10 Most Popular Movies of All Time | Top Trending Movies

Movies have a special way of bringing people together; some have become incredibly popular. These movies are not just loved for their stories; they also have a big impact on cinema history. From classic favorites to modern hits, these films have touched the hearts of audiences everywhere. With impressive earnings and praise from critics, they show what great storytelling is all about.
Let’s look at the most popular movies and understand what makes them special and connects viewers even today.
List of Most Popular Movies
1: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Date of Release: September 6, 2024
Director: Tim Burton
Cast: Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, Justin Theroux, Monica Bellucci, Jenna Ortega, and Willem Dafoe
Producer: Marc Toberoff, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Tommy Harper, and Tim Burton
Budget: $99 – 100 million
Box Office Collection: $331.2 million
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a dark fantasy comedy horror movie. The story resumes decades after the original film, focusing on Lydia Deetz, who is now a mother grappling with her husband’s death. As she attempts to maintain her family’s stability, her teenage daughter Astrid unwittingly opens a portal to the Afterlife, unleashing the chaos of Betelgeuse’s return.
This dark fantasy comedy, a sequel to Beetlejuice (1988), directed by Tim Burton, combines nostalgic elements with fresh characters. Its unique blend of humor and horror captures audiences’ interest. The film’s visual style and quirky narrative have cemented its place among the most popular movies, appealing to fans of the original and new viewers alike.
2: The Deliverance
Date of Release: August 16, 2024
Director: Lee Daniels
Cast: Andra Day, Glenn Close, Anthony B. Jenkins, Rob Morgan, Caleb McLaughlin, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Tasha Smith, Omar Epps, Mo’Nique
Producer: Lee Daniels, Todd Crites, Jackson Nguyen, Tucker Tooley, Pamela Oas Williams
Budget: $119 million
The Deliverance is a 2024 American supernatural horror film that revolves around the Jackson family in Indiana as they move into a new home, only to experience disturbing and demonic events. The movie delves into the impact of these occurrences on the family’s dynamics, particularly the struggles of Ebony Jackson, a mother dealing with her troubled past.
This, one of the most popular movies, combines elements of horror and thriller genres while adhering to themes of faith and redemption, making it a compelling watch for fans of supernatural narratives.
3: Alien: Romulus
Date of Release: August 16, 2024
Director: Fede Álvarez
Cast: Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, Aileen Wu
Producer: Ridley Scott, Michael Pruss, Walter Hill
Budget: $80 million
Box Office Collection: $341.5 million
Alien: Romulus is a 2024 science fiction horror movie that continues the iconic Alien franchise. Directed by Fede Álvarez, the story is set between the events of Alien (1979) and Aliens (1986).
The movie follows young space colonists who encounter hostile creatures while scavenging a derelict space station. Emphasizing practical effects, the movie’s thrilling premise and compelling characters have resonated with audiences, contributing to its popularity and impressive box office performance. With its strong direction and engaging storyline, it successfully redefines the franchise for a new generation.
4: Rebel Ridge
Date of Release: September 6, 2024
Director: Jeremy Saulnier
Cast: Aaron Pierre, Don Johnson, AnnaSophia Robb, David Denman, Emory Cohen, Steve Zissis, Zsané Jhé, Dana Lee, James Cromwell
Producer: Anish Savjani, Neil Kopp, Vincent Savino, Jeremy Saulnier
Rebel Ridge is a crime action thriller that follows Terry Richmond, a former Marine, as he navigates a web of corruption in the small town of Shelby Springs. The intense narrative highlights the themes of justice and corruption. It depicts Terry’s struggle to post bail for his cousin, who is caught in a dangerous situation due to the local police’s misconduct. The film has received positive critical reviews, showcasing Saulnier’s signature storytelling style and character development.
5: Deadpool & Wolverine
Date of Release: July 26, 2024
Director: Shawn Levy
Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin
Producer: Kevin Feige, Lauren Shuler Donner, Ryan Reynolds, Shawn Levy
Budget: $200 million
Box Office Collection: $1.306 billion
Deadpool & Wolverine is a 2024 superhero film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, featuring Deadpool and Wolverine. Directed by Shawn Levy, it follows Deadpool’s quest to save his universe from destruction by recruiting a variant of Wolverine.
This movie, the 34th MCU entry, continues the Deadpool series, integrating it with the MCU while maintaining its R rating. It became the highest-grossing R-rated film ever and showcases a multiverse storyline that pays homage to Fox’s Marvel films.
6: Longlegs
Date of Release: July 12, 2024
Director: Osgood Perkins
Cast: Maika Monroe, Nicolas Cage, Blair Underwood, Alicia Witt
Producer: Nicolas Cage (Saturn Films)
Budget: < $10 million
Box Office Collection: $104.1 million
In Longlegs, an FBI agent, Lee Harker, races against time to catch an occultist serial killer terrorizing Oregon in the 1990s. Known for its chilling plot, the film intricately weaves together themes of family tragedy and supernatural elements, particularly focusing on the mysterious Longlegs.
The horror-thriller movie explores the deep psychological impact of trauma while utilizing an occult triangle motif connected to the killer’s methods. Being one of the most popular movies, it garnered positive reviews, becoming Neon’s highest-grossing film to date and a significant hit in the independent film scene.
7: Blink Twice
Date of Release: August 23, 2024
Director: Zoë Kravitz
Cast: Naomi Ackie, Channing Tatum, Christian Slater, Simon Rex, Adria Arjona, Haley Joel Osment, Kyle MacLachlan, Geena Davis, Alia Shawkat
Producer: Bruce Cohen, Tiffany Persons, Garret Levitz, Zoë Kravitz, Channing Tatum
Budget: $20 million
Box Office Collection: $43.6 million
Blink Twice is a 2024 American psychological thriller marking Zoë Kravitz’s directorial debut. The film follows Frida, an animal-themed nail artist, and her friend Jess as they attend an exclusive event on a billionaire tech mogul’s private island. The plot thickens with strange occurrences among female attendees, including memory lapses linked to a mysterious flower in their food and drinks. The movie has acclaimed positive reviews for its suspense, storytelling, and unique premise.
8: Reagan
Date of Release: August 30, 2024
Director: Sean McNamara
Cast: Dennis Quaid, Penelope Ann Miller, Jon Voight, Robert Davi, Lesley-Anne Down
Producer: Mark Joseph
Budget: $25 million
Box Office Collection: $26.5 million
Reagan is an American biographical drama directed by Sean McNamara. The storyline is based on Paul Kengor’s book The Crusader: Ronald Reagan and the Fall of Communism. The movie, starring Dennis Quaid as Ronald Reagan, explores Reagan’s life from his early years to his presidency. It covers his political rise, presidency, and major events such as the Iran-Contra scandal and the end of the Cold War. Despite its high-profile cast and ambitious subject, the movie received negative reviews.
9: Trap
Date of Release: August 2, 2024
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Cast: Josh Hartnett, Ariel Donoghue, Saleka Night Shyamalan, Hayley Mills, Alison Pill
Producer: M. Night Shyamalan, Ashwin Rajan, Marc Bienstock
Budget: $30 million
Box Office Collection: $82.4 million
Trap is a psychological thriller that follows Cooper Adams, a Philadelphia firefighter who takes his daughter Riley to a concert, unaware that he is actually a serial killer known as “the Butcher.”
The movie’s intense and suspenseful storyline centers on a police manhunt at the concert venue. With M. Night Shyamalan at the helm, it presents thrilling elements with a complex father-daughter relationship.
10: His Three Daughters
Date of Release: September 6, 2024
Director: Azazel Jacobs
Cast: Carrie Coon, Natasha Lyonne, Elizabeth Olsen, Rudy Galvan, Jose Febus, Jasmine Bracey, Jay O. Sanders, Jovan Adepo
Producer: Azazel Jacobs, Alex Orlovsky, Duncan Montgomery, Matt Aselton, Marc Marrie, Mal Ward, Lia Buman, Tim Headington, Jack Selby
His Three Daughters is a 2023 American drama that explores the complex relationships between three estranged sisters as they reunite for their ailing father, Vincent. Set in New York City, the film highlights their struggles with personal conflicts, grief, and the impending loss of their father. It became notable for its raw depiction of family dynamics and the challenges of reconciling with one’s past while facing a loved one’s mortality. This, one of the most popular movies, presents a concoction of tension and humor, showcasing the sisters’ journey toward healing and understanding.
FAQs
What are the top most watched movies?
- Titanic (1997)
- E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
- The Wizard of Oz (1939)
- Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)
- The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
- Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
- Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
- The Lion King (1994)
- The Godfather (1972)
- Jesus (1979)
What is the #1 most popular movie?
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is the #1 most popular movie. This dark fantasy comedy, a sequel to Beetlejuice (1988), directed by Tim Burton, combines nostalgic elements with fresh characters. Its unique blend of humor and horror captures audiences’ interest.
Which movie won the most Academy Awards?
As of February 2024, three movies are tied for the most Academy Awards of all time, each winning 11 Oscars: Ben-Hur, Titanic, and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.
What is the oldest popular movie?
Roundhay Garden Scene, a short silent film released in 1888, is among the oldest popular movies.
Which are the most successful movies of all time?
As of 2024, the highest-grossing movies of all time are: Avatar (2009) with approximately $2.92 billion globally, Avengers: Endgame (2019) earning about $2.8 billion, and Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) grossing around $2.32 billion.