Critics Rank the Best and Worst Movies to Surpass $1 Billion at the Box Office

“Toy Story 3” was the epitome of a perfect conclusion to the beloved series. Woody and Buzz bid a heartfelt farewell to Andy in this emotionally captivating film. With a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a worldwide box office revenue of $1,067,316,101, it’s clear that this film resonated deeply with audiences.

As Andy prepares to embark on his college journey, Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the toys mistakenly find themselves donated to a childcare center. Time becomes of the essence as they race against the clock to reunite with Andy before he moves on for good. The final scene of the movie, where Andy learns to let go of his toys and pass them on to the next generation, tugs at the heartstrings and leaves viewers teary-eyed.

“Zootopia” offers a refreshing take on the typical animated film. With a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a worldwide box office revenue of $1,025,521,689, this movie made a significant impact. What begins as a simple story about a bunny named Judy Hopps fulfilling her dream of becoming a police officer evolves into a tale of acceptance and embracing differences. Along the way, she forms an unlikely friendship with a fox named Nick, and together they uncover a larger conspiracy. This film cleverly addresses timely social themes through its subversive storytelling style, teaching an important lesson about prejudices.

“Critics praised “Toy Story 4” almost as much as its predecessor. With a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a worldwide box office revenue of $1,073,841,394, this film showcases a charming exploration of identity and purpose. The introduction of the adorable yet existential spork named Forky adds a delightful touch, while Woody reconnects with his long-lost love, Bo-Peep. However, some fans were disappointed that the film placed a heavier focus on new characters rather than the franchise fan favorites.

“Top Gun: Maverick” took the world by surprise in 2022, surpassing expectations and proving to be better than its predecessor. With a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a worldwide box office revenue of $1,495,696,292, this film follows US Navy Captain Pete “Maverick” Mitchell as he trains a group of Top Gun graduates in a mission to destroy a uranium enrichment plant. The film’s success lies in its ability to prioritize high-stakes action over romantic drama, immersing the audience in the thrilling world of fighter pilots.

“Black Panther” transcends the superhero genre with its relatable story about family. With a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a worldwide box office revenue of $1,349,926,083, this film delves into the journey of T’Challa as he grapples with the responsibility of ruling Wakanda following his father’s death. Unexpectedly challenged by a family member, T’Challa’s path to acceptance is filled with betrayal, pain, and ultimately, growth. The exceptional performances by Chadwick Boseman and Michael B. Jordan elevate this Marvel film to new heights, earning it the distinction of being the first superhero movie to receive a best picture Oscar nomination.

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” marked the end of a cultural phenomenon. With a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a worldwide box office revenue of $1,342,359,942, this film provided fans with the epic conclusion they had been eagerly awaiting. The final confrontation between Harry and Voldemort, set against the backdrop of the last stand of Hogwarts, evokes a wave of emotions intensified by Alexandre Desplat’s heart-pounding score. Alan Rickman’s portrayal of Snape, as the seemingly cold-hearted character reveals his loyalty through a selfless sacrifice, remains one of the franchise’s most heartbreaking moments. Breaking multiple box office records upon release, “Deathly Hallows: Part 2” solidified its place in cinematic history.

“Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” continues to captivate audiences 20 years later. With a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a worldwide box office revenue of $1,147,633,833, this epic conclusion to the trilogy delivers a satisfying culmination to the journey of Frodo and Sam as they navigate the perils of Mordor to destroy The One Ring. The battles fought by Aragorn, Legolas, Gandalf the White, and their allies against relentless Orcs contribute to the film’s immersive visual effects. Despite its lengthy three-hour runtime, this trilogy remains a timeless masterpiece deserving of revisiting.

“The Dark Knight” remains one of the most rewatchable superhero movies. With a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a worldwide box office revenue of $1,006,234,167, this film is not solely focused on Batman but primarily recognized for Heath Ledger’s unforgettable portrayal of the Joker. Ledger’s performance has been hailed as one of the greatest villain performances in any comic-book film, earning him a posthumous Academy Award for best supporting actor. The film’s opening scene, featuring a bank robbery and the Joker’s captivating presence, stands as one of the most memorable character reveals in modern cinema.

“The Lion King” did not require a remake. Despite its worldwide box office revenue of $1,663,075,401, the 2019 version of this Disney classic received mixed reviews with a 52% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. As a straight retelling of the original animated film, this remake fails to bring anything transformative to the table. While it boasts visually stunning scenes, the lack of emotions on the animals’ faces undermines critical moments like Mufasa’s death. Many viewed this remake as a mere cash grab from Disney, ultimately wasting the talents of its cast, including Beyoncé.

“Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace” is often regarded as one of the weakest films in the franchise. With a 51% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a worldwide box office revenue of $1,027,082,707, the prequel trilogy’s introduction to Anakin Skywalker and the rise of Darth Vader attracted much criticism. While the film is often criticized for its inclusion of the controversial character Jar Jar Binks, it also introduced viewers to the iconic and formidable Sith Lord, Darth Maul.

“Alice in Wonderland” captivated audiences with its stunning visuals but fell short in other aspects. With a 51% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a worldwide box office revenue of $1,025,468,216, Tim Burton’s remake follows a young girl navigating Wonderland to find her way home, aided by the eccentric Mad Hatter. While the film garnered praise for its visual aesthetics, critics found it lacked originality, with Tim Burton seemingly in a “for-hire mode.” The film’s success paved the way for subsequent Disney reimaginings.

“Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” shifted its focus away from dinosaurs and onto human cloning. With a 47% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a worldwide box office revenue of $1,310,466,296, this sequel follows Owen and Claire as they attempt to save dinosaurs from an erupting volcano. However, the film takes an unexpected turn as it prioritizes a story centered around human cloning over the dinosaur spectacle fans had come to expect. Despite the return of Jeff Goldblum, his cameo feels overblown and fails to live up to the excitement it initially generated.

“Transformers: Dark of the Moon” stands as a low point in the series. With a dismal 35% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a worldwide box office revenue of $1,123,794,079, this film marks Shia LaBeouf’s final outing in the “Transformers” franchise. Critics deemed the plot convoluted and melodramatic, leaving the film feeling soulless and lacking substance. The decision to replace Megan Fox with model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley also failed to resonate with viewers, as her character was given little to do.

“Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” signaled a decline in the franchise’s quality. With a 33% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a worldwide box office revenue of $1,046,721,266, this film was the first in the series not to be directed by Gore Verbinski. Captain Jack Sparrow’s character began to feel worn out, and the film failed to breathe new life into his narrative. Critics found the movie to be generic and lacking in creativity, with Tim Burton seemingly going through the motions. Beyoncé’s talents also went underutilized in this lackluster installment.

In conclusion, these films represent a mix of exceptional storytelling and disappointing missteps. While some movies managed to captivate audiences with their relatable themes and compelling characters, others fell short in their attempts to recreate the magic of their predecessors. It’s important for filmmakers to strike a balance between innovation and staying true to what made these franchises beloved in the first place.

Reference

Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
DMCA compliant image

Leave a Comment