Gone Girl Film Review

A husband's worst nightmare comes to life when his wife goes missing, but this is anything but straightforward, nor is it any normal missing persons case

Gone Girl - Starring Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike
source: youtube.com (CC image)

Riveting, extreme, and everything that could possibly leave you satisfied that you chose to watch this particular thriller.

Book to movie adaptations are not exactly new to Hollywood, but this one happens to complete and utterly compliment the book, in most, because it has taken every aspect of what made the book so great and mirrored it into the perfect movie. Book to movie adaptations have never been quite this good (yes, that includes Harry Potter, Twilight and even Drive).

David Fincher has taken directing to a whole new level in this thriller, as he seems to have really harnessed his skills in this project. The ultimate intensity in every single scene is all a result of Fincher's ability to make audiences gasp in surprise at every moment another turn of events occurs. Fischer is known best for his thrillers, and there isn't a single director who could have been better suited to the part of directing this project, as it has all of the marks which would (and did) make it a 'Fincher' directed story to be brought to the big screen.

Even with the unmatched talents of the director, a movie could not be made well without some pretty descent actors, and it is the acting in this movie which was part of the great big package of welcomed surprises. Ben Affleck wormed to his role as Nick Dunne, the lonesome husband with the missing wife, proving yet again that he isn't just a handsome face. Affleck's portrayal of Nick is near perfection which cannot be said often for actors playing roles, but because of Affleck's clear emotion and raw acting skill you really can sit there staring at the screen believing that Affleck is Nick. Nick Dunne is a relatable character, again, adding to the characters capacity to entertain and keep everyones' focus throughout the movie, being especially important as Affleck's character is in most scenes.

However, the gem beneath the stone in this thriller, mystery is Rosamund Pike who plays Amy Dunne, Nick's wife who goes missing in the very early stage of the movie. Pike's portrayal of Amy is intriguingly fresh and twisted in all of the right ways, making her the fitting actress for the part. Pike, again, as with Affleck, plays her role as Amy with a realistic, emotional approach, which done by her was a shock and awe moment whenever the tables turned and things began to change right before your very eyes. It's worth remembering throughout the viewing of this movie that not everything is as it first seems. A thought provoking sentiment, just as the movie is all throughout.

Fans of the "Gone Girl" book will be pleased to hear that the movie also had it's screenplay written by  the "Gone Girl" (book) author, Gillian Flynn, who to no surprise made a great addition to the project, and who clearly wrote one of the best screenplays ever written for a thriller movie. Gillian Flynn has a talent for writing thriller, mysteries, which alone should leave good enough reason to see this movie, that shakes the thriller genre, adding something original and exciting to the ever growing pile.

The storyline has the makings of genius handiwork, thanks to Gillian Flynn. It grabs you, then it grabs you some more, until before you know it there are a dozen invisible hands grabbing you, and you are unable to lose the tightened grip until the end credits begin to role. That is how good the storyline for the movie was, helped of course by the people doing their parts in the movie, but the storyline for the movie (based on the 'same' titled book) cannot be faulted, and trust me when I say that I have tried. The story feels so original, which could be said for a lot of movies, or could it? As thinking about it, most typical movies tend to use a rehashed formula from movies done in the past which have proven to be commercially viable and successful, and at times this is even the case with book to movie adaptations. Although, this is far from the case with "Gone Girl", as this is not just another psychological, mystery, thriller, but an entirely new (in all forms) thriller, which has no problems in leaving audiences gasping and returning for more.

The movie, start to finish, leaves you speculating in your head (or, and you'll know if this is you... out loud) over what might happen next, and even right up until the end when all of the answers have been told, there is still speculation going on in your head (or, out loud) over what could possibly happen next. When a movie is as thought provoking as "Gone Girl" you know you're going to want to watch it again, giving it further reason to be deserving of your undivided attention as it has all of the makings of becoming your next favourite thriller movie sat on the shelf among your DVD collection. The movie quite literally has no errors, which sounds odd (I know), but this all makes sense when watching the movie, as our minds are naturally seeking to judge everything, and movies take the rather blunt end of the stick (myself, being the same), and this truthfully is a flawless movie, turning judgemental eyes into soft candy.


Thank you for reading. This is the first film review written for "AusgustusWorth", and I hope you have enjoyed reading and now have a thirst to watch "Gone Girl".

Have you seen the "Gone Girl" movie? Have you read the "Gone Girl" book? Have you done both, and if so,  how did you find they compared? Let us know in the comments box below.

Mel Gibson's Career

Taking a look at Mel Gibson's career, past and present, and speculating over whether or not Gibson will be doing a comeback in 2015

Mel Gibson Back in his Hay Day
source: it.wikipedia.org

Career Overview

Mel Gibson is an ex-Hollywood hotshot, having been one of the highest paid actors throughout the 90’s, taking home a paycheque of between $10-20 million per film. Mel Gibson was also Hollywood’s hottest actor throughout the 80’s and 90’s, being adored by women for his looks and on-screen charm and adored by men for his screen presence and versatile acting talent.

However, throughout the 2000’s Gibson took some time away from his acting career to pursue a career as a film director, having seen success with The Passion of the Christ (2004) and Apocalypto (2006). But this was the end of the lucky road that Gibson has been on for so long, as Gibson’s personal life was falling apart at the scenes as his wife left him, Gibson taking the divorce badly went out and said some unsavoury things to a police officer which was recorded and leaked to the public. If this wasn’t damaging enough to the crumbling actors career, he was also accused of beating his new girlfriend, backed by evidence of a drunk Mel Gibson phoning the battered girlfriend saying yet again, more unsavoury words. To sum up, Gibson’s career has taken a stumble from the top shelf, to the lonely floor as Gibson’s large fan-base has near diminished because of his personal life, having shown that he may not be the perfect man that we see in his academy award winning, box office hit movies.

Surprisingly, Gibson is still landing roles in movies as we sit comfortably in the mid 2010’s, but there is little chances of Mel Gibson doing a major comeback anytime soon, based on the slander that has been train-wrecking his career throughout the media talk of Gibson being a woman-beater, a racist, an alcoholic, and a plain unsettling character.

Gibson’s Defence

All being said, Mel Gibson still has the support of his close celebrity friends, with the likes of Jodie Foster and Danny Glover, all of which say that Gibson is a good man, through and through, backing him 100% saying that in his right mind he would never say any of the things that he has been recorded saying in the past. As a matter of fact, almost all of the previous co-stars and co-workers that Gibson has worked with in the past in his movies have stated that Gibson was always kind and thoughtful on-set, being the actor that everyone loved to work with.

Gibson’s History

Mel Gibson has been a major Hollywood star in the movies since he landed the role as Max in the 1979 production of Mad Max. Gibson has admitted to being an alcoholic his early career as an actor, struggling with the addiction, but as he has stated in the past, he has always found a way to keep the addiction under control; however, with all addictions they are a lifelong struggle.

Throughout the 80’s Gibson starred in such hit movies as Lethal Weapon (1987) and Lethal Weapon 2 (1989), being the series that Gibson is best known for throughout his career, as Gibson plays a handsome cop who finds himself and his partner getting into some pretty difficult and dangerous cases.

The 90’s were arguably Gibson’s best decade for his acting career, as he continues on doing the final two Lethal Weapon movies in the series; Lethal Weapon 3 (1992) and Lethal Weapon 4 (1998). Not to forget the timeless classics like Braveheart (1995), which both starred Gibson (as the leading role) and saw Gibson direct, and Payback (1999).

Leading onto the 2000’s, with Gibson’s acting career still going strong, as Gibson is still demanding a fee of $10-20 million for all of the movies that he starred in. Plus, it was in the early 2000’s when Gibson starred in one of his greatest movies to-date, that being The Patriot (2000), which sees Gibson star alongside Heath ledger. Moving swiftly onto one of Gibson’s strangest, but most memorable roles in the psychological thriller Signs (2002), starring alongside Joaquin Phoenix and being directed by M. Night Shyamalan. However, it is at this stage when Gibson makes the decision of stepping away from acting to re-pursue film directing, mostly due to the advise that Gibson received from Shyamalan on the set of the making of Signs. Gibson directed The Passion of the Christ (2004), but due to conflicts over the religious grounds of the movie, Gibson couldn’t get a studio to produce the film so Gibson had to fund the movie himself, although, thankfully this was the best financial decision that he could have made. Gibson produced the film, meaning that he was entitled to 50% of the movies overall gross, which meant Gibson would take home $600 million for his efforts on the project. Gibson’s next motion picture directorial project was another box office success, being Apocalypto (2006), which made  $120 million at the worldwide box office off a $40 million budget.

The 2010’s was where all of the problems begin to emerge for the once shining actor, as Gibson’s first acting role since 2005 in Edge of Darkness (2010) was a disaster at the box office, having grossed $81 million worldwide off a $80 million, meaning that the movie more than likely lost money, as the production budget does not include marketing expenses. Then, a year later, an even greater disaster emerges with Jodie Foster’s’ The Beaver (2011), starring Mel Gibson as the leading man, but the picture only grossed $6 million worldwide off a $21 million budget. Hopes now full upon Gibson’s upcoming release, Blood Father, a revenge thriller, which is due out for release at some point in 2015.

Gibson’s Potential 2015 Comeback

Could 2015 be the year that Mel Gibson does a comeback with his acting career? Doubtful, based on the failures of Gibson’s previous ventures into movies over the past few years, however, revenge thrillers have proven to be popular thanks to Liam Neeson’s powerful performances in the sub-genre.

Has Gibson still got the appeal that he once had? Again, doubtful, based purely on the evidence of the failures that Gibson has had with his previous projects, but then again, maybe Gibson’s fan-base is quietly waiting for the right movie to watch him in. One can only hope.

What are your thoughts on Mel Gibson’s career? Do you think that Mel Gibson is going to do a major comeback in 2015, revitalising his acting career? Let us know in the comments box below.

What Disney Movies are on Netflix UK?

The family favourite Disney and Disney-Pixar movies currently streaming on Netflix UK

Disney and Netflix have had a long-lasting relationship, meaning that Netflix has received licensing rights to stream a number of their catalogued movies, new and old. Netflix UK customers have been lucky enough to watch Disney and Disney-Pixar movies since 2013, with the collection changing from time to time, but thankfully to this very day, we Netflix UK subscribers have access to a selection of Disney and Disney-Pixar movies.

Now that we are comfortably into the new year, it struck as the right time to take a look at the Disney movies available on the number one online streaming service, Netflix, specifically looking at the Disney movies available on Netflix UK.

Netflix UK subscribers have been welcomed with Marvel movies, DreamWorks TV shows, and now Disney movies, leading us all to wonder what's to come next. Although, focusing on Disney, there are some mega-titles from the studio which are currently streaming on Netflix UK, with the live-action adventure, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, the catalogue-classic, Aladdin, and the Disney-Pixar family favourite, Monsters, Inc. 

Here's the complete list of the Disney and Disney-Pixar movies available on Netflix UK.

Disney Live-Action

The Cat from Outer Space (1978)

Honey, I Blew Up the Kid (1992)

Cool Runnings (1993)

The Jungle Book (1994)

Homeward Bound 2: Lost in San Francisco (1996)

The Princess Diaries (2001)

The Haunted Mansion (2003)

George of the Jungle 2 (2003)

Freaky Friday (2003)

The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004)

Ice Princess (2005)

The Game Plan (2007)

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007)

Space Buddies (2009)

Hannah Montana: The Movie (2009)

The Search for Santa Paws (2010)

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)

Disney Animation

Bambi (1942)

Oliver & Company (1988)

Ducktales: The Movie: Treasure of the Lost Lamp (1990)

Aladdin (1992)

Pocahontas (1995)

The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)

Hercules (1997)

Mulan (1998)

Tarzan (1999)

Mickey's Magical Christmas: Snowed In at the House of Mouse (2000)

Lilo & Stitch (2002)

The Hunchback of Notre Dame II (2002)

Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas (2004)

The Three Musketeers (Mickey, Donald, Goofy) (2004)

Kronk's New Groove (2005)

The Fox and the Hound 2 (2006)

Meet the Robinsons (2007)

Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure (2009)

Winnie the Pooh (2011)

Secret of the Wings (2012)

Frankenweenie (2012)

Disney-Pixar Animation

A Bug's Life (1998)

Monsters, Inc. (2001)
Toy Story 3 (2010)

Brave (2012)

This list is to be updated regularly, so if you're a Disney fan and are currently subscribed to Netflix UK, make sure to check back at our list for the latest Disney additions to the Netflix UK library.

Film Talk | Transformers

Discussing the Transformers movie franchise, from the first to the latest instalment

Transformers: Age of Extinction Screenshot
source: youtube.com

The Transformers franchise has become one of the most talked about movie franchises of all time, as it has gone through an extremely successful original (Transformers, 2007), which amassed a worldwide gross of $710 million, followed by 3 successful sequels, which altogether including the first gave the Transformers movie franchise a total worldwide gross of $3,757,212,051 (billion).

The Transformers movies, although commercially successful, have received a lot of negativity from hardcore movie watchers around the world because of its lack of character development, predictable storyline's and the overuse of action in each Transformers instalment. However, some (including myself) may argue that it is all of the action that makes it such an appealing movie to see at the movie theatres, as occasionally it is nice to watch a movie, not for the shocking plots, but rather for the madness of never-ending explosions and havoc on-screen.

Not to mention, Transformers is a franchise clearly designed with families in mind, as the whole family can get together to watch a Transformers movie, and when the whole family is sat together watching a movie, usually the last thing on anyone's mind is whether the characters are being developed or if the storyline is original and unpredictable. As most will be purely happy that the movie was entertaining, as at the end of the day isn't that why we all pay to watch movies at the cinema. 

On the other hand, of course it's nice to watch a movie with originality, exceptional characters and a great direction for the movie, which is why I enjoy watching thrillers and dramas, as these are the genres where the best masterpieces in film-making will be found. Plus, when did you last hear of an action movie receiving an Oscar award or a Golden Globe award, as I'm pretty sure this doesn't happen all that often. However, action movies/franchises like Transformers are almost always the box office hits, which is simply due to the lasting entertainment that they provide for movie-goers.

As far, you can probably tell that I'm a Transformers fan, but that doesn't mean that I can't be subjective with my thoughts as I would be the first to step forward if someone was to claim that Transformers was the greatest movie franchise to set foot on-screen, as it is far from the greatest. But that isn't necessarily to say that it is the worst, as if I'm not mistaken there are thousands of movies worse than Transformers and this year alone there will be at least another 50 that could be added to the list of movies worse that Transformers.

So, lets take a separate look at each of the Transformers movies that have been created so far.

Transformers (2007)

Transformers (2007)
source: wallpapers.mi9.com (CC image)

When it all began back in 2007, we saw Transformers adapted from a children's animated TV series into a movie made for the big-screen. Michael Bay directed the movie, which some argue as being the problem, but I believe that this was a wise decision being that Transformers required a direction that was going to include plenty of thirst-filling action, being that Bay is well known for adding a bombardment of explosions into his movies.

The balance of good vs. evil is always a formula for entertainment, as who doesn't want to see the bad guys (the decepticons) getting their butts kicked by the good guys (the autobots). From the very moment the movie began, it was clear that this was going to be a movie flooded with CGI, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, as the CGI was brilliantly mixed with live-action from a cast of actors/actresses who performed very well throughout the movie. The best performance certainly came from Shia LaBeouf who played the leading role as Sam Witwicky, which must have been an interesting character to play considering he had to spend a lot of the time screaming at nothing (the transformers).

The idea alone of the transformers is an interesting one, as they are robot aliens who have come to earth and they have the ability to turn (transform) into vehicles of any kind. Michael Bay has executed a difficult movie, but it is certainly a joint effort that has pulled-off the entire show, being the work of the CGI animators, the entire cast (including the voice-over actors), the producers and Paramount Studio who we can all thank for funding the entire project (along with DreamWorks Studios).

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)
source: mr-movie.com (CC image)

Transformers first sequel, and what a bitter disappointment it was, but luckily for the production studio the movie grossed more than the first, meaning that this wouldn't be the end for the franchise.

Getting down to the movie itself, the attempted comedy throughout was almost embarrassing with plenty of hit and miss moments. Although, in fairness the movie did have some credibility with the returning director, Michael Bay, as well as Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox and our favourite here at Augustus Worth, being the parents of LaBeouf's character, as they actually were heartfelt and funny to watch.

Then there was the return of the transformers (autobots and the decepticons), who as before brought with them plenty of action, although there were a few annoying autobots who did not fit to our liking and probably not anyone else's.

The movies ending was entertaining as you'd expect, however, it felt like a wasted opportunity to do something with more substance, offering more to the story's plot. That being said it may have not been as good as we were all expecting, but the movie did reveal more about the back-story behind the transformers and how they came to know of earth in the first place.

This movie, in all was one I'd feel a little pushed to have to watch again, as for the first time watching the movie it felt as though the movie would never end. That isn't the feeling that you want to get on the first time viewing a movie, although, for fans of the franchise it is crucial that at some point you see the movie as it does tell you more about the transformers, revealing new twists on the original telling of the story of the transformers in the original.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011)

Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011)
source: kingosamurai347.wordpress.com (CC image)

The third Transformers instalment, ending an era for Shia LaBeouf, who made a wise decision to end his time doing Transformers movies after doing this final instalment. Megan Fox's character was nowhere to be seen in this instalment resulting in the end for her time in the Transformers movies, with her character being replaced by another, equally attractive and a similarly low-talented actress, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. This bringing more reason to question Michael Bay on his choice of supporting actresses in the Transformers franchise, which is one of the few questions I would like to ask Bay.

The movie itself was an improvement on the second instalment, having more depth to the story, but the in the end it still wasn't as good as the original. Although, the movie was jam-packed full of action, being the Transformers movie that so far had the most action, but the comedy still felt a little dry, but bearable. 

There is more battling between the transformers (autobots and decepticons) with more characters introduced throughout the movie with an ending that was the first to offer shock to the system, leaving audiences wondering whether this would be the end. Think again, after a worldwide gross of $1.1 billion, there was no chance that the production studios were going to lay this franchise to rest, and there has already been a third sequel to the franchise.

Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014)

Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014)
source: nydailynews.com (CC image)

The fourth and latest Transformers instalment, starring a whole new cast of actors/actresses including Mark Wahlberg and Kelsey Grammer. The transformers (autobots and a new enemy, not the decepticons) are back and ready to face an unknown enemy, who are interested in wiping out the autobots, which I guess is pretty much the same idea that the decepticons had. However, the latest bad guy (Galvatron) is much more intense than that of the decepticons, being more prepared and quicker in taking down the autobots.

This Transformers instalment is all new and really does feel like the whole franchise is being started over, although with plenty of similarities to the first 3 instalments. Age of Extinction sees the autobots for the first time act in a more brutal manner towards the humans, as they begin to lay waste to the bad guys (humans) that dare to set fire upon the autobots. A welcomed surprise in my opinion, as the whole protecting the humans, even those who try to kill the autobots, was beginning to get a little old and unlikely given the power that the transformers have. 

Age of Extinction has more action than any of the other Transformers instalments, it is less afraid of seeing humans be killed in the casualties of war and it feels as though the entire franchise has been given a new lease of life.

Mark Wahlberg is a superstar in Hollywood today, probably being the reason why Michael Bay made the decision to cast him as the lead following the step-down of Shia LaBeouf from the franchise. Wahlberg managed to own the screen throughout the movie, being the biggest draw for fans of the Transformers franchise and the actor himself. Wahlberg's character held his own throughout the movie with the help of an alien gun, allowing him to contribute to the success of battles between the gun guys and the bad guys, something that LaBeouf's character never did.

As many have said, this was a far better sequel than the second and third, bringing the franchise back to the former glory that it once had after the release of the original Transformers movie. Arguably, some of the characters could have had better actors/actresses cast as the parts, but luckily the ones who were cast well; such as Mark Wahlberg, Kelsey Grammer and Stanley Tucci made the whole movie work.

Then, as a happy surprise for all of the hardcore transformers fans, they put dinobots into the movie, which were very cool to watch (spoiler alert- coming up) as they worked with the autobots to stop the reincarnation of Megatron and his ruthless army. 

(CONCLUSION)

Whether you love or loathe the Transformers franchise, one thing is certain, which is that with the amount of money that the Transformers movies are grossing, it isn't just a hope that there will be more sequels to come, but a fact, as the latest Transformers movie has made a more-than handsome return on the budget it received, meaning that the studio will be excited to have another instalment made for the franchise. The only question remaining is if Michael Bay and Mark Wahlberg will be returning to their positions for the next Transformers project.


So, what did you think about the Transformers movies? Do you love or loathe the Transformers franchise since Michael Bay began directing the movies? Are you looking forward to a fifth Transformers instalment or would you sooner the Transformers franchise be stopped now whilst the going is good? Leave your answers in the comments box below.

Sky Movies Movie Library: Complete List - Updated Weekly

All of the movies available on Sky Movies UK, all in one, convenient place

Welcome to the complete list of all Sky Movies (UK) movies, organised into genres. We've created this list to ease finding that right movie to watch, without having to trudge through the Sky Movies channels, plus, we have added the latest releases from the last week to the top of our list, along with the week-to-comes releases so that you can plan ahead.

The UK's only movie channels (Sky Movies) which provide showings of the latest movies a year before any other network. This has inspired us to create this list for Sky Movies subscribers and for those looking into the service and its movie selection (as it currently stands).

Without further delay, here's the list of Sky Movies movies which are currently available on the service.

Sky Movies (UK) Library

(Bold- our recommendations)

  

This Weeks Releases: "300: Rise of an Empire" (2014), "Ain't them Bodies Saints" (2013), "Alexander" (2004), "Alien Abduction" (2014), "The Cable Guy" (1996), "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" (2005), "Drive Hard" (2014), "Fort Bliss" (2014), "In Secret" (2014), "Maleficent" (2014), "Man of Tai Chi" (2013), "Mean Girls" (2004), "The Million Dollar Duck" (1971), "The Monkey's Uncle" (1965), "Mulan II" (2005), "One of Our Dinosaurs is Missing" (1975), "Return to Nim's Island" (2013), "The Last King of Scotland" (2006), "The Million Dollar Duck" (1971), "Saw IV" (2007), "Sense and Sensibility" (1995),  "Transcendence" (2014), "The Trials of Cate McCall (2013), "The Zero Theorem" (2013), "When the Lights Went Out" (2012).

Last Chance to View: "3:10 to Yuma" (1957), "A Few Good Men" (1992), "Austin Powers: The Spy Who S*****d Me" (1999), "Awakenings" (1990), "Beautiful Creatures" (2013), " Best in Show" (2000), "Captain Corelli's Mandolin" (2001), "Conception" (2011), "Deja Vu" (2006), "Demolition Man" (1993), "Free Willy" (1993), "Hairbrained" (2013), "Hyde Park on Hudson" (2012), "In the Line of Fire" (1993), "Last Action Hero" (1993), "The Man with two Brains" (1983), "Maverick" (1994), "McCabe & Mrs. Miller" (1971),"Men in Black II" (2002), "My Girl" (1991), "Oz: The Great and Powerful" (2013), "Penthouse North" (2011), "Planes, Trains & Automobiles" (1987), "Pooh's Huffalump Movie" (2005), "Stir Crazy" (1980), "Struck by Lightning" (2012), "The Adventures of Huck Finn" (1993), "The Age of Innocence" (1993), "The Good Witch's Destiny" (2013), "The Guilt Trip" (2012), "The Last Boy Scout" (1991), "The Love Bug" (1969), "The Muppets Take Manhattan" (1984), "The Pacifier" (2005), "The Pelican Brief" (1993), "The Rookie" (2002), "The Shaggy D,A," (1976), "Tinker Bell and the Secret of the Wings" (2012), "Trading Places" (1983), "Training Day" (2001).

Genres

Action & Adventure: "A Bridge too Far" (1977), "A Good Day to Die Hard" (2013), "After the Sunset" (2004), "Aftermath" (2012), "Against All Flags" (1952), "All is Lost" (2013), "Allan Quatermain & The Lost City of Gold" (1986), "Anaconda" (1997), "Arachnophobia" (1990), "Assault on Precinct 13" (2005), "Bad Boys II" (2003), "Barb Wire" (1995), "Batman Begins" (2005), "Battle of the Damned" (2013), "Behind Enemy Lines 4: Seal Team 8" (2014), "Big Trouble in Little China" (1986), "Black Hawk Down" (2001), "Bloodsport" (1988), "Born to Fight" (2011), "Born to Race: Fast Track" (2014), "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" (2014), Commando (1985), "Con Air" (1997), "Constantine" (2005), "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" (2000), "Cyborg" (1989), "Days of Thunder" (1990), "Death Warrant" (1990), "Deep Blue Sea" (1999), "Deep Impact" (1997), "Die Hard" (1988), "Die Hard 2: Die Harder" (1990), "Die Hard with a Vengeance" (1995), "Drop Zone" (1994), "Elysium" (2013), "Enter the Dragon" (1973), "Eragon" (2006), "Escape from L.A. (1996), "Executive Decision" (1995), "Fantastic Four" (2005), "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer" (2007), "Fast and Furious 6" (2013), "Fire with Fire" (2012), "Getaway" (2013), "Godzilla" (1998), "Hammer of the Gods" (2013), "Hell is for Heroes" (1962), "Highwaymen" (2004), "Hudson Hawk" (1990), "Hulk" (2003), "In Security" (2013), "In the Line of Fire" (1993), "Iron Man 3" (2013), "Ironclad: Battle for Blood" (2014), "Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit" (2014), "Jack the Giant Slayer" (2013), "Journey to the Centre of the Earth" (1959), "Judge Dredd" (1995), "Kick-Ass 2" (2013), "Kill Bill: Vol. 1" (2003), Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004), "King Arthur" (2004), "Lethal Weapon" (1987), "Lethal Weapon 2" (1989), "Lone Survivor" (2013),"The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" (2001), "Mad Max" (1979), "Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior" (1981), "Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome" (1985), "A Man Apart" (2003), "Man of Steel" (2013), "Miami Vice" (2006),"Mission: Impossible III"(2006),"Murphy's Law" (1986), "National Treasure" (2004), "National Treasure: Book of Secrets" (2007), "Noah" (2014), "The One" (2001), "Pacific Rim" (2013), "Pain & Gain" (2013), "Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters" (2013), "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" (2006), "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl" (2003), "Platoon" (1986), "Predator" (1987), "Predator 2" (1990), "Proof of Life" (2000), "R.I.P.D." (2013), "Romancing the Stone" (1984), "S.W.A.T" (2003), "Sahara" (2005), "Speed" (1994), "Speed 2: Cruise Control" (1997), "Spider-Man 2" (2004), "Stealth" (2005), "Tall Tale" (1994), "The Adventures of Robin Hood" (1938), "The Amazing Spider-Man 2" (2014), "The Day After Tomorrow" (2004), "The Fast and the Furious" (2001), " The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift" (2006), "The Four Feathers" (2002), "The Golden Voyage of Sinbad" (1974), "The Greatest Story Ever Told" (1965), "The Guns of Navarone" (1961), "The Host" (2013), "The Italian Job" (2003), "The Jewel of the Nile" (1985), "The Karate Kid" (1984), "The Karate Kid - Part II" (1986), "The Karate Kid III" (1989), "The Last Boy Scout" (1991), "The Last Samurai" (2003), "The Lone Ranger" (2013), "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" (2003), "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers" (2002), "The Man" (2005), "The Mask of Zorro" (1998), "The Next Karate Kid" (1994), "The Patriot" (2000), "The Peacemaker" (1997), "The Poseidon Adventure" (1972), "The Rocketeer" (1991), "The Saint" (1997), "The Wolverine" (2013), "Thor: The Dark World", "Three Kings" (1999), "Transporter 2" (2005), "The Transporter"(2002), "Uncommon Valor" (1983), "Underworld" (2003), "V for Vendetta" (2005), "Volcano" (1997), "White House Down" (2013), "xXx2: The Next Level" (2005), "Young Sherlock Holmes" (1985). "2 Fast 2 Furious" (2003), "3:10 to Yuma" (2007), "47 Ronin" (2013).

Comedy: "About Schmidt" (2002), "Austin Powers in Goldmember" (2002), "Big Top Pee-Wee" (1988), "Boat Trip" (2002), The Brass Teapot" (2012), "Casting Coach" (2013), "The Castle" (1997), "Cavemen" (2013), "Coffee Town" (2013), "Crystal Fairy" (2013), "Dead Men on Campus" (1998), "Elf" (2003), "Hatari!" (1962), "The Hot Flashes" (2013), "I Want Candy" (2007), "I Was a Male War Bride" (1949), "Jackass: The Movie" (2002), "Monkey Business" (1952), "Mr. Woodcock" (2007), "Nacho Libre" (2006), "One Chance" (2013), "One Fine Day" (1996), "Our Idiot Brother" (2011), "Outside Bet" (2012), "Shirley Valentine" (1989), "Simone" (2002), "Someone Marry Barry" (2014), "Stand Up Guys" (2012), "Syrup" (2013), "This is 40: Unrated" (2012), "The Way, Way Back" (2013), "Whole Lotta Sole" (2011), "8 Minutes Idle" (2012).

Family: "Alice in Wonderland" (2010), "Beverly Hills Chihuahua 3: Viva La Fiesta!" (2012), "Garfield" (2004), "The Last Keepers" (2013), "Neverland", " The Odd Life of Timothy Green" (2012), "Primates of the Caribbean" (2012), "Santa Paws II: The Santa Pups" (2012), "Secondhand Lions" (2003), "A Gentleman's Gentleman" (1941), "Babes in Toyland" (1961), "Bedtime Stories" (2008), "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" (2008), "Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2 (2011), "Big Red" (1962), "Boundin'" (2004), "Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen" (2004), "Disney's The Kid" (2000), "First Kid" (1996), "Greyfriars Bobby" (1961), "Heavyweights" (1994), "Jungle 2 Jungle" (1997), "Knick Knack" (1989), "La Luna" (2012), "Meet the Deedles (1998), "National Treasure" (2004), "National Treasure: Book of Secrets" (2007), "Operation Dumbo Drop" (1995), "Party Central" (2014), "Rascal" (1969), "Remember the Titans" (2000), "Rocketman" (1997), "Secretariat" (2010), "Snow Buddies" (2008), "Son of Flubber" (1963), "Spooky Buddies" (2011), "Super Buddies" (2013), "Tall Tale" (1994), "The Absent Minded Professor" (1961), "The Adventures of Huck Finn" (1993), "The Ballad of Nessie" (2011), "The Bears and I" (1974), "The Big Bad Wolf" (1934), "The Last Great Warrior" (1994), "The Love Bug" (1969), "The Million Dollar Duck" (1971), "The Pacifier" (2005), "The Prince and the Pauper" (1962), "The Rookie" (2002), "The Santa Clause" (1994), "The Santa Clause 2" (2002), "The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause" (2006), "The Shaggy D.A." (1976), "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" (2010), "The Young Black Stallion" (2003), "Tin Toy" (1988), "Tom and Huck" (1995), "Treasure Island" (1950), "Tron" (1982), "Tuck Everlasting" (2002), "Underdog" (2007), "Whispers: An Elephant's Tale" (2000), "White Fang" (1990).

Family/Animation: "Robots", "101 Dalmatians" (1996), "Aladdin and the King of Thieves" (1996), "Disney's A Christmas Carol" (2009), "Donald and Pluto (1936), "Donald's Vacation" (1940), "Dumbo" (1941), "Finding Nemo" (2003), "Frozen" (2013), "Home on the Range" (2004), "Monsters University" (2013), "Mulan II (2005), "Peter Pan" (1953), "Return to Neverland" (2002), "Planes" (2013), "Pooh's Heffalump Movie" (2005), "Robin Hood" (1973), "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" (1937), "Stitch! The Movie" (2003), "Tangled" (2010), "The Aristocats" (1970), "The Fox and the Hound" (1981), "The Great Mouse Detective" (1986), "The Incredibles" (2004), "The Jungle Book" (1967), "The Little Mermaid" (1989), "The Princess and the Frog" (2009), "The Rescuers Down Under" (1990), "The Three Caballeros" (1945), "Tinker Bell" (2008), "Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue" (2010), "Tinker Bell and the Pirate Fairy" (2014), "Toy Story" (1995), "Toy Story 2" (1999).

Thriller: "Alone" (2013), "American Gigolo" (1980), "Black Rain" (1989), "Blood Work" (2002), "Breakdown" (1997), "Bullitt" (1968), "Call Northside 777" (1948), "Cape Fear" (1962), "Captain Phillips" (2013), "Cellular" (2004), "Chain Reaction" (1996), "City Heat" (1984), "City of God" (2002), "Crave" (2012), "Crawlspace" (2012), "Dangerous Mind of a Hooligan" (2014), "Dead Calm" (1988), "Deadfall" (2013), "Death Wish" (1974), "Derailed" (2005), "Eden" (2012), "Eye for an Eye" (1996), "Falling Down" (1992), "Fear" (1996), "Four Brothers" (2005), "Gangs of New York" (2002), "Get Carter" (2000), "Hard Eight" (1997), "Hours" (2013), "I Against I" (2012), "In Dreams" (1999), "Internal Affairs" (1990), "Jaws: The Revenge" (1987), "Jennifer Eight" (1992), "John Q" (2002), "Joyride 3" (2014), "K-19: The Widowmaker" (2002), "Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang" (2005), "Kiss the Girls" (1998), "Magic Magic" (2013), "The Man Who Wasn't There" (2001), "Mine Games" (2012), "Mississippi Burning" (1988), "Murder at 1600" (1997), "Nick of Time" (1995), "No Good Deed" (2003), "Oldboy" (2013), "Penthouse North" (2011), "Plush" (2013), "Red Rock West" (1992), "The Reluctant Fundamentalist"(2012), "Ripley's Game" (2002), "Runner Runner" (2013), "Scarface" (1983), "Se7en" (1995), "Seconds" (1966), "Shaft" (2000), "Shame the Devil" (2013), "Spy Game" (2001), "Summer of Sam" (1999), "Surveillance" (2008), "The Suspect" (2013), "The Temp" (1993), "The Bone Collector" (1999), "The Call" (2013), "The Chamber" (1996), "The Counselor: Extended Cut" (2013), "The Deadly Game" (2013), "The Enemy Below" (1957), "The Lives of Others" (2006), "The Machinist" (2004), "The Manchurian Candidate" (2004), "The Oxford Murders" (2008), "The Pelican Brief" (1993), "The Sum of all Fears" (2002), "The Truth About Emanuel" (2013), "The Two Jakes" (1990), "The Untouchables" (1987), "Things to do in Denver when you're Dead" (1995), "Three Days of the Condor" (1975), "Traffic" (2000), "Veronica Mars" (2014), "Violet & Daisy" (2011), "Witness" (1984), "2 Days in the Valley" (1996).

Drama: "A Christmas Carol" (1984), "A Dirty Shame" (2005), "A Star is Born" (1954), "A Streetcar Named Desire" (1951), "About Time" (2013), "Ace in the Hole" (1951), "Adore" (2013), "Alfie" (2004), "Ali" (2001), "Alive" (1993), "All About Eve" (1950), "Almost Christmas" (2013), "American History X" (1998), "American Hustle" (2013), "Amistad" (1997), "Anastasia" (1956), "Any Day Now", "Appaloosa" (2008), "Ashes" (2012), "August: Osage County" (2013), " The Barbarian and the Geisha" (1958), "Barefoot" (2014), "Battle of the Year" (2013), "Before Midnight" (2013), "Being Flynn" (2012), "Bernie" (2011), "Beyond the Sea", "Birth" (2004), "Blue Jasmine" (2013), "Borrowed Time" (2013), "Breakfast at Tiffany's" (1961), "Bridge on the River Kwai" (1958), "Brokeback Mountain" (2005), "The Butler" (2013), "Casualties of War" (1989), "Catch-22" (1970), "Chasing Mavericks" (2012), "Cherry" (2013), "Cinderella Man" (2005), "Closed Circuit" (2013), "Coach Carter" (2005), "Cold Comes the Night" (2013), "Cold Mountain" (2003), "Courage Under Fire" (1996), "Cruel Intentions" (1999), "D-Day The Sixth of June" (1956), "Days of Heaven" (1978), "Decoding Annie Parker" (2013), "Dirty Dancing 2", "Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights" (2004), "Do the Right Thing" (1989), "Down the Shore" (2011), "East of Eden" (1955), "Easy Rider" (1969), "Emperor" (2012), "Empire of the Sun" (1987), "Endless Love" (2014), "Five Easy Pieces" (1970), "Flags of Our Fathers" (2006), "Flashdance" (1983), "Flesh and Bone" (1993), "Frontera" (2014), "Frozen River" (2008), "Full Metal Jacket" (1987), "Get Rich or Die Tryin'" (2005), "Goodbye World" (2013), "Goodfellas" (1991), "Gorillas in the Mist" (1988), "Green Street" (2005), "Guns of Batasi" (1964), "Healing" (2014), "Heartburn" (1986), "Hud" (1963), "Hustle & Flow" (2005), "I Melt with You" (2011), " In Harm's Way" (1965), "In Secret" (2014), "Inescapable" (2012), "Intersection" (1994), "Jarhead" (2005), "Jobs" (2013), "Knife Fight" (2012), "Kramer Vs Kramer" (1979), "Labor Day" (2013), "Let it Snow" (2013), "Life is Beautiful" (1997), "Life of a King" (2013), "The Lifeguard", "Little Children" (2006), "The Lookalike" (2014), "Lorenzo's Oil" (1992), "Love and Honor" (2013), "Love Story" (1970), "Mad Dog and Glory (1993), "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom" (2013), "Mean Creek" (2004), "Mean Machine" (1974), "Mean Machine" (2001), "Midnight Express" (1978), "Miracle on 34th Street" (1947), "Mo' Better Blues" (1990), "Monster's Ball" (2001), "Moonstruck" (1987), "My Girl" (1991), "Nebraska" (2013), "Niagara" (1953), "Night Falls on Manhattan" (1997), "Ocean's 11" (1960), "Ordinary People" (1980), "Philadelphia" (1993), "Philomena" (2013), "Pride and Glory" (2008), "Promised Land" (2013), "Purple Rain" (1984), "Raging Bull" (1980), "Rebel Without a Cause" (1955), "Regarding Henry" (1991), "Rumble Fish" (1983), "Saturday Night Fever" (1977), "Save the Last Dance" (2001), "The Sessions" (2012), "Some Kind of Wonderful" (1987), "Spike Island" (2012), "Staying Alive" (1983), "Steel Magnolias" (1989), "Stone of Destiny" (2008), "Taxi Driver" (1976), "The Age of Innocence" (1993), "The Beach" (1999), "The Bodyguard" (1992), "The Canyons" (2013), "The Conversation" (1974), "The Devils" (1971), "The East" (2013), "The Great Gatsby" (2013), "The Green Mile" (1999), "The High and the Mighty" (1954), "The Inn of the Sixth Happiness" (1958), "The Men" (1950), "The New World" (2005), "The Panic in Needle Park" (1971), "The People Vs. Larry Flynt" (1996), "The Remains of the Day" (1993), "The Sea Inside" (2004), "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013), "The Ten Commandments" (1956), "Thelma & Louise" (1991), "The Property is Condemned" (1966), "Titanic" (1997), "To Kill a Mockingbird" (1963), "Trance" (2013), "Twilight" (1998), "Urban Cowboy" (1980), "The Washington Snipers", "Who's Afraid of Virginia" (1966),"Wish you Were Here" (2012), "Wolf" (1994), "World Trade Center" (2006), "25th Hour" (2002), "42" (2013), "96 Minutes" (2011).

Sci-Fi: "The Abyss: 'Special Edition'" (1989), "Aeon Flux" (2005), "After Earth" (2013), "Aliens: Special Edition" (1986), "AVP- Alien Vs. Predator" (2004), "Barbarella" (1967), "Cloud Atlas" (2012), "Darkman" (1990), "Fire in the Sky" (1993), "The Fly" (1958), "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" (1956), "John Carpenter's Ghosts of Mars" (2001), "Masters of the Universe" (1987), "Resident Evil: Apocalypse" (2004), "Signs" (2002), "Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow" (2004), "Species" (1995), "Sphere" (1997), "Star Trek Into Darkness" (2013), "Star Trek: Nemesis" (2002), "Starship Troopers" (1997), "Sunshine" (2007), "The 6th Day" (2000), " The X Files" (1998), "Time Lapse" (2014), "X-Men" (2000), "X-Men 2" (2003).

Horror: "American Mary" (2012), "Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid" (2004), "Antichrist" (2009), "April Fool's Day", "Banshee Chapter" (2013), "The Borderlands" (2013), "Bram Stoker's Dracula" (1992), "Buffy the Vampire Slayer", "Cabin Fever: Patient Zero" (2014), "Cherry Falls" (1999), "Christine" (1983), "Dawn of the Dead" (2004), "Devil's Due" (2014), "Eight Legged Freaks" (2002), "Final Destination 2" (2003), "Final Destination 3" (2006), "The Fly" (1986), "The Fly II" (1989), "Frankenstein's Army" (2013), "Freddy Vs Jason" (2003), "Friday the 13th Part II" (1981), "Friday the 13th Part III" (1982), "The Frighteners" (1996), "Hellboy" (2004), "Hollow Man" (2000), "Hostel" (2005), "House on Haunted Hill" (1999), "I Still Know What you Did Last Summer" (1998), "Jason X" (2001), "Lake Placid" (1999), "Nothing Left to Fear" (2013), "Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones" (2014), "Pet Sematary" (1989), "Pet Sematary II" (1992), "REC" (2007), Rosemary's Baby" (1968), "Saw III" (2006), "Saw IV" (2007), "Stephen King's Thinner" (1996), "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" (2003), "The Amityville Horror" (1979), "The Conjuring" (2013), "The Crow" (1993), "The Haunting" (1999), "The Hills Have Eyes" (2006), "The Hills Have Eyes II" (2007), "The Lost Boys" (1987), "The Omen" (2006), "The Purge" (2013), "The Seasoning House" (2013), "The Shining" (1980), "The Thing" (1982), "The Village" (2004), "The Wicker Man" (2006), "Underworld Evolution" (2006), "V/H/S/2" (2013), "Videodrome" (1982), "Willow Creek" (2013), "World War Z (Extended Cut)" (2013), "Wrong Turn 2 - Dead End" (2007), "28 Days Later" (2002), "28 Weeks Later" (2007).

Summary of Our Sky Movies Recommendations: "The Cable Guy" (1996), "Maleficent" (2014), "The Last King of Scotland" (2006), "Men in Black II" (2002), Planes, Trains and Automobiles" (1987), "Training Day" (2001), "Batman Begins" (2005), "Big Trouble in Little China" (1986), "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" (2014), "Die Hard" (1988), "Die Hard 2: Die Harder" (1990), "Die Hard with a Vengeance" (1995), "Iron Man 3" (2013), "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" (2001), "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers" (2002), "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" (2003), "Man of Steel" (2013), "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl" (2003), "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" (2006), "Predator" (1987), "The Amazing Spider-Man 2" (2014), "The Wolverine" (2013), "Thor: The Dark World", "Elf" (2003), "101 Dalmatians" (1996), "Disney's A Christmas Carol" (2009), "Finding Nemo" (2003), "Frozen" (2013), "Monsters University" (2013), "Robin Hood" (1973), "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" (1937), "Tangled" (2010), "The Jungle Book" (1967), "Toy Story" (1995), "Toy Story 2" (1999), "Captain Phillips" (2013), "Gangs of New York" (2002), "Scarface" (1983), "Se7en" (1995), "American History X" (1998), "American Hustle" (2013), "Breakfast at Tiffany's" (1961), "Brokeback Mountain" (2005), "The Butler" (2013), "Cinderella Man" (2005), "Cold Mountain" (2003), "The Great Gatsby" (2013), "Thelma & Louise" (1991), "Titanic" (1997), "To Kill a Mockingbird" (1963), "Signs" (2002), "X-Men" (2000), "X-Men 2" (2003), "The Conjuring" (2013), "The Crow" (1993), "The Purge" (2013), "The Village" (2004), "World War Z (Extended Cut)" (2013), "28 Days Later" (2002), "28 Weeks Later" (2007),


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The 19 Billion Dollar Movies: Including Batman, Bond & Potter

The worldwide highest grossing movies of all time that have reached the billion dollar mark and above.

The Box Office's Billion Dollar Movies
source: rotoscopers.com (CC image)

After recently taking a look at the list of movies that have hit the billion dollar mark at the global box office, we thought it would be interesting to produce a list of these special commercial successes which have layered production companies back pockets with a pretty green bill or two.

Some of these movies came as little surprise to us, as they were marketed extremely well and had all of the commercial elements that would lead to an extremely financially successful movie. However, there are others that we were surprised to see on the list, but then again, not all commercially successful movies are all that greatly put together, although, with the CGI storm which is delivered in these movies, the typical audience viewer will likely be entertained by those lesser brilliantly master-pieced movies.

The billion dollar hitters include an entire array of sequels, on-top of Disney magic originals, David Cameron, Steven Spielberg, Peter Jackson, Christopher Nolan and even Michael Bay directorial pieces. These movies are not always, or in fact, very rarely adored by critics, however, clearly audiences were stunned by these movies, as they all saw a flooding of audiences fighting for tickets at the cinemas.

It looks to be an interesting year in 2015, as we see a whole line-up of possibilities for as to which movies may reach the billion dollar mark. The biggest hopes being Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (due out 18th December, 2015 in the US & UK), Avengers: Age of Ultron (due out 1st May, 2015 in the US & 24th April, 2015 in the UK) and Jurassic World (due out 12th June, 2015 in the US & UK).

Without further delay, here are the billion dollar hitters.

Movies Grossing A Billion Dollars or More (at the Box Office)

(Listed highest to lowest- based on Box Office Mojo's estimated box office records)

No.1 - Avatar (2009)

Worldwide Box Office Gross: $2,787,965,087

US Domestic Box Office Gross: $749,766,139

Budget: $237 million plus $9 million (re-release)

No.2 - Titanic (1997)

Worldwide Box Office Gross: $2,186,772,302

US Domestic Box Office Gross: $600,788,188

Budget: $200 million

No.3 - Marvel's The Avengers (2012)

Worldwide Box Office Gross: $1,518,594,910

US Domestic Box Office Gross: $623,357,910

Budget: $220 million

No.4 - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2 (2011)

Worldwide Box Office Gross: $1,341,511,219

US Domestic Box Office Gross: $381,011,219

Budget: $250 million (shared with part 1)

No.5 - Frozen (2013)

Worldwide Box Office Gross: $1,274,219,009

US Domestic Box Office Gross: $400,738,009

Budget: $150 million

No.6 - Iron Man 3 (2013)

Worldwide Box Office Gross: $1,215,439,994

US Domestic Box Office Gross: $409,013,994

Budget: $200 million

No.7 - Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011)

Worldwide Box Office Gross: $1,123,794,079

US Domestic Gross: $352,390,543

Budget: $195 million

No.8 - The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

Worldwide Box Office Gross: $1,119,929,521

US Domestic Box Office Gross: $377,027,325

Budget: $94 million

No.9 - Skyfall (2012)

Worldwide Box Office Gross: $1,108,561,013
US Domestic Box Office Gross: $304,360,277
Budget: $200 million

No.10 - Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014)

Worldwide Box Office Gross: $1,087,404,499
US Domestic Box Office Gross: $245,439,076
Budget: $210 million

No.11 - The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

Worldwide Box Office Gross: $1,084,439,099
US Domestic Box Office Gross: $448,139,099
Budget: $250 million

No.12 - Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006)

Worldwide Box Office Gross: $1,066,179,725
US Domestic Box Office Gross: $423,315,812
Budget: $225 million

No.13 - Toy Story 3 (2010)

Worldwide Box Office Gross: $1,063,171,911
US Domestic Box Office Gross: $415,004,880
Budget: $200 million

No.14 - Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)

Worldwide Box Office Gross: $1,045,713,802
US Domestic Box Office Gross: $241,071,802
Budget: $250 million

No.15 - Jurassic Park (1993)

Worldwide Box Office Gross: $1,029,153,882
US Domestic Box Office Gross: $357,067,947
Budget: $63 million

No.16 - Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)

Worldwide Box Office Gross: $1,027,044,677
US Domestic Box Office Gross: $431,088,295
Budget: $115 million

No.17 - Alice in Wonderland (2010)

Worldwide Box Office Gross: $1,025,467,110
US Domestic Box Office Gross: $334,191,110
Budget: $200 million

No.18 - The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)

Worldwide Box Office Gross: $1,017,003,568
US Domestic Box Office Gross: $303,003,568
Budget: $200-$315 million

No.19 - The Dark Knight (2008)

Worldwide Box Office Gross: $1,004,558,444
US Domestic Box Office Gross: $533,345,358
Budget: $185 million


Any surprises on this list? Were there any movies that you were surprised didn't hit a billion dollars at the box office? Let us know in the comments box below.

The 25 Greatest Animated Movies from the Past Decade (2004-2014)

Only listing the movie originals (no sequels, prequels or spin-off's included)

source: flickr.com

The animation genre has come a long way since Walt Disney first created Mickey Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck and Minnie Mouse. A decade is a short amount of time, but in that short amount of time we have seen some of the greatest animated movies of all time find there way onto the big-screens.

Over the past decade, it should come as little surprise that Walt Disney is not the only animation studio releasing animated 'greats', but other newer studios with the likes of DreamWorks Animation, Disney Pixar, Blue Sky Studios and Illumination Entertainment.

Animation movies have adapted and changed a lot over the past decade, which is why we have decided to create a list of the greatest and most significant animated feature film releases from the past decade (2004-2014). 

A lot of these movies will come as little surprise to see, however, we hope there are a few surprises as this was a tricky list to collect given the vast number of perfectly adequate (for this list) movies that have been released in recent years.

There is no better movie genre in our opinion, as animated movies are fun for the whole family with no limits on the ways that they can surprise and really touch on our emotions. This list is mostly based on our opinions, but we are more that sure that there is an array of animated delights on this list that you wouldn't/couldn't disagree with.

The rankings are based on the time of release (in movie theatres) for the movies, although, each and every movie is as deserving as the other for the top spot, had the list been organised from best-to-worst.

2004 (January-December)

The Incredibles
source: cinemablend.com (CC image)

No.1 - The Incredibles 

Release Date- 26th November, 2004
Animation Studio- Pixar

Not a bad movie to start-off the list, as this is the first animated movie of the 21st Century to be set around Superhero's', but not just any Superhero's', a family of Superhero's'. As a huge fan of Marvel and DC Comics movies, it is always fun to watch an animated movie about Superhero's', and I must admit, Pixar have done a fine job as The Incredibles is a movie to add to your collection.

2005 (January-December)

Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit
source: top10films.co.uk (CC image)

No.2 - Madagascar

Release Date- 15th July, 2005
Animation Studio- DreamWorks Animation

Zoo animals loose in the wild. This is something that would usually be welcomed (we'd imagine) by animals, but in the case of Alex (the lion), Melvin (the giraffe) and Gloria (the hippo), this is the last thing they want. However, Marty (the zebra) is pleased with the idea of being free in the wild, and all of these characters wind up on a small island, Madagascar. The ultimate animated movie about everyone's favourite zoo animals in a story about zoo animals transitioning from a zoo, where they are fed, given shelter, medicated and kept from harm, to the freedom of the wild, where all of the luxuries of the zoo are non-existent.

No.3 - Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit

Release Date- 14th October, 2005
Animation Studio- Aardman

Finally, a movie for the one of the greatest shorts of all time, Wallace and Gromit, two of the most beloved animated characters of all time. The movie kept true to Wallace and Gromit fans, as it had a similar feel to that of the shorts which had been done prior to the movie. Aardman, the production company behind Wallace and Gromit, did a marvellous job at producing a movie which paid tribute and added to the Wallace and Gromit collection.

2006 (January-December)

source: danthepixarfan.com (CC image)

No.4 - Cars

Release Date- 28th July, 2006
Animation studio- Pixar

Talking cars, that's something that only Pixar could come-up with, but to our surprise the movie was actually very good. Owen Wilson, voicing Lightning McQueen, really suited the character as every moment during the movie you listened and found yourself being captivated by Lightning McQueen. The story was original (as Pixar movies always are) which made watching the movie more entertaining, if that's possible. We all (or most) have a distinct like for cars, making it somewhat appealing to watch the movie purely because it is about talking cars, in a world of talking vehicles (and no humans). Clearly a movie aimed at young children, but that isn't to say that adults won't enjoy the movies humour and fun storyline.

2007 (January-December)

The Simpsons Movie
source: sporcle.com (CC image)

No.5 - The Simpsons Movie

Release Date- 25th July, 2007
Animation Studio- 20th Century Fox Animation

From the small-screen to the big-screen, The Simpsons is one TV series we've all seen and all enjoy watching (some more than others). The movie could have ruined the series, had it not been very good or true to the series, but thankfully the story was entertaining, original and true to the series. There has always been a time whilst watching The Simpsons TV series that you're wondering, "I wonder what The Simpsons would be like as a movie", but now we all know, and the movie is amazing and makes us as Augustus Worth love the TV series all the more.

No.6 - Ratatouille

Release Date- 12th October, 2007
Animation Studio- Pixar

Another Pixar movie with all of the originality, all of the creativity, and an all new talking animal (or rodent) that we have all expected to see in Pixar's movies. Set in Paris, starring talking rats (one of which has ambitions to be a famous chef), what could be more interesting. The life of a rat, all explained in one movie, plus a few things rats can't do (like talk or cook delicious food), all adding to the reasons why you (and everyone) should take time aside to watch the movie. One of Pixar's best animated feature films.

2008 (January-December)

WALL-E
source: changemakers.com (CC image)

No.7 - Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who!

Release Date- 21st March, 2008
Animation Studio- Blue Sky Studios

The Dr Seuss book-to-movie adaptations are always ones to watch out for, and Horton Hears a Who is one of the best, due to the intriguing little town on a speck noticed by an elephant who finds the speck on a flower in the movie. Interesting.

No.8 - Kung Fu Panda

Release Date- 4th July, 2008
Animation Studio- DreamWorks Animation

The art of Kung Fu explained in DreamWorks, Kung Fu Panda, featuring Kung Fu masters (all of which are talking animals) and a want-to-be Kung Fu "Panda". It was only ever a short amount of time until an animation studio created a movie set around martial arts (in this case, Kung Fu). But as all good animators know, the characters need to be talking animals, which is why this is great animation movie, with some embarrassingly funny moments.

No.9 - WALL-E

Release Date- 18th July, 2008
Animation Studio- Pixar

Thinking about Pixar is always madness, but that is what we all love about the animation studio, as they are not afraid to take their movies to new and exciting places. Following there usual routine, Pixar creating something different, in this case, WALL-E, starring WALL-E, the robot tasked with cleaning-up earth's waste after earth is abandoned by humans. This is a movie with love, happiness, loneliness and all of the emotions we didn't know (fictional) robots had.

2009 (January-December)

Fantastic Mr. Fox
source: r-trey.blogspot.com

No.10 - Bolt

Release Date- 6th February, 2009
Animation Studio- Walt Disney Animation

Any animated movie starring a 'star' dog, a cat and a crazy hamster is a movie I want to watch, and this movie was fun from start-to-finish. The 'star' dog is voiced by John Travolta which was a welcomed choice for the character, as it adds to the screen presence of the animated character, which is the star of the movie. Plus, a cat and a hamster, this is an odd bunch of characters to travel together but this is why it's a great movie.

No.11 - Coraline

Release Date- 8th May, 2009
Animation Studio- Focus Features

Coraline is a dark animated movie, which oddly feels a lot like a Tim Burton movie (although, Burton has no involvement in the movie). By far one of the best animated movies of all time, which is has a sinister feel throughout the movie, hence the reason why Disney didn't produce the movie, in fact, Coraline couldn't be any further from a Disney movie.

No.12 - Up

Release Date- 9th October, 2009
Animation Studio- Pixar

It's interesting how Pixar have managed to take a seemingly sad story and then twist and turn it into an enlightening, fun, but most of all, entertaining movie. Pixar never cease to amaze us (or audiences everywhere), and Up is no exception. To sum-up the movie, lots would put "Up" at the top of their best animated movies of all time list, which we wouldn't argue with. It's just that good of a movie.

No.13 - Fantastic Mr. Fox

Release Date- 23rd October, 2009
Animation Studio- 20th Century Fox Animation

Puppet like animation is a welcomed delight from Fantastic Mr. Fox, which is also one of the most ground-breaking animated movies I have seen in a very long time. The characters have been perfected beyond perfection, the storyline is gripping, and all of the talking British wild animals are brilliant. And with voices from George Clooney (Mr. Fox), Meryl Streep (Mrs. Fox) and Bill Murray (Badger), that alone gives reason to at the very least watch the movie.

2010 (January-December)

How to Train Your Dragon
source: denofgeek.com (CC image)

No.14 - How to Train Your Dragon

Release Date- 31st March, 2010
Animation Studio- DreamWorks Animation

Viking are interesting, dragons are interesting. That's right, DreamWorks have blended the two together in a world where Vikings rule the lands and dragons rule the sky's, that's why How to Train Your Dragon is such a great movie, as it has taken another great idea and turned it into another great movie.

No.15 - Despicable Me

Release Date- 15th October, 2010
Animation Studio- Illumination Entertainment

A villain unlike any other villain you've ever seen before, as he is only villainous on the outside, as at his core he is a kind spirit, although he does still like to do evil things. This villains name is Gru. The story is a loving one, although, as all great animation movies require, there is a bad guy (not Gru) named Vector, a next generation villain with plans (the same as Gru's) to shrink and steal the moon. It's fun to watch all the way through, as two villains battle to become the ultimate villain which they each aim to do by stealing the moon. Not to mention, there are cute and cuddly yellow minions which are also funny to observe throughout the movie.

No.16 - Megamind

Release Date- 3rd December, 2010
Animation Studio- DreamWorks Animation

The super-villain becoming the hero is an idea which no animation studio had thought of doing, until now, as Megamind is a mind-blowing movie where the super-villain becomes the hero. This is mind-blowing as it sounds like such a simple idea, which DreamWorks have taken and turned into an awesome movie (with an awesome name).

2011 (January-December)

Rango
source: moviestorrents.net (CC image)

No.17 - Tangled

Release Date- 28th January, 2011
Animation Studio- Walt Disney Animation

What's the one character from fairytale's' that Disney haven't turned into an animated movie? Rapunzel would be the correct answer, until now. The movie has all of the usual elements of a Disney princess movie, however, in Tangled Rapunzel is more of a leading lady with a stronger character which is less reliant on a male lead, although that is still the case at times in the movie.

No.18 - Rango

Release Date- 4th March, 2011
Animation Studio- Paramount Pictures

The coolest lizard in the animated movie world, voiced by the coolest actor in Hollywood, Johnny Depp. An interesting animated movie about the world of dessert animals, which admittedly is rather new in terms of animation, as Rango (a lizard) stumbles upon a wild-west-style town where he soon becomes the town sheriff. The wild-wild-west now has an animation movie which has taken steps to involve the time-era in some ways, but it's the interesting characters, good and bad that makes the movie so much fun to watch.

No.19 - Winnie the Pooh

Release Date- 15th April, 2011
Animation Studio- Walt Disney Animation

Winnie the Pooh is a welcomed remake of a classic, which has brought back all of what we loved about the original. The Hundred Acre wood is a welcomed sight in animation, as it has been a long time since we've seen a Winnie the Pooh movie, although there have been plenty of Winnie the Pooh spin-offs'.

No.20 - Arthur Christmas

Release Date- 11th November, 2011
Animation Studio- Aardman/Sony Pictures Animation

Christmas movies are always entertaining, especially when they are animated, as we haven't seen many animated Christmas movies of the years. However, Arthur Christmas, among the few animated Christmas movies that have been made, is a gem if there ever has been one. The collaboration between Aardman and Sony Pictures Animation is one that seems to have worked superbly, as Arthur Christmas had all of the down-to-earth (and British) elements that we have come to expect from Aardman and the Sony Pictures Animation animation that we have come to expect from Sony Pictures Animation.

2012 (January-December)

ParaNorman
source: youtube.com (CC image)

No.21 - Brave

Release Date- 13th August, 2012
Animation Studio- Pixar

Pixar, taking a step back in time, stumbled upon the medieval era and thought they'd create a story about a young princess (being the strong leading lady) and her relationship with her mother, the queen, which is rocky to say the least. This was a fun story to watch unveil on the screen, especially since the movie was so refreshing to watch when compared to the present-day and future movies that Pixar have been eager to create over the years. This was a fun movie with Scottish accents, arrow shooting, bears, and a witch in a medieval kingdom.

No.22 - ParaNorman

Release Date- 14th September, 2012
Animation Studio- Focus Features

Imagine an animated movie with zombies and young people forced to find a way to change the zombies back into humans, then you'll have ParaNorman, the ultimate zombie animated movie (suitable for the whole family to watch).

2013 (January-December)

Frozen
source: flickr.com (CC image)

No.23 - Frozen

Release Date- 6th December, 2013
Animation Studio- Walt Disney Animation

Finally a Christmas(y) animated movie created by Disney (even though Beauty and the Beast was Christmas(y), that movie was created more than two decades ago). There is a catchy storyline, fun characters, funny characters, leading lady characters and supporting male characters, Disney have hit on the head with this one.

2014 (January-December)

Big Hero 6
source: blog.angryasianman.com (CC image)

No.24 - The Lego Movie (aka The LEGO Movie)

Release Date- 14th February, 2014
Animation Studio- Warner Bros. Animation

An animated movie starring all of the coolest movie characters (and others); including Batman, Abraham Lincoln, Gandalf and Green Lantern, this all added into making one of the greatest animated movies of all time, and the greatest animated movie for 2014.

No.25 - Big Hero 6

Release Date- 25th October, 2014
Animation Studio- Walt Disney Animation

An inflatable robot and a team of high-tech heroes, what more does an animated movie need to have to be awesomely entertaining? Nothing. Walt Disney are on a role with the great animated movies that they are producing, and Big Hero 6 is one of the best so far for the 21st Century listing of animated movies produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios.


Did we miss any movies? Let us know in the comments box below.