Every year, a handful of lucky people films grossed $1 billion at the box office, and by 2025, it looks like several upcoming blockbuster films will have a chance to achieve this impressive achievement. Films can be considered successful in a number of different ways, but one of the most important is box office performance. If a film makes a lot of money at the box office, it means that the public is eager to see it and, furthermore, that the film is making back what it spent. Box office numbers are a great indicator of the quality of a film and success.
THE A $1 billion box office hit isn’t necessarily rare, but it’s still a huge achievement. Many films come from popular franchises or significant IPs, but don’t even come close to making a billion. For example, the only films from 2024 that have reached $1 billion are Deadpool and Wolverine and Inside Out 2. In general, earning $1 billion at the box office is a gamble. A film must attract viewers on its own merits, have good reviews and solid quality. These are films that people desperately want to see, but even then there’s no way of knowing how a film will perform.
10
A Minecraft movie
Video Game Movies Have Huge Fan Bases
A film that has a chance of reaching the US$1 billion mark is A Minecraft movie. Based on the video game of the same name A Minecraft movie follows four misfits who get sucked into the land of Minecraft known as the Overworld. With the help of Steve from Minecraft, the group must master this strange cubic land to return home. A Minecraft movie The cast includes Jack Black, Jason Mamoa, Emma Myers, Danielle Brooks and Jennifer Coolidge.
Although A Minecraft movie isn’t necessarily a top contender when it comes to $1 billion at the box office, the film definitely has a chance. Minecraft is a very popular game, especially among younger people, so there’s a good chance that audiences young and old will flock to theaters to see this. Additionally, films from previous video games, namely The Super Mario Bros. movie, earned $1 billion, opening the door to A Minecraft movie do the same. If the film is good, it can certainly achieve this goal.
9
How to train your dragon
Live-action reboots are coming
Another film that could be on the verge of making $1 billion is the 2025 live-action film How to Train Your Dragon. Originally released in 2010, How to train your dragon is a Dreamworks animated film that follows Hiccup, a strange teenage Viking who discovers that the dragons his people fight may not be his enemies. After two sequels, the franchise now continues with a live-action version of the initial film, scheduled for release in June 2025.
How to train your dragon it has some elements that make it a candidate to earn $1 billion at the box office. Firstly, the film has an established IP, which means there is already a built-in fanbase who will likely come out to see the film. Plus, being a live-action adaptation means that many viewers will simply be curious to see how the animation comes to life. However, as A Minecraft movie, How to train your dragon it will have to prove that it is of good quality if it wants to reach US$1 billion.
8
Miguel
Music biographies have performed well in the past
The only film on this list that is not part of a franchise is none other than Miguel. This 2025 film is a biopic of Michael Jackson, following his rise to fame as part of the Jackson 5 until his unexpected death in 2009. Miguel includes some major stars such as Colman Domingo, Nia Long and Miles Teller, along with Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson as the eponymous Michael. Although this film is only a year away from release, it already looks like it could be a success.
There’s no doubt that many people will be eager to see Jackson back in action on the big screen.
The number one reason why Miguel could reach $1 billion is because of Michael Jackson’s overall popularity. Jackson wasn’t just a popular musician; he has been an integral part of pop culture for entire generations. His music is still recognized to this day. There’s no doubt that many people will be eager to see Jackson back in action on the big screen. Additionally, musical biopics have gained some traction in recent years. 2019 Bohemian Rhapsody broke $1 billion, so maybe Miguel can too.
7
The Fantastic Four: Getting Started
A popular cast and a popular IP
Another film that could be on the verge of US$1 billion is The Fantastic Four: First Steps. This is scheduled to be the second reboot of Fantastic Four franchise, and will once again follow the four titular heroes: Mister Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Human Torch, and The Thing. Notably, The Fantastic Four: Getting Started has an incredible cast, including Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn and Ebon Moss-Bachrach.
Although Marvel has had low box office sales in recent years, The Fantastic Four: Getting Started has the potential to be a winner, especially after the success of Deadpool and Wolverine. This 2025 film is not only based on a beloved IP, but it also has a cast that’s hard to ignore. Each actor has been part of highly successful projects such as Stranger Things, The Last of Us, The Bear, and Mission Impossible. So even viewers who care little about superheroes can watch this film.
6
Lilo and Stitch
The return of an underrated classic
Another live-action film with a solid foundation is Lilo and Stitch. More than 20 years after the original film was released, Disney is revamping Lilo and Stitch with a live-action adaptation. Although Disney is committed to making live-action reboots, Lilo and Stitch It’s a somewhat unusual choice. Among the classics like Snow White and new favorites like Moana, Lilo and Stitch stands out. However, this difference might just be the film’s greatest strength.
Disney has countless beloved films in its catalog, but some of its best releases are those that are easily forgotten, i.e. Lilo and Stitch. This film, which follows a young Hawaiian girl who befriends a rambunctious alien, is unlike other Disney films of its time and often went unnoticed. In this way, the live action Lilo and Stitch is bringing this story back into the spotlightand nostalgia alone could certainly attract audiences. Hopefully, though, the film can also bring in a new generation of fans.
5
Wicked: Part Two
A franchise cliffhanger
A franchise film with many advantages is Wicked: Part Two. The musical film adaptation was split into two parts, with the first half of the story debuting in November 2024 and the second half being released in 2025. Even before Wicked: Part One release, it’s clear these films are on track to gross $1 billion. With Wizard of Oz fans and musical theater lovers, along with another star-studded cast, Evil has all the ingredients of a profitable blockbuster.
An element of Evil What can really boost your path to success is the fact that there are two films instead of one. While Wicked: Part One will attract audiences, the film will leave viewers with a suspense that they will be desperate to see through Wicked: Part Two. Plus, the year-long gap between films means more and more viewers can get invested over time. In this way, Wicked: Part Two It could be a great event if Wicked: Part One does well enough.
4
Snow White
A film with a long wait
One last Disney film that could be very successful is Snow White. Almost every Disney live-action remake comes with a lot of fanfare, and Snow White is no different. The film returns to Disney’s roots, adapting the company’s first feature film. The cast includes Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, and the script was written by Greta Gerwig. However, Snow White has the chance to make audiences fall in love with the original Disney princessand bring this old story into the modern day.
However, some adverse reactions to Zegler and the film’s portrayal of the Seven Dwarfs also make the film a bit controversial.
Interestingly, Snow White It has many strengths and many weaknesses. The live action Snow White It’s been in development for years, which definitely raises anticipation for the film. However, some adverse reactions to Zegler and the film’s portrayal of the Seven Dwarfs also make the film a bit controversial. In a way, this could even be useful for the film. Without considering, Disney has reached $1 billion with its live-action remakes beforewhat it means Snow White I could do it again.
3
Zootopia 2
Now, a 2025 film that will almost certainly reach $1 billion at the box office is Zootopia 2. A sequel to 2016 Zootopia, Zootopia 2 follows Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps as they go undercover to find a mysterious missing reptile. Along with the return of Jason Bateman and Ginnifer Goodwin, the film will also star Ke Huy Quan and Fortune Feimster. The film’s teaser trailer was recently released, generating anticipation a full year in advance.
What makes the probability of Zootopia 2 reaching $1 billion so high is the fact that the original Zootopia raised US$1 billion. The film’s vast cast, incredible soundtrack, and compelling story brought in just over $1 billion at the box office. Arguably, this puts Zootopia 2 with a clear advantage. If the sequel manages to recreate the magic of the first film, there’s no doubt it could gross $1 billion. Just look Inside out 2.
2
Jurassic World Rebirth
Another billion dollar franchise
Another upcoming film with a strong set of predecessors is Jurassic World Rebirth. The seventh film of Jurassic Park franchise, Renaissance takes place five years later Jurassic World Dominion and follows a covert operations specialist who is tasked with tracking down the last remaining dinosaurs and extracting DNA from them that could save human lives. Jurassic World Rebirth the cast includes Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali and Jonathan Bailey.
Like this Zootopia 2, Jurassic World Rebirth already has its foot in the door because of its successful franchise. The last three Jurassic Park films grossed $1 billion, along with the original 1993 film. This is especially impressive considering that Jurassic World Dominion and Jurassic World’s Fallen Kingdom were not very successful critically. In this way, Jurassic World Rebirth It doesn’t necessarily have to be good, but it will probably cost $1 billion anyway.
1
Avatar: Fire and Ash
Avatar consistently breaks records
Finally, the only film that is certain to reach $1 billion at the box office is Avatar: Fire and Ash. The third film of the iconic avatar the franchise will see the return of Jake Sully, Neytiri and their children in an unspecified story. The main reason why Avatar: Fire and Ash will certainly reach US$1 billion is because both avatar the films grossed more than $2 billion. In fact, these films are some of the highest-grossing films of all time. It only makes sense that Avatar: Fire and Ash would do the same.
Every Potential $1 Billion Movie |
When each movie is premiering |
---|---|
A Minecraft movie |
April 4, 2025 |
How to train your dragon |
June 13, 2025 |
Miguel |
October 3, 2025 |
The Fantastic Four: Getting Started |
July 25, 2025 |
Lilo and Stitch |
May 23, 2025 |
Wicked: Part Two |
November 21, 2025 |
Snow White |
March 21, 2025 |
Zootopia 2 |
November 26, 2024 |
Jurassic World Rebirth |
July 2, 2025 |
Avatar: Fire and Ash |
December 19, 2025 |
However, 2025 looks like it will be an exciting year for cinema. Even if many of these films don’t reach $1 billion at the box office, they will likely still be incredibly successful. It will be interesting to see if 2025 offers another $1 billion films than 2024, and if so, why. However, until next year, audiences will just have to wait and see.