A definitive timeline of the films that held the U.S. box office crown, based on actual earnings at the time they reigned.
By Armando
Over the years, only a small number of movies have truly held the title of highest-grossing film at the U.S. box office. It’s a short list that stretches from the silent film era to today, and each film that reached the top marked a major moment in movie history.
It started in 1915 with The Birth of a Nation, a film that, despite its now widely condemned content, was the first to become a nationwide box office phenomenon. Gone with the Wind followed and stayed on top for decades thanks to multiple re-releases. Later, Jaws launched the modern blockbuster, Star Wars broke records in the late ‘70s, and Titanic and The Force Awakens set new benchmarks for turnout and cultural impact.
Only nine films have ever taken the #1 spot in the U.S. box office at the time of their release. Below is the full list, based solely on actual domestic earnings at the time — not adjusted for inflation or estimated through re-releases years later.
1. The Birth of a Nation (1915)
The first true blockbuster, it earned around $10 million domestically by the early 1930s — a massive total for its time. It played in theaters for years and was often accompanied by live orchestras. Despite its commercial success, the film remains infamous for its deeply racist content and historical distortion.
2. Gone with the Wind (1939)
With multiple re-releases, it reached about $67 million by the mid-1960s, making it the most successful film of the classical Hollywood era. Adjusted for inflation, it’s still the highest-grossing domestic film in U.S. history. Its 1967 re-release alone made over $25 million, a record-setting revival at the time.
3. Jaws (1975)
Universal Pictures
Steven Spielberg’s shark thriller earned about $133 million in its initial run, finally dethroning Gone with the Wind in unadjusted dollars. It established the summer blockbuster template with nationwide releases and aggressive marketing. Jaws was also the first film to cross $100 million in U.S. box office during its original run.
4. Star Wars (1977)
Star Wars exploded past Jaws with over $300 million in its original release. Its success revolutionized franchise filmmaking and merchandising. The movie’s unexpected popularity led to multiple re-releases and expanded versions that kept it in theaters for years.
5. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Universal Pictures
Earning over $359 million domestically, E.T. took the crown from Star Wars and became the new box office benchmark. Its emotional story and family-friendly appeal helped it dominate throughout 1982 and again in a 1985 re-release. It was the highest-grossing film of the 1980s and solidified Spielberg’s reign as a box office force.
6. Jurassic Park (1993)
Jurassic Park brought in about $357 million in the U.S., making it nearly neck-and-neck with E.T. domestically. Its revolutionary CGI and practical effects set a new standard for big-budget visual storytelling. It had the biggest opening weekend of all time at that point and led the global box office until Titanic.
7. Titanic (1997)
With a domestic total of $600 million, Titanic blew past every record in sight and held the crown for over a decade. It stayed #1 at the box office for 15 straight weeks, the longest run in modern box office history. The film’s emotional appeal and repeat viewings made it a true pop culture phenomenon.
8. Avatar (2009)
20th Century Fox
James Cameron did it again. Avatar earned about $749 million in the U.S., taking the top domestic spot from Titanic. It also became the highest-grossing film worldwide, using 3D technology and immersive world-building to draw crowds. Its domestic total included a strong second wind from an extended theatrical run in 2010.
9. Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Still holding the record today, The Force Awakens made $936 million at the U.S. box office — without needing a re-release. It had the biggest opening weekend of all time and crossed $1 billion globally in just 12 days. Fueled by nostalgia and the return of classic characters, it became a major event for multiple generations of fans.
