Box Office Blockbusters: 2024's Four Films Set to Gross $1 Billion

Summary

• There is no shortage of premieres scheduled for 2024, and some of them promise to gross more than $1 billion.
• However, a number of factors, including inflation, could prevent them from achieving such success.
• Still, there are other dark horses that could be surprise hits.

Let's take a look at the upcoming 2024 movies that have all the potential to be commercial hits.

4. Inside Out 2

Release date: June 14, 2024

Projections: $700 million to $1.1 billion

Financially, Pixar has fallen on hard times in the covid and post-covid era: 2020's critically acclaimed Soul and 2022's slightly less well-received Lightyear were commercial failures, while the recent Elemental was a sleeper hit, grossing less than $500 million. Still, many have high hopes for the upcoming Inside Out 2.

First, the original, which grossed $858.8 million against a budget of $175 million, has gained a cult following with critics and audiences alike continuing to praise it, and the sequel's trailer has garnered over 18 million views on YouTube in just over a month. Second, Inside Out 2 has almost no competition in the June release window, which could allow it to easily cross the $1 billion mark.

3. Despicable Me 4

Release date: July 3, 2024

Projections: $800 million to $1.1 billion

Inside Out 2's main competitor, the fourth installment of Despicable Me, has every chance to be the biggest animated hit of the year. The minions have been at the top of the global family market for years, earning billions in merchandising, and each Despicable Me sequel, including the spin-offs, has progressively grossed over a billion dollars at the box office (not counting The Rise of Gru, which grossed $939.6 million).

The only problem is that it will be released while Inside Out 2 is still in theaters. This could negatively affect the box office for both movies, but DM4 has a much better chance of succeeding.

2. Deadpool 3

Release date: July 26, 2024

Projections: $700 million to $1 billion

The MCU is going downhill fast, as this year only Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 paid off, grossing $845.6 million, while all the other movies failed at the box office. Audiences are tired of Marvel's endless content, which is not always of the highest quality. However, Deadpool 3 could be a breath of fresh air that revitalizes the franchise. While the previous two films starring Ryan Reynolds grossed around $780 million, the current film promises to be far more successful thanks to finally proper cameos and crossovers in the MCU. Hugh Jackman alone, returning to the role of Wolverine, may attract more than a few viewers.

1. Joker: Folie à Deux

Release date: October 4, 2024

Projections: $650 million to $1 billion

The sequel to 2019's surprise hit, starring Joaquin Phoenix, is the most controversial example on the list. On one hand, some feel the sequel is needless, and many are alarmed by the fact that it's being presented as a musical movie. On the other hand, Phoenix's popularity and appeal to Lady Gaga fans could spark another zeitgeist.

However, despite so many anticipated premieres hitting the big screens next year, we should also keep in mind the possibility that 2024 could be the first year in a long time that there will be no films grossing $1 billion or more at the box office. Of course, the global market accounts for a large portion of the profits, but don't overlook the current economic conditions in the US and Canada, considering inflation rates.

Some Other Movies Also Have Blockbuster Potential

Just as Top Gun: Maverick was a completely unexpected commercial blockbuster in 2022, there could be other surprise hits that break financial records in the coming 2024.

5. Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire

Release date: April 12, 2024

4. Twisters

Release date: July 19, 2024

3. Gladiator 2

Release date: November 22, 2024

2. Wicked

Release date: November 27, 2024

1. Dune: Part Two

Release date: March 1, 2024