Watching how blockbusters perform at the box office can be somewhat of an event. The large-budget films open big, break a few records and then go on to gross millions, possibly billions, of dollars across the world. Each year, it seems that more blockbusters are watched, especially as they cross the billion-dollar mark or have a record-breaking opening weekend.
In 2018, five films crossed $1 billion with one film, “Avengers: Infinity War,” even crossing $2 billion. 2017 and 2016 saw the same numbers, and 2015 saw five films, with one film, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” breaking $2 billion. Now, as 2019’s box office prepares for some of the biggest and most anticipated releases ever, here’s what to expect and look forward to.
- Don’t be surprised if this is the box office’s biggest year, both domestically and internationally.
“Endgame” will have no trouble passing the billion-dollar mark, and will most likely break $2 billion. It’ll be the highest-grossing film of the year, followed by “Episode IX,” “Toy Story 4,” “Frozen 2” and “The Lion King,” all of which are almost guaranteed to break $1 billion. Nostalgia, excitement and, especially for "The Lion King," having Beyoncé in the cast are all helping factors.
- Yes, “Endgame” will top “Episode IX” and “Toy Story 4.”
“Endgame” comes after over 10 years of constant Marvel Cinematic Universe releases, each of which had done relatively well and built a strong fan base that would see every other Marvel release, no matter what. While Star Wars fans may range more in generation and age, “The Last Jedi” has made things tricky for the saga. Sure, “Episode IX” could surprise everyone and break $2 billion, but expect “Endgame” to top the year, even with nostalgic releases like “Toy Story 4.”
- But who cares? It’s all Disney!
As most fans know, Disney isn’t just a film experience. Its amusement parks are set to bolster excitement for their upcoming releases. Both Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge theme park areas in Disneyland and Walt Disney World, which are the biggest Disney theme park expansions ever, along with the recently-opened Toy Story Land in Disney World, are preparing fans of all ages to head to the theater for the latest film releases.
- Don’t count out other films, though.
In addition, DC’s “Shazam!” could pull an “Aquaman” (2018) and surprise everyone, refreshing the exhausted franchise and giving fans an unexpected superhero story. Ultimately, these films might not top the year, but they’ll do considerably well, especially since all of them are in some way a continuation of a franchise or saga. “Shazam!” might have the most trouble of the mix, but if its critical and fan reaction are as positive as the one for “Aquaman,” it should see success.
- Sagas, franchises and fantasy rule the year — again.
2019 could very well be the biggest box office year yet, or even ever. With so many releases, expect to see audiences everywhere enjoying what's to come.