Fastest Movies to Make a Billion Dollars

Fastest Movies to Make a Billion Dollars

Key Takeaways

  • Movie franchises like Star Wars and Avengers can make over a billion dollars in under 20 days, showing their immense popularity.
  • Films like Barbie also joined the billion-dollar club quickly, proving that diverse genres can also be big box office successes.
  • Nostalgia plays a big role in the success of movies like Spider-Man: No Way Home and Jurassic World, drawing in audiences worldwide.

As a long-time Marvel enthusiast who has witnessed the rise of these cinematic universes from their humble beginnings, I must say that these three films truly stand out as monumental achievements in modern cinema. The sheer box office numbers are simply astounding and serve as a testament to the power of storytelling when executed with precision and passion.


With Deadpool and Wolverine joining the exclusive billion-dollar club, it’s fascinating to explore other films that have achieved this feat at lightning speed. Over the years, certain movies have not only raked in a billion dollars at the box office but did so exceptionally quickly, demonstrating that the film industry is thriving and audiences are eager to watch something exceptional on the big screen.

Out of the relatively small number of movies (around 50) that have grossed over a billion dollars at the box office, which ones did it the quickest? It’s fascinating to note that some films can reach this milestone in just a week or two, showcasing the immense popularity and power of these film franchises.

10 Star Wars: The Last Jedi

19 Days To Make Over A Billion Dollars

  • Worldwide Gross: $1,334,407,706
  • Release Date: June 28, 2019
  • Director: Jon Watts
  • Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 91%
  • Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 95%

1. In the end, Rey uncovers Luke Skywalker’s past secrets, resurrecting the Jedi Order that once defeated the Empire and redeemed Darth Vader. However, Luke has secluded himself from society; it falls upon Rey to revive the exiled Jedi Master who abandoned his teachings and left the Resistance to face destruction at the hands of the powerful First Order.

The blockbuster movie saga, Star Wars, ruled the box office following its revival and the commencement of the sequel trilogy. It’s hardly shocking that the second installment in this trilogy, The Last Jedi, gained a billion dollars within 19 days. Given Luke Skywalker’s return after a 30-year hiatus, it was only natural for fans to be eager to see where his narrative was headed, even if it sparked controversy.

9 Barbie

19 Days To Make Over A Billion Dollars

  • Worldwide Gross: $1,445,638,421
  • Release Date: June 28, 2019
  • Director: Jon Watts
  • Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 91%
  • Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 95%

In a place that appears like an idyllic fantasy, Barbie experiences a mid-life crisis in her synthetic realm of Barbie Land and ventures into the real world to explore the essence of humanity. Meanwhile, Ken gains insights into human nature, rather than humankind.

In a spectacular clash at the cinema, Barbie went head-to-head with Oppenheimer, resulting in an overwhelming triumph. Spectators couldn’t get enough of Barbie on the big screen, donning as much pink and blue attire as possible to catch her movie in theaters. The charisma of Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling undeniably fueled the film, but it was the humorous take on gender roles that truly left an impact on viewers.

8 The Fate of the Furious

18 Days To Make Over A Billion Dollars

  • Worldwide Gross: $1,236,005,118
  • Release Date: 12 April 2017
  • Director: F. Gary Gray
  • Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 67%
  • Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 72%

As a die-hard fan, I find myself drawn into the gripping narrative where Dominic Toretto appears to be ensnared by temptation, leading him back to the criminal underworld and aligning himself with a dangerous terrorist group. Betraying those he once regarded as family, Dom’s actions have left us in a precarious situation: either we work tirelessly to win him back or prepare ourselves for a fierce battle to protect what we hold dear.

18 days were needed for “The Fate of the Furious” to join the billion-dollar club, with China contributing significantly more than the U.S. domestic market. In fact, China’s box office earnings nearly doubled those from the United States. Globally, viewers have been captivated by the film’s thrilling and extravagant stunts and car action, but it seems that China has a particularly strong appreciation for it.

7 Furious 7

17 Days To Make Over A Billion Dollars

  • Worldwide Gross: $1,515,047,671
  • Release Date: 3 April 2015
  • Director: James Wan
  • Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 81%
  • Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 82%

As a die-hard fan, I’d be right there with Deckard Shaw in the heat of the chase. He’s relentless in his pursuit of Dominic Toretto and his family, driven by the desire to avenge his brother lying comatose. With a strategy that leaves no stone unturned, Dom must navigate through blazing obstacles to safeguard those dear to him. It’s all about survival and ensuring a joyful conclusion – one last ride worth fighting for.

In 2013, a heartbreaking incident occurred within the family behind the Fast and Furious series as Paul Walker met an untimely end. With the support of his siblings, the production team managed to complete Furious 7, allowing them to bid a fitting farewell to both Paul Walker and his character. Since 2015, fans have eagerly anticipated seeing this film, not only because they adore it but also to pay their respects to Paul Walker and witness his final high-octane mission on the big screen.

6 Avatar: The Way of Water

14 Days To Make Over A Billion Dollars

  • Worldwide Gross: $2,320,250,281
  • Release Date: 16 December 2022
  • Director: James Cameron
  • Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 76%
  • Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 92%

Visitors are once again welcomed to the world of Pandora, where we find Jake Sully now living contentedly alongside the Na’vi community, joined by his wife Neytiri and their offspring. As humanity re-emerges as a potential danger, Jake and his family find it necessary to seek shelter with the water tribe in order to rally forces for battle, defending their beloved home.

Apart from becoming a member of the exclusive billion-dollar club, “Avatar: The Way of Water” has also managed to secure a spot among an even more select group of films that have grossed over two billion dollars worldwide. This impressive feat was achieved by the movie in merely 14 days, which equates to just two weeks since its release. Given the strong affinity of the domestic audience for the world of Pandora and the captivating love story between Jake Sully and Neytiri, as well as the immersive experience offered by the advanced technology of 2022, it’s no wonder that “Avatar: The Way of Water” has been enjoying such a successful run.

5 Jurassic World

13 Days To Make Over A Billion Dollars

  • Worldwide Gross: $1,670,400,637
  • Release Date: 11 June 2015
  • Director: Colin Trevorrow
  • Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 71%
  • Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 78%

Step into the thrilling world of Jurassic World, a fresh amusement park established at the very location of Jurassic Park. Scientifically engineered dinosaurs dominate this realm, carefully managed by humans. However, when the fearsome Indominus Rex outsmarts its keepers and breaks free, the tranquility is shattered, giving rise to a terrifying ordeal where dinosaurs unleash their wrath on humans.

Approximately two weeks ago, Jurassic World surpassed the billion-dollar mark at the box office, and there’s a compelling explanation for this success. Apart from Chris Pratt being an irresistible draw with his charm and good looks, the film featured actual dinosaurs, which captivates almost everyone seeking something exciting. The idea of a theme park overrun by dinosaurs adds an extra layer of excitement compared to the original, making it no surprise that people flocked to watch it.

4 Star Wars: The Force Awakens

12 Days To Make Over A Billion Dollars

  • Worldwide Gross: $2,071,310,218
  • Release Date: 17 December 2015
  • Director: J.J. Abrams
  • Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 93%
  • Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 84%

In a distant galaxy once more, an old danger resurfaces as the First Order seeks to complete the Galactic Empire’s destructive work. The Resistance arises in response, determined to protect the galaxy and find Luke Skywalker, their last hope. Alongside them, we see the return of Han Solo and Chewbacca, accompanied by Rey, a curious scavenger, and Finn, a Stormtrooper who has defected. Shall we join them in this battle?

After George Lucas completed his Star Wars story with Revenge of the Sith, there was a lull in new Star Wars content. However, years later, Disney acquired Lucasfilm and reintroduced Star Wars to fans. The first film of the sequel trilogy, The Force Awakens, quickly earned over a billion dollars in less than 12 days, showing that at one point, Star Wars was a dominant force in popular culture.

3 Spider-Man: No Way Home

12 Days To Make Over A Billion Dollars

  • Worldwide Gross: $1,928,040,905
  • Release Date: June 28, 2019
  • Director: Jon Watts
  • Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 91%
  • Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 95%

1) Peter Parker’s secret as Spider-Man has been exposed, causing him to work towards reversing the revelation so he and his friends can enjoy a semblance of ordinary life. However, when help from Doctor Strange fails, villains from different dimensions start wreaking havoc on this new version of Spider-Man.

Spider-Man: No Way Home became an incredible hit at the box office not just because it follows Avengers: Endgame and focuses on the legendary Spider-Man, but also due to the comeback of Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield as Spider-Man. This unique event brings together different worlds for the first time, creating a nostalgic experience that pays tribute to everything related to Spiderman in an epic way.

2 Avengers: Infinity War

11 Days To Make Over A Billion Dollars

  • Worldwide Gross: $2,048,359,754
  • Release Date: 26 April 2018
  • Director: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
  • Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 85%
  • Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 92%

The Avengers need to join forces once more to prevent the ruthless titan Thanos from annihilating half of all existence in the universe using the Infinity Stones. As various teams grapple with individual challenges to thwart Thanos’ mission, the pressure on the Avengers to succeed has never been greater.

The climax of Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Infinity Saga is finally here, assembling the largest danger yet for our screens. Viewers are drawn back into the intricately linked realms of Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Spider-Man, and the Guardians of the Galaxy, offering ample motivation for fans to attend and find out how their beloved heroes fare in this epic battle. The suspense builds as we anticipate the emotional impact of witnessing these heroes face potential loss.

1 Avengers: Endgame

5 Days To Make Over A Billion Dollars

  • Worldwide Gross: $2,799,439,100
  • Release Date: 25 April 2019
  • Director: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
  • Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 94%
  • Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 90%

Devastated by the disappearance of half the universe, the surviving Avengers are compelled to reunite, facing old scars and seeking a method to undo Thanos’ destruction. To honor the lost and reestablish cosmic equilibrium, the Avengers must delve into their past and present experiences in order to forge a promising future together.

As a die-hard fan, I haven’t encountered any film that has outshone the grandeur of an occasion quite like Avengers: Endgame. It served as the climax to the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Infinity Saga, leaving us all on the edge of our seats. Every theater seat was occupied, and within a week, it grossed over a billion dollars. The anticipation was palpable; we all needed to know the narrative’s conclusion, who among the legendary characters would reappear, and who would bid farewell in their most momentous mission ever portrayed on screen.

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2024-08-30 09:34