film’s box office performance was driven by its action-packed sequences and its widespread appeal to fans of historical epics, helping it to become a major commercial success.
Jaws (1975) – $482 million
Jaws (1975), directed by Steven Spielberg, remains one of the most influential films of all time, grossing $482 million worldwide. The film, which tells the story of a great white shark terrorizing a small beach town, was a pioneering blockbuster that revolutionized the movie industry. Its suspenseful storytelling, unforgettable score, and iconic scenes made it a cultural phenomenon. Jaws became the highest-grossing film of its time and set the standard for summer blockbusters, solidifying Spielberg’s reputation as one of the greatest directors in film history.
