The Most Successful Movies of 2025 So Far – From Ne Zha 2 to Superman, Here’s What Dominated the Global Box Office
Every year the box office tells its own story, and 2025 has been nothing short of extraordinary. From massive animated adventures to superhero epics, gritty thrillers, and nostalgic reboots, audiences have rushed back to theaters and made these films global sensations. Some broke records overnight, others slowly built momentum through word of mouth, but together they’ve defined the cinematic year so far. Let’s take a look at the biggest winners and why they struck such a chord with millions of moviegoers.
Ne Zha 2 — $1,902,337,333
No film has dominated 2025 like Ne Zha 2. The Chinese animated sequel soared past every expectation, crossing $1.9 billion worldwide to become one of the highest-grossing films ever. Its combination of breathtaking visuals, deep-rooted mythology, and a heartfelt story about destiny and sacrifice pulled in not just Chinese audiences but also international fans. It proved once again that animation isn’t just for children—it can tell stories with the emotional depth and scale of any epic blockbuster.
Lilo & Stitch — $1,036,008,538
Disney’s live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch was always going to be nostalgic, but no one could have predicted just how big it would become. The Hawaiian setting, the tender bond between Lilo and her chaotic alien companion, and the film’s stunning mix of heartfelt emotion with comedic chaos helped it cross the billion-dollar mark. Families flocked to theaters, and older fans who grew up with the original embraced this new version with open arms. It’s a reminder of Disney’s ability to reimagine classics while keeping the heart intact.
A Minecraft Movie — $957,849,195
What once sounded impossible has now become one of 2025’s biggest surprises. A Minecraft Movie took the world’s best-selling video game and crafted a family-friendly adventure that appealed to both hardcore fans and casual audiences. With Jason Momoa leading a quirky cast, the film embraced the blocky, colorful charm of the game while telling a story about creativity, teamwork, and resilience. Just shy of a billion dollars, it’s a prime example of how gaming IPs can dominate the global box office when handled with care.
Jurassic World: Rebirth — $862,022,712
Dinosaurs never go out of style, and Jurassic World: Rebirth proved that once again. Bringing back the suspense and intensity of the original films, this chapter balanced heart-pounding action with fresh new characters. Audiences couldn’t resist the blend of nostalgia and new thrills, and the box office numbers reflected it. At more than $860 million, the franchise continues to roar louder than ever, showing that the world’s fascination with prehistoric beasts is far from extinct.
How to Train Your Dragon — $633,083,364
DreamWorks returned to one of its most beloved series with a brand-new installment of How to Train Your Dragon. Toothless and Hiccup’s story captured hearts all over again, with sweeping visuals and an emotional narrative about legacy, friendship, and courage. Crossing over $630 million, the film not only reignited old fans’ love but also introduced a new generation to this magical world of dragons and Vikings.
F1: The Movie — $623,077,148
Brad Pitt’s highly anticipated racing film, F1: The Movie, sped into theaters and immediately captured global attention. With real Formula 1 involvement, dazzling cinematography, and heart-stopping race sequences, it delivered a cinematic adrenaline rush. Fans of motorsport and casual moviegoers alike filled theaters, driving the film to more than $623 million worldwide. It proved that the thrill of speed and high-stakes drama can make for box office gold.
Superman — $614,709,002
The Man of Steel returned in grand fashion, reminding audiences why Superman remains one of the most iconic superheroes of all time. The 2025 installment balanced inspiring heroism with a more grounded and emotional take on Clark Kent. With fresh storytelling and stunning visuals, the film crossed $614 million and revived excitement for the DC Universe. It showed that Superman’s timeless appeal still soars higher than ever.
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning — $598,056,261
Tom Cruise once again proved he’s Hollywood’s ultimate daredevil. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning featured jaw-dropping stunts, international intrigue, and the same relentless energy that has defined the franchise for decades. Grossing nearly $600 million, the film was both a box office hit and a celebration of Cruise’s enduring star power. The legacy of Ethan Hunt ended on a thrilling note, cementing the series as one of the greatest action sagas in cinema.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps — $516,159,627
Marvel’s First Family finally got the movie treatment fans had been waiting for. The Fantastic Four: First Steps introduced audiences to a fresh cast and a grounded yet thrilling storyline that set the stage for future Marvel projects. At more than $516 million, it wasn’t the biggest Marvel movie of all time, but it proved successful enough to reignite hope for a long-lasting franchise. Fans praised its chemistry, visuals, and the sense of fun missing from many recent superhero films.
Captain America: Brave New World — $415,101,577
Anthony Mackie’s debut as the new Captain America was a major milestone for Marvel. Brave New World tackled themes of leadership, responsibility, and identity while delivering plenty of action-packed sequences. Grossing over $415 million, it wasn’t the highest earner, but it carried significant cultural weight as audiences embraced Sam Wilson’s journey into the iconic mantle.
Thunderbolts — $382,436,917
Marvel’s darker, ensemble-driven Thunderbolts brought together anti-heroes, villains, and broken soldiers in a gritty team-up. While its box office fell under $400 million, its strong ensemble cast and unique tone gave fans a refreshing break from the usual superhero formula. It laid the foundation for Marvel’s more experimental projects while still pulling in massive global numbers.
Sinners — $366,678,513
One of the most original films of the year, Sinners combined crime drama with moral storytelling. Its gripping narrative and powerful performances helped it become a surprise success, earning over $366 million. While not based on a franchise or IP, its success proved that audiences still crave bold, original stories when they’re told with passion and precision.
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle — $315,963,976
Anime continues to dominate global cinema, and Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle was one of 2025’s highlights. The beloved anime franchise made a triumphant return with stunning animation and emotional storytelling. Grossing more than $315 million, it demonstrated how anime has firmly planted itself in mainstream box office history. Fans celebrated its artistry while newcomers were drawn in by its breathtaking visuals.
Final Destination: Bloodlines — $310,430,814
The horror franchise that made audiences fear everything from car rides to roller coasters came back with Final Destination: Bloodlines. With fresh characters and inventive new death sequences, it reignited the thrill of fear. Crossing over $310 million, it was a solid hit for horror fans and a reminder that audiences love a good scare when done right.
The Conjuring: Last Rites — $279,153,084
Rounding out the list is The Conjuring: Last Rites, the latest installment in the popular horror universe. While its earnings of $279 million were smaller than the blockbusters above, it still proved the enduring appeal of supernatural storytelling. Fans of the franchise showed up in droves, and the chilling performances kept the series alive as one of horror’s most successful modern franchises.
Conclusion
From billion-dollar animated spectacles like Ne Zha 2 and Lilo & Stitch to daring originals like Sinners and returning legends like Mission: Impossible and Superman, 2025 has already delivered an unforgettable slate of movies. These films prove that audiences worldwide are hungry for both new stories and beloved franchises, willing to celebrate creativity in every form. If this is just the first half of the year, the rest of 2025 promises even more magic at the movies.