2024 was a dynamic year at the theater, filled with high-profile sequels and spin-offs. Remarkably, the top box office results were largely devoid of comic book films, save for one notable exception. Disney’s Marvel Studios scaled back significantly, releasing just one tentpole movie, while DC remained in a holding pattern as fans eagerly awaited James Gunn’s Superman to kick off the revamped DC Universe in 2025.
In the absence of superhero dominance, animated features and long-awaited sequels to beloved classics stole the spotlight. Here's a breakdown of the top-grossing films at the domestic box office that defined the year as of Dec. 26:
The lovable panda Po returned for his fourth adventure, delivering laughs, action, and heartfelt moments. Featuring Jack Black reprising his iconic role alongside Awkwafina, Viola Davis, and Dustin Hoffman, this entry in the beloved franchise secured the tenth spot at the domestic box office with $193 million.
Two cinema titans clashed once again in this highly anticipated sequel. With Rebecca Hall and Brian Tyree Henry leading the human side of the story, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire roared into ninth place, grossing nearly $200 million domestically.
Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones breathed new life into the disaster-thriller genre with this sequel to the 1996 classic Twister. The follow-up to the Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton-led original spun its way to $267 million, landing in the eighth spot for the year.
Denis Villeneuve’s ambitious adaptation of Frank Herbert’s epic saga continued to captivate audiences. With Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya leading the charge, Dune: Part Two earned $282 million, securing its place as the seventh-highest domestic box office hit of 2024.
Thirty-six years after the original, the ghost with the most returned to the big screen in this legacy sequel. Starring Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Catherine O'Hara, and Jenna Ortega, the film blended nostalgia with fresh energy to earn nearly $300 million and claim the sixth spot.
Gru and his mischievous Minions returned in the fourth mainline installment of the Despicable Me series. Voiced by Steve Carell, the film’s blend of humor and heart earned it $361 million, placing it fifth among 2024’s biggest hits.
Disney’s follow-up to the 2016 animated hit sailed into theaters with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson reprising his role as Maui. Moana 2 surpassed its predecessor’s domestic box office performance, raking in $366 million and taking fourth place on the list.
Fans of Broadway were treated to a long-anticipated film adaptation of the beloved musical. Starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, Wicked soared past the competition with its dazzling performances and timeless story, earning $392 million and securing the number three spot.
Marvel’s lone entry of the year proved to be a juggernaut. Ryan Reynolds’ wisecracking Deadpool joined forces with Hugh Jackman’s iconic Wolverine, delivering an irreverent and action-packed spectacle. The film’s $636 million domestic haul made it the second-highest grosser of the year, proving that comic book fatigue isn’t universal.
Nearly a decade after the original, Pixar’s Inside Out 2 captured the hearts of audiences once again. Exploring the evolving emotions inside Riley’s head, the film struck a universal chord, powering its way to the top of the 2024 box office. With $652 million, it became Pixar’s most lucrative domestic release ever.
