Top 10 highest-grossing movies so far in 2025

As the light are on for the cinematic movies of 2025, the global box office has already witnessed a thrilling array of blockbusters movies, from animated epics to live-action remakes and superhero spectacles. Halfway through the year, the top-grossing films reflect a blend of familiar franchises, bold new visions, and unexpected global giants, collectively raking in billions and captivating audiences worldwide. Based on industry sources like Box Office Mojo, IMDb and The Numbers, here is a deep dive into the highest-grossing movies of 2025 so far, exploring what’s driving their success and what it means for the future of cinema.

Ne Zha 2 – $2.15 Billion

Release Date: January 29, 2025

Topping the charts is Ne Zha 2, a Chinese animated fantasy epic that has shattered records to become the highest-grossing animated film of all time, surpassing Disney’s Inside Out 2 (2024). Rooted in Chinese mythology and produced by Beijing Enlight Pictures, this sequel to the 2019 hit follows the rebellious deity Ne Zha in a visually stunning, emotionally charged adventure. Its staggering $2.15 billion haul over 95% from China marks it as the first non-English film to cross the $2 billion threshold globally, cementing China’s growing dominance in the film market. Despite a modest $20.86 million in North America, its cultural resonance and massive domestic turnout in China have made it a phenomenon, breaking Disney’s 14-year grip on the animated box office crown. Ne Zha 2’s success highlights the increasing global influence of non-Hollywood cinema, with Enlight Pictures becoming the first non-Hollywood studio to hold this distinction.

Lilo & Stitch – $1.007 Billion

Release Date: May 23, 2025

Disney’s live-action/animated hybrid remake of Lilo & Stitch has stitched together a historic $1 billion worldwide, becoming the 58th film to reach this milestone and the first of its kind to do so. Directed with a focus on heartwarming family dynamics and vibrant Hawaiian aesthetics, the film’s record-breaking $341 million opening weekend, the highest for any live-action adaptation of an animated film set the tone for its global dominance. Its Memorial Day weekend clash with Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning resulted in a combined $333 million domestic haul, a record for the holiday. The film’s universal appeal, blending nostalgia with modern visual flair, has drawn families and fans of the 2002 original, pushing the Lilo & Stitch franchise past $1.2 billion in total earnings. Its strong international performance underscores Disney’s knack for reimagining classics for new generations.

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A Minecraft Movie – $955 Million

Release Date: April 4, 2025

Warner Bros.’ A Minecraft Movie has mined a fortune, securing the biggest opening weekend for a video game adaptation in the US at $162.7 million, surpassing The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023). This family-friendly adventure, bringing the blocky world of Minecraft to life, has resonated with gamers and casual audiences alike, grossing $955 million globally. Its success lies in its faithful adaptation of the game’s creative spirit, packed with Easter eggs for fans and accessible storytelling for newcomers. While it trails Lilo & Stitch in total gross, its cultural impact and strong domestic performance signal a bright future for video game adaptations, a genre gaining attention in 2025.

Jurassic World Rebirth – $648 Million

Release Date: July 2, 2025

The latest chapter in the Jurassic World movies saga, Jurassic World Rebirth, roared into theaters with a ferocious $91.5 million debut, driven by Scarlett Johansson’s star power and a fresh take on the dinosaur-infested franchise. Grossing $648 million worldwide, the film explores mutated dinosaurs exploited for financial gain, delivering top-level thrills but earning mixed reviews for its familiar formula. Its global appeal, particularly in international markets, has propelled Johansson past Robert Downey Jr. as Hollywood’s highest-paid actor in 2025. While it hasn’t matched the billion-dollar heights of previous entries, its strong performance keeps the franchise alive and kicking.

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning – $589 Million

Release Date: May 23, 2025

Tom Cruise’s final outing as Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning has grossed $589 million worldwide, bolstered by the largest opening weekend in the franchise’s history. Sharing the Memorial Day spotlight with Lilo & Stitch, the film’s high-stakes action and Cruise’s signature stunts have drawn crowds, though it lags behind other 2025 heavyweights. Its $204 million global total reflects the franchise’s enduring appeal, with international markets contributing significantly. As the Mission: Impossible series concludes, its box office haul reaffirms Cruise’s star power and the demand for practical, adrenaline-pumping action.

How to Train Your Dragon – $581 Million

Release Date: June 13, 2025

The live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon has soared to $581 million globally, with a fierce $84.6 million opening weekend that dethroned Lilo & Stitch at the box office. Its breathtaking visuals and heartfelt story of Hiccup and Toothless have captivated families, pushing the franchise past $2 billion in total earnings. The film’s balanced domestic ($207M) and international ($255M) performance highlights its universal appeal, with critics praising its emotional depth and stunning dragon sequences. This remake proves that well-executed adaptations can breathe new life into beloved stories.

F1 – $461 Million

Release Date: June 27, 2025

F1: The Movie, starring Brad Pitt as a veteran Formula 1 driver mentoring a young racer, has raced to $461 million worldwide. Its high-octane action and growing popularity of Formula 1 have fueled its success, particularly in international markets. The film’s strong global showing reflects the sport’s rising cultural cachet, making it a surprise hit in a year dominated by sequels and remakes.

Captain America: Brave New World – $415 Million

Release Date: February 14, 2025

Marvel’s Captain America: Brave New World, starring Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson, has grossed $415 million globally, with a solid $88.8 million opening weekend. The film’s exploration of a global conspiracy and Mackie’s charismatic performance have kept the MCU relevant, though its middling reviews suggest superhero fatigue for lesser-known characters. Its balanced domestic and international earnings reflect the franchise’s enduring fanbase, but it falls short of previous MCU blockbusters.

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Superman – $407 Million

Release Date: July 11, 2025

James Gunn’s Superman, the cornerstone of the rebooted DC Universe, has flown past $400 million globally, with an impressive $122 million domestic opening weekend. Starring David Corenswet as Clark Kent, the film’s hopeful tone and crowd-pleasing action have resonated with audiences, marking a much-needed win for DC Studios. Its staying power, as noted by industry reports, suggests it could climb higher, with projections aiming for $500 million. Superman*’s success sets a strong foundation for the DCU’s interconnected future, proving that a fresh take on the Man of Steel can still soar.

Thunderbolts – $382 Million

Release Date: May 2, 2025

Marvel’s Thunderbolts, featuring an unconventional team of antiheroes led by Florence Pugh and Sebastian Stan, has grossed $382 million globally. Its action-packed narrative and darker tone have drawn fans, though its lower gross compared to other MCU films hints at challenges in selling lesser-known characters. Still, its solid performance keeps Marvel’s ensemble films competitive in a crowded year.

Conclusion

With the second half of 2025 promising blockbuster movies like The Fantastic Four: First Steps (July 25), Wicked: For Good (November 21), and Avatar: Fire and Ash (December 19), the box office race is far from over. Avatar: Fire and Ash is a strong contender to challenge Ne Zha 2 for the top spot, with analysts predicting a $2 billion-plus gross based on the franchise’s track record. Wicked: For Good also has potential to crack the top 10, given the first film’s cultural impact. Whether these films can dethrone Ne Zha 2 or push the year’s total gross higher remains to be seen, but 2025 is shaping up as a landmark year for cinema.

The 2025 box office underscores a shifting global landscape, where non-English films can dominate through sheer market size, and Hollywood must balance nostalgia with innovation to stay competitive. From Ne Zha 2’s historic run to Superman’s promising launch, these films are not just financial successes but cultural touchstones, reflecting what audiences crave: spectacle, emotion, and stories that resonate across borders. As the year unfolds, the battle for box office supremacy will only intensify, promising more surprises and record-breaking moments.