Summary
The comic book movies of theMCUand theDCUhave seen a number of successful titles earn over $1 billion at the global box office. The modern rise of comic book movies saw the genre become one of cinema’s most profitable, and has therefore seen many successful superhero titles. For example, themovies of the MCUhave achieved considerable box office success, offering up considerable returns on their budgets and breaking many records in the process.
It’s not just Marvel movies that are successful, however. Some of themovies of the DCEUhave earned respectable sums, with various other DC projects bringing further financial and critical success along the way. Many of the movies in question were able to earn over $1 billion at the global box office, establishing a select group of movies to pass the mark. Here is every billion dollar comic book movie, ranked from worst to best.
15Iron Man 3 (2013)
Total Worldwide Gross: $1,215,577,205
The first movie of the MCU’s Phase 2, 2013’sIron Man 3helped usher the franchise into a new era. With Robert Downey Jr. leading his third solo movie in the franchise, the narrative followed up on some of the plot threads of 2012’sThe Avengerswhile also further exploring Tony Stark as a character. Due to the major box office draw of the MCU,Iron Man 3was able to earn a little over $1.2 billion at the box office.
Successful though it may have been, Iron Man 3 is far from one of the MCU’s best movies. The poor handling of Iron Man’s iconic nemesis, the Mandarin, was harshly criticized, as were a number of other elements within its story. However, Downey Jr.’s charismatic performance as Stark continued to highlight the many strengths of both the character and of the MCU as a whole.
14The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
Total Worldwide Gross: $1,081,041,287
It’s no secret thatChristopher Nolan’sDark Knighttrilogyis widely considered some of the best superhero cinema ever created. The director’s grounded approach to the Caped Crusader was one that won over audiences worldwide, and by the time the trilogy’s final installment came around, it proved to be a box office powerhouse. Despite often being considered the weakest of the trilogy,The Dark Knight Risesearned a little over $1 billion.
Christian Bale’s final bow as Batman provided an emotional and impactful ending to the series, even after arguably failing to clear the incredibly high bar set by its predecessor. Tom Hardy’s Bane was a villain that was unforgettable for many reasons, and the conclusion of Nolan’s trilogy rounded out the Batman saga in a novel and emotional manner. Though TheDark Knight Riseswasn’t quite able to live up to expectations, that did no damage to its overall box office success.
13Avengers: Age Of Ultron (2015)
Total Worldwide Gross: $1,402,809,540
With the MCU going from strength to strength,Avengers: Age of Ultronwas released following a handful of the franchise’s best movies. Following the critical success ofCaptain America: The Winter SoldierandGuardians of the Galaxy,Age of Ultronwas considered an enticing prospect, seeing the MCU’s Avengers once more band together to face the titular villain.The surrounding hype contributed toAvengers: Age of Ultron’s $1.4 billion box office take.
Unfortunately, there were many issues withAge of Ultronthat hurt the finished film. Its handling of the eponymous villain was cause for some backlash, as was its decision to kill off Quicksilver shortly after introducing him. Though the film has many positive points, its shortcomings are difficult to ignore, making it one of the more divisive offerings from theMCU’s movie timeline.
12Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)
Total Worldwide Gross: $1,131,927,996
Spider-Man: Far From Homesits in an especially difficult place within the MCU’s continuity. As the first solo movie released after the franchise-shattering events ofAvengers: Endgame, interest in the MCU was higher than ever – as were expectations of the movie’s quality and narrative, especially considering Spider-Man has long been considered one of Marvel’s best heroes. This double-edged sword contributed toSpider-Man: Far From Home’simpressive $1.1 billion box office gross.
Far From Homebrought Tom Holland’s Spider-Man back to the big screen, with the young Peter Parker grieving the heroic death of his mentor, Tony Stark. Having to balance contextualizing the fallout ofEndgamewith its own personal and emotional narrative was a difficult task, and though it madeFar From Homefeel a little underwhelming, the movie proved a solid epilogue to the Infinity Saga. Though the Spider-Man sequel might not have been as exciting or ground-breaking as other MCU movies, it still earned a respectable sum at the box office.
11Aquaman (2018)
Total Worldwide Gross: $1,148,161,807
Looking back over the entries in theDCEU’s movie timeline, it seems clear that the franchise’s fate was perhaps inevitable. The earliest movies in DC’s first shared movie universe were regularly criticized as needlessly gritty and dark, although the iconic nature of its characters helped keep audiences invested in its story. The first solo outing of one of the franchise’s most comedic and intriguing heroes, 2018’sAquaman, proved an interesting prospect, and that promise meant thatthe movie was able to earn $1.14 billion globally.
It’s clear thatAquamantried to bring the DCEU in a different direction, taking a more lighthearted and fantastical approach than many previous movies. Though the film still had a number of weaker points, it proved a thoroughly entertaining experience, with Jason Momoa’s take on the hero earning particular praise. Despite the eventual collapse of the DCEU,Aquamanremains one of the franchise’s most popular movies.
10Captain Marvel (2019)
Total Worldwide Gross: $1,131,416,446
Captain Marvelwas released at an optimum time within the MCU. Bridging the gap between the release of 2018’sAvengers: Infinity Warand 2019’sAvengers: Endgame, the 1990s-set movie told the origins of one of the most powerful heroes in the entire franchise. Considering the massive global interest in the MCU after the unforgettable ending ofInfinity War,Captain Marvelwas able to earn $1.1 billion at the box office.
Though its story had nothing to do with the conclusion of the Infinity Saga,Captain Marvelwas more than deserving of its success. It offered up something that had been sorely missing from the MCU: female-led sci-fi that put an unexpected spin on the comics. As well as introducing the Kree-Skrull conflict and the titular hero, the movie delved into Nick Fury’s origins and offered up a satisfying and exciting self-contained narrative, earning its success on its merits as much as its timing.
9Captain America: Civil War (2016)
Total Worldwide Gross: $1,153,304,495
Captain America: Civil Wartook a much-loved and pivotal comic book story arc and introduced it into the MCU, while also rounding out the trilogy of one of the franchise’s greatest heroes. The promise of a story with the potential to shatter the MCU’s Avengers as well as the appearance of many prominent figures from the franchise was an enticing one, and led to impressive success.Captain America: Civil Warwent on to earn a $1.15 billion gross box office.
As a landmark title in the franchise,Civil War’s narrative holds up exceptionally well. It boasts some of the best character development in the entire MCU, particularly where it pertains to Captain America and Iron Man. As it featured multiple MCU heroes, it was a major moment in the franchise’s wider story, balancing multiple characters and ideas in a single narrative.
8Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)
Total Worldwide Gross: $1,043,180,185
Deadpool & Wolverine’s place in the MCU’s Multiverse Saga allowed for the movie to tap into endless possibilities. Bringing Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool back to the big screen accompanied by Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine was a recipe for instant success, bringing one of the most iconic comic book duos to life together for the first time. As a result,Deadpool & Wolverine’s box office figures proved to be some of the best in the Multiverse Saga.
As well asDeadpool & Wolverine’s castfeaturing the returns of many actors in superhero roles, there were also significant references to popular fan-casts. This tapped into the fan service potential of the Multiverse while also blending perfectly with Deadpool’s fourth wall-breaking nature. Making the most of the previous success of bothDeadpoolmovies and the entire MCU turned out to be an undeniable recipe for success.
7Black Panther (2018)
Total Worldwide Gross: $1,346,913,171
Widely recognized as one of the MCU’s best solo movies, 2018’sBlack Pantheris also a member of the billion dollar comic book movie club. It was released as part of the MCU’s Phase 3, fleshing out the franchise’s narrative ahead of the Infinity Saga’s exciting climax. Bringing back Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa for a solo movie after his debut inCaptain America: Civil Warproved successful, asBlack Pantherearned $1.34 billion at the global box office.
The many strengths ofBlack Pantheras a movie are well-documented, with several factors contributing to its critical and commercial success. Its celebration of Black and African cultures, combined with a number of incredibly talented cast members bringing its story to life, were major aspects of its popularity. Almost every element ofBlack Pantherwas praised on some level, making it one of the MCU’s most consistently popular movies.
6The Avengers (2012)
Total Worldwide Gross: $1,518,812,988
Released in 2012,The Avengersremains a major MCU landmark as the franchise’s first ever team-up movie. Bringing together Iron Man, Captain America, Hulk, Thor, Black Widow, and Hawkeye under the watchful eye of Nick Fury,The Avengersintroduced a new element to the shared universe that had previously been missing. The draw of the cinematic team-up was undeniable, asThe Avengerstook $1.5 billion at the box office.
The Avengersworks on many levels, and continues to hold a place as one of the most enjoyed movies in the MCU. The balance of multiple heroes, as well as the carefully-written dynamic between them, was a particular strength.The Avengersalso boasts some of the best and most organic comedy in the entire MCU, helping it to remain one of the franchise’s greatest offerings more than a decade after release.
