Sequels Rule the Box Office—Originals Are on the Outs
If you thought Hollywood was running out of ideas, 2024 is here to show you just how wrong you are. For the first time in fifty years (or possibly ever), every one of the top ten highest-grossing films worldwide is a sequel. Yes, you read that correctly—every single one.
According to GamesRadar, only direct sequels—those that follow a specific previous film—are eligible. Prequels, reboots, and even spin-offs don’t count. So, while films like Twisters and Alien: Romulus may snag the #11 and #12 spots, you’ll have to scroll all the way down to #13 for something remotely original (It Ends With Us—a book adaptation, but still).
The Top Ten.
The top ten lineup is a parade of familiar faces and franchise powerhouses, including Inside Out 2, Deadpool & Wolverine, Despicable Me 4, Dune: Part Two, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, Kung Fu Panda 4, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (yes, they went there), Venom: The Last Dance, Bad Boys: Ride or Die, and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Basically, if you loved the first movie, you’ll probably love the sequel.
The previous record for sequels in the top ten was eight, back in 2015 and 2022. But 2024 has officially blown that record out of the water. Still, don’t get too comfortable—Wicked is climbing the ranks fast and could bump Apes out of the top ten by year’s end. So enjoy the sequel-fuelled dominance while it lasts.
