The first half of 2025 has proven to be a dynamic period for the global box office, delivering a diverse slate of films that have captured audience attention and generated significant revenue. Following a strong finish to 2024 with hits like Inside Out 2, Deadpool & Wolverine, and Moana 2, the momentum has carried through, showcasing the continued theatrical appeal of various genres.
From animated spectacles to thrilling action franchises and unexpected original hits, the movies released through June have offered something for everyone, bringing beloved characters back to the big screen and introducing new stories that have resonated with moviegoers worldwide.
Ne Zha 2: A Global Phenomenon Dominating the Box Office
Standing head and shoulders above the competition is the Chinese animated action-adventure, Ne Zha 2. Released at the end of January, this highly anticipated sequel has achieved unprecedented success, breaking multiple box office records. As of late June, Ne Zha 2 was the only film released in 2025 to have surpassed the $1 billion mark, reportedly closing in on a staggering $2.2 billion worldwide according to the latest figures. Its phenomenal run positions it not only as the highest-grossing film of 2025 so far but also potentially among the highest-grossing films of all time.
The Elite Club: 2025’s Highest-Grossing Films (So Far)
Based on worldwide earnings reported by Dexerto as of late June, here are the top 10 highest-grossing films of 2025 to date:
- Ne Zha 2: $1.898 billion
- A Minecraft Movie: $954 million
- Lilo & Stitch: $910 million
- Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning: $541 million
- Captain America: Brave New World: $415 million
- Thunderbolts: $381 million
- Sinners: $364 million
- How to Train Your Dragon (Live-Action): $358 million
- Final Destination: Bloodlines: $280 million
- Snow White: $205 million
Note: While these figures represent the top 10 list at a specific point in late June, some films, particularly those still in wide release, have continued to add to their totals.
Beyond the Numbers: Stories of Box Office Success
Beyond Ne Zha 2‘s incredible performance, several other films have made significant impacts:
Lilo & Stitch: Disney’s live-action remake has proven to be a surprising hit, surpassing $858 million globally and rapidly approaching the coveted $1 billion milestone. It set a new record for the largest Memorial Day holiday opening weekend in North America, driven by strong nostalgia and broad family appeal, despite mixed reviews.
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning: Tom Cruise’s potential final outing as Ethan Hunt has successfully crossed the half-billion dollar mark worldwide, exceeding $506 million. The film also achieved the highest-grossing opening weekend for the Mission: Impossible franchise in North America and boasts a record global IMAX total for the series, demonstrating the enduring popularity of big-screen action spectacles. It remains in select theaters, continuing its run.
How to Train Your Dragon (Live-Action): The adaptation of the beloved animated franchise debuted strongly in mid-June, earning nearly $198 million globally in its opening weekend. This marked the fourth-biggest global and international opening for a Hollywood film in 2025 and benefited from terrific word-of-mouth. The film is still playing in theaters.
Sinners: Ryan Coogler’s R-rated thriller has been a certified smash, crossing $350 million globally. Notably, Sinners stands out as the only film among the year’s top 10 highest earners that is based on an original story rather than existing intellectual property, highlighting the potential for fresh concepts at the box office.
Other Films: A Minecraft Movie has also performed exceptionally well, nearing the $1 billion mark itself. The list features sequels, remakes, and new installments in established universes like Captain America, Thunderbolts, and Final Destination. While films like Thunderbolts have faced challenges in reaching profitability targets despite their earnings, the overall health of the first half’s box office appears robust. Other titles like The live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, Lilo & Stitch, and Thunderbolts were still drawing audiences in select theaters as of late June.
Looking Ahead: Anticipated Releases for Late 2025
The excitement is far from over, with a packed slate of major releases expected in the latter half of 2025. Anticipated films include F1, M3GAN 2.0, Jurassic World: Rebirth, Heads of State, Superman, Smurfs, Eddington, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Splitsville, The Roses, The Toxic Avenger, The Conjuring: Last Rites, The Smashing Machine, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, and Avatar: Fire and Ash, among others.
The first six months of 2025 have set a high bar, led by the historic success of Ne Zha 2 and supported by a diverse range of hits across genres. With many major films still to come, 2025 is shaping up to be a significant year for the global box office.
