Top Grossing Films of 2017: A Box Office Roundup
The year 2017 was a blockbuster in more ways than one, with a diverse range of films capturing the hearts and minds of audiences worldwide. Let's delve into the top grossing films of 2017, exploring the trends, themes, and cinematic marvels that dominated the box office.
Global Box Office: A Record-Breaking Year
2017 was a record-breaking year for the global box office, with worldwide receipts reaching an all-time high of $40.6 billion. This impressive figure was driven by a mix of established franchises, critically acclaimed films, and surprise hits that resonated with audiences across the globe.
Domestic Box Office: A Closer Look at the U.S. Market
In the United States and Canada, the box office grossed $11.1 billion, marking a 3.5% increase from the previous year. This growth can be attributed to the success of several high-profile releases, as well as a strong showing from independent and foreign films.

| Rank | Title | Genre | Domestic Gross (in $) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beauty and the Beast | Musical, Romance, Fantasy | 504,000,000 |
| 2 | Star Wars: The Last Jedi | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi | 538,112,000 |
| 3 | Despicable Me 3 | Animation, Comedy, Family | 264,624,375 |
| 4 | Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle | Action, Adventure, Comedy | 404,513,008 |
| 5 | The Fate of the Furious | Action, Crime, Thriller | 225,764,633 |
| 6 | It | Horror, Thriller | 327,481,764 |
| 7 | Dunkirk | Action, Drama, History | 188,086,581 |
| 8 | Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 | Action, Adventure, Comedy | 389,813,101 |
| 9 | Spider-Man: Homecoming | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi | 334,201,140 |
| 10 | Coco | Animation, Adventure, Comedy | 209,992,618 |
International Box Office: Global Hits and Misses
The international box office accounted for a significant portion of the global total, with several films performing exceptionally well in overseas markets. China, in particular, emerged as a major player, with its box office gross reaching $7.9 billion in 2017.
Trends and Themes: What Drove Success in 2017?
Several trends and themes contributed to the success of films in 2017. Established franchises continued to dominate, with sequels, reboots, and spin-offs accounting for a significant portion of the year's top grossing films. However, independent and foreign films also made a strong showing, demonstrating the diversity and richness of global cinema.
- Superheroes and Sequels: The Marvel Cinematic Universe continued its reign, with "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" and "Spider-Man: Homecoming" both performing exceptionally well at the box office. Meanwhile, "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" capitalized on the enduring appeal of the franchise, grossing over $1 billion worldwide.
- Animation and Family Films: "Beauty and the Beast," "Despicable Me 3," and "Coco" were among the year's biggest hits, demonstrating the enduring popularity of animated and family-friendly films.
- Horror and Thrillers: "It" and "Get Out" were surprise hits in the horror and thriller genres, proving that well-crafted, innovative films can resonate with audiences and gross significant box office receipts.
- Independent and Foreign Films: Films like "Moonlight," "Lady Bird," and "The Shape of Water" received critical acclaim and strong box office performances, demonstrating the importance of independent and foreign cinema in the broader film landscape.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Box Office
As we look ahead to 2018 and beyond, several trends and developments are likely to shape the box office landscape. The rise of streaming services and changing consumer habits will continue to impact the film industry, as studios and distributors grapple with the challenges and opportunities presented by new technologies and platforms.

Despite these challenges, the global box office remains a vibrant and dynamic space, with a diverse range of films and genres catering to the tastes and preferences of audiences worldwide. As we continue to explore the stories and narratives that captivate and inspire us, the future of the box office looks bright indeed.