The 10 biggest box-office winners in 2015

Universal

This week, most in Hollywood are taking some time off to celebrate the holidays and be with loved ones.

Studio execs are also taking this break to joyfully count the 2015 box-office dollars, which hit $11 billion in the US alone, an all-time record.  

The 2015 box office has been historic. Universal had three movies cross the $1 billion mark worldwide, the first time a studio has ever done that.

And already "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" has had incredible success since it opened on December 18. It became the fastest movie to ever hit the $1 billion mark and ticket sales show no signs of slowing down.  

With the help of data from Box Office Mojo, we compiled the 10 biggest worldwide box-office earners of 2015.

10. “The Martian” - $594.1 million

Courtesy Twentieth Century Fox

Matt Damon stranded on Mars turned out to be a real draw for audiences. Melding the star's dry humor in the role with its science-heavy plot, the movie turned into Twentieth Century Fox's biggest earner of the year.

*Still in theaters

9. “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2” - $619.4 million

Lionsgate

Though it's been tracking slower than "Mockingjay - Part 1," the final chapter in the story of Katniss Everdeen is far from a disappointment from an earnings perspective. All the more reason why you'll likely see prequels and spin-offs of the franchise in the coming years.  

*Still in theaters

8. “Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation” - $682.3 million

Chiabella James

The latest box-office dominance for Tom Cruise and the "M:I" franchise means we're in store for more from the franchise, and that also means more of Cruise's crazy stunts. But what may be the most exciting is the impending return of actress Rebecca Ferguson, who was a highlight playing the tough female lead in "Rogue Nation."

 

See the rest of the story at Business Insider