When discussing the highest-grossing films, we often look at the box office numbers. However, the ranking of these films changed as ticket prices increased dramatically over the years. A film that seems to be top based on raw earnings may actually fall down the list when we account for changes in ticket prices over time.
To determine a film’s true success, it is necessary to adjust its gross for inflation. So, let’s take a look at the most successful box office movies at the worldwide box office, adjusted for inflation.
The 7 most successful box office movies worldwide, adjusted for inflation
1. Gone with the Wind (1939)
Starring Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh, Thomas Mitchell and others, Gone with the Wind is the highest-grossing film of all time when adjusted for inflation. Directed by Victor Fleming, the epic historical romance film sold approximately 202 million tickets throughout its theatrical run.
It was re-released in the 20th century, adding further numbers to its worldwide gross. When adjusted for inflation, Gone with the Wind tops the list with collections of US$4.34 billion.
2. Avatar (2009)
James Cameron’s Avatar ranks second among the highest-grossing films of all time when adjusted for inflation. The worldwide gross box office collection of the science-fiction magnum opus is currently estimated at US$3.95 billion.
The film was nominated in nine categories at the 82nd Academy Awards, winning three. Avatar was praised for its phenomenal visuals and introduced fans to the magical world of Pandora.
3. Titanic (1997)
Box office records and Titanic have a long history. James Cameron’s film was extremely successful and is considered one of the most expensive films of its time. Interestingly, Titanic was the first film to reach the billion dollar mark.
It remained the highest-grossing film of all time until it was overtaken by Cameron’s Avatar in 2009. The film grossed approximately US$3.67 billion at the worldwide box office when adjusted for inflation.
4. Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)
Undoubtedly, Star Wars is one of the most successful and highest-grossing film franchises globally. When adjusted for inflation, Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope grossed approximately US$3.56 billion at the worldwide box office.
Released in 1977, what makes this film remarkable even today is its incredible work of imagination and special visual effects. Initially, it was released on limited screens but was later expanded after receiving an impressive response.
5. Avengers: Endgame (2016)
Avengers: Endgame, directed by the Russo Brothers, is undoubtedly one of the highest-grossing films of all time. The Marvel superhero film grossed over US$3.27 billion globally, adjusted for inflation.
This much-loved film ranked fifth among the highest-grossing films in terms of inflation. Distributed by Walt Disney Studios, Avengers: Endgame holds a special place among MCU fans. It was constructed on an expected budget of US$400 million.
6. The Sound of Music (1965)
Selling approximately 142 million tickets, The Sound of Music is one of the highest-grossing films of all time, adjusted for inflation. Directed by Robert Wise, the American musical drama film proved to be a major commercial success. When adjusted for inflation, its worldwide gross box office figure is US$2.98 billion.
Apart from ruling the box office, The Sound of Music performed exceptionally well at the 38th Academy Awards by receiving 5 Oscars including Best Picture and Best Director. It is an adaptation of the 1959 stage musical composed by Richard Rodgers.
7. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
It is one of the classics produced by Steven Spielberg. Written by Melissa Mathison, the sci-fi film tells the story of a boy named Elliot who befriends an extraterrestrial (ET). When compared to the adjusted figures for The Sound of Music there is no major difference.
The Extra-Terrestrial is the highest-grossing film of the 1980s, and after revising the figures, it becomes the seventh most successful box office film adjusted for inflation. After its re-release, the film has collected approximately US$2.91 billion.
The following is a list of the 7 most successful box office films worldwide, adjusted for inflation:
| Post | Movies | WW total box office adjusted for inflation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | gone with the wild | 4.34 billion US dollars |
| 2 | Avatar | US$3.95 billion |
| 3 | titanic | US$3.67 billion |
| 4 | Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope | 3.56 billion US dollars |
| 5 | Avengers: Endgame | US$3.27 million |
| 6 | sound of music | US$2.98 billion |
| 7 | ET extra-terrestrial | US$2.91 billion |
In addition to the above titles, the list also includes The Ten Commandments, Doctor Zhivago, and Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you may also want to check out the biggest Disney box office bombs of all time.
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Disclaimer: Box office figures are compiled from various sources and our research. Figures may be approximate, and Pinkvilla makes no claims about the authenticity of the data. However, they are adequate indicators of the box-office performance of the respective films.
Also read: The 7 biggest Disney flops of all time: Turning Red, Mars Needs Moms, and more
