Which Movie Would Beat Titanic If These Blockbusters Were Released Today?
We’ve all experienced the excitement of a packed theater, and the thrill of witnessing movie magic unfold on the big screen. But have you ever wondered how much cash these classic movies would have hauled in if they had debuted today?
We're going to review the top-grossing movies of 20th-century America, from the epic Gone with the Wind to the tearjerker Titanic. These films didn’t just wow audiences back then; they have been imprinted into pop culture history. So, let’s kick back, grab some popcorn, and imagine the insane box office numbers these timeless gems would pull in today's movie-mad world. Can you guess which one made it in the first place?
Image: Jakob Owens
10. Jaws (1975)
Jaws, directed by Steven Spielberg and released in 1975, is a thrilling masterpiece that set the standard for summer blockbusters. The film's suspenseful narrative, centered around a monstrous great white shark terrorizing a small coastal town, keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. With a stellar cast led by Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, and Richard Dreyfuss, the performances are as gripping as the plot itself. Upon its release, Jaws earned an impressive $476 million, a figure that, when adjusted for inflation, translates to approximately $2.31 billion today. Its iconic music by John Williams and innovative special effects make Jaws a timeless classic that continues to influence the horror and thriller genres.
Image: Wai Siew
9. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
Princesses and their hectic journey to find love will always be a success, and Walt Disney must have known it if he decided to make this his inaugural feature film. Snow White introduces the audience to a princess who inspires innocence and purity.
Still today, children around the world watch and love the most tender princess of Disney World and feel rage when the evil Queen appears on the screen.
Despite being released over eight decades ago, its original gross of $418 million has ballooned to an impressive $2.36 billion when adjusted for inflation, showcasing its enduring popularity and cultural impact.
Image: jimmy desplanques
8. Jurassic Park (1993)
Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park revolutionized the way audiences viewed dinosaurs on the big screen. Its groundbreaking visual effects and thrilling storyline continue to captivate audiences, making it a timeless classic of adventure cinema.
Unforgettable characters, breathtaking action sequences, and a fully immersive experience in a thrilling adventure on Isla Nublar. Jurassic Park is the full package for people of all ages.
Now, considering the success it still enjoys today, it is no surprise its initial box office would catapult from 1.1 billion to 2.41 billion dollars today!
Image: Claudio Schwarz
7. Doctor Zhivago (1965)
In the middle of the Russian Revolution, Dr. Yuri Zhivago emerges as a central figure, his journey marked by love, betrayal, and societal upheaval. Raised by his aunt and uncle after his father’s tragic death, Yuri’s path intertwines with the captivating Lara Guishar.
With stunning cinematography and powerful performances from Omar Sharif and Julie Christie, the film captures the beauty and tragedy of its era. Love, forbidden affairs, war, and more perennial topics in just one successful movie.
Despite its initial grossing of 245 million dollars, when adjusted for inflation, its true impact shines through, with an equivalent of 2.52 billion dollars today. If these numbers seem high, wait to see what’s ahead on this list!
Image: Kelly Sikkema
6. The Ten Commandments (1956)
The Ten Commandments stands the test of time and remains an unparalleled cinematic masterpiece. Cecil B. DeMille’s magnum opus intricately waves through Moses’ journey, from his humble beginning to the exodus of the Israelites from the clutches of Egyptian Tyranny, with an awe-inspiring cast led by Charles Heston
Its initial box office success, grossing 122.7 million dollars sounds like nothing compared to the 2.66 billion dollars it would have got adjusted for inflation. Truly, a testament to its enduring resonance!
Image: Fr. Barry Braum
5. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Steven Spielberg’s heartwarming tale of a boy and his alien friend captured the imagination of audiences worldwide.
Following the young boy Elliot who befriends an alien stranded on Earth, the topics in this iconic film remain timeless: friendship and home. With its touching story, tender characters, and iconic moments, E.T. remains a beloved classic that continues to warm hearts across generations
This movie was a success from the very beginning, grossing a total of 796 million dollars, and the number adjusted for inflation is equally fair to its success: 2.81 billion dollars!
Image: Rick L
4. The Sound of Music (1965)
The Sound of Music is a classic musical that follows the heartwarming story of Maria, a spirited nun-in-training who becomes the governess for the seven children of the stern Captain Von Trapp.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Austrian Alps, the film beautifully combines romance, music, and family bonds and it ends with the family’s daring escape from Nazi-occupied Austria. A memorable performance is a bit of an understatement, considering we still sing Julie Andrew’s song.
Originally grossing $286.2 million, its earnings adjusted for inflation skyrocketed to an impressive $2.88 billion, underscoring its enduring popularity and financial success. But wait for it, compared to the top one on this list, this number is almost nothing!
Image: Will Langenberg
3. Star Wars (1977)
Star Wars (retroactively labeled Episode IV – A New Hope), directed by George Lucas, is an innovative sci-fi adventure that follows the journey of young Luke Skywalker as he joins the Rebel Alliance to fight the evil Galactic Empire.
The film had groundbreaking special effects for the time, and together with the memorable characters, and epic storytelling, it found it very easy to captivate audiences across the world; so much so that it became a cultural phenomenon.
This blockbuster originally grossed 775.5 million dollars, but, if it had been released today, the number would have skyrocketed to 3.44 billion dollars! Talk about a cinematic success!
Image: Tommy van Kessel
2. Titanic (1997)
Romance film or disaster film? Well, it's actually a little bit of both. James Cameron’s Titanic is a cinematic triumph that seamlessly blends romance and tragedy against the backdrop of the ill-fated maiden voyage of the RMS Titanic.
With groundbreaking special effects, a captivating love story, and memorable performances, Titanic continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. So it doesn’t come as a surprise that it is one of the highest-grossing films of all time: if we were to discuss the number adjusted for inflation, it comes to a total of 3.4 billion dollars. Cameron can’t complain, right?
Image: K. Mitch Hodge
1. Gone with the Wind (1939)
A sweeping epic set against the backdrop of the American Civil War, Gone with the Wind remains a cinematic masterpiece.
Gone with the Wind is a historical romance set during the harsh times of the war and Reconstruction, centering on the indomitable Scarlett O’Hara and her tumultuous relationships. Its grand scale, complex characters, and timeless themes of love and survival have secured its place in film history despite criticisms of its portrayal of the Old South. Adjusting for inflation, had it been released today, Gone With The Wind would have raised a shocking amount of 4.19 billion dollars!
Image: micheile henderson