In a previous post, we spotlighted some of the highest grossing films of all time and even went the distance to adjust it for inflation. The list included such classics as Gone with the Wind and Star Wars, with the addition of the recent Avatar, directed by James Cameron, which would have made the number one spot had we not adjusted our list for inflation.
The reason behind adjusting the list was because obviously as time goes by, situations change. The price of a ticket back in 1939 is a lot different to what we would pay today, and the amount of money a film made ‘back in the day’ needs to be converted into today’s currency rate, otherwise it wouldn’t be a fair list, and we’re all about being fair!
That was not the end of our list however, as there are many more films which have taken a spot on the highest grossing films of all time list.
Jaws (1975)
Adjusting the figure this film made so that it conforms to today’s currency rate, we end up with a final figure of $2,027,000,000 for the total funds this classic scare fest raked in. To be honest, considering the lasting effect this film has continued to have on its viewers even to this day, it should come as no surprise that Jaws ended up on this list.
We’re sure you’re familiar with the story, but just in case: Amity Island is the perfect summer vacation destination for thousands of people, but when a giant Great White Shark comes along and starts devouring helpless swimmers, it’s up to the sheriff, a shark expert and a fisherman to stop it.
This film defines the term ‘terror from the depths’, embodies the idea of fear of the unknown, and made people terrified to go into any form of water, even a swimming pool!
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Another gem from Spielberg (you’ll notice he and James Cameron dominate this list), this family film about a lost alien ended up grossing a total of $2,310,000,000 at the box office and has been named as one of the greatest sci-fi movies of all time. If you haven’t seen this film, we strongly recommend you do, and if you have, you know exactly why this film has made this list.
Like Jaws, this film’s plot is a relatively simple one, meaning that you don’t have to create a story which poses a lot of philosophical questions, or attempts to comment on a historical event to make a good film; all you need is solid storytelling and an obvious love for what you do. To put it simply, this film is all about an alien who gets stranded on earth, and the attempts of a young boy who befriends him to get him home. It’s as simple as that.
Titanic (1997)
Cameron strikes again (we told you he dominated this list), but this time it’s with his timeless classic about one of the greatest tragedies in history; a film that ended up grossing $2,516,000,000. This is not taking into account by the way, the amount of money the film made when it saw a re-release in 2012 which is speculated to have brought in an extra $343,550,770 for the film. Hopefully, we don’t have to tell you the plot of this film, not because it’s perhaps one of the most famous films ever made (alongside being one of the highest grossing), but because it’s one of the most significant historical events of the past few hundred years. So if you don’t know the plot, go read a history book.
And that’s it for our look at the highest grossing films of all time; we hope you’ve enjoyed taking a closer look at some of these films with us. Another great sharing experience is taking a look at your old home movies, which is an experience we can enhance by transferring your VHS to DVD, giving you an all round higher quality experience. For more information, contact us on 0800 592433 and one of our friendly team members will be happy to help.