History's Best Selling Movies of 1997

Across the iconic 1990s, 1997 saw a swell surge of radical 90s attitude and millennium anticipation in the world of movies! Leading the charge were mighty, top-selling marvels like Liar Liar and Romy and Michele's High School Reunion, capturing the public’s fancy in grand fashion. Distinguished creators from industry leaders like Tom Shadyac and David Mirkin proved their mettle with The Fifth Element, delivering craftsmanship that flew off store shelves and cemented lifelong fandoms. Step right up and inspect our complete, rank-ordered historical archive below!

1. Liar Liar

   Released in 1997 by Tom Shadyac, Brian Grazer, Universal Pictures, Imagine Entertainment

   On March 21, 1997, audiences were treated to the comedic force of nature that was Jim Carrey at the absolute zenith of his powers with the release of 'Liar Liar.' Directed by Tom Shadyac, who had previously helmed Carrey's breakout hit 'Ace Ventura: Pet Detective,' the film arrived at a time when Carrey was arguably the biggest comedy star on the planet. Coming off a string of blockbusters, his name alone guaranteed a massive opening weekend. 'Liar Liar' presented a high-concept premise perfectly tailored to his unique brand of manic, physical comedy: a fast-talking, dishonest lawyer who is magically compelled to tell the truth for 24 hours. The film was an instant sensation, reaffirming Carrey's box office dominance and becoming a defining comedy of the 1990s.

2. Romy and Michele's High School Reunion

   Released in 1997 by David Mirkin, Touchstone Pictures

   On April 25, 1997, "Romy and Michele's High School Reunion" premiered in US theaters, introducing audiences to two of the most lovable and fashion-forward underachievers in cinematic history. The film arrived at a time when 90s irony and slacker comedy were prevalent, but it offered something different: a genuinely sweet and hilarious celebration of female friendship, individuality, and the creative power of a little white lie. Starring Lisa Kudrow, fresh off her "Friends" success, and Mira Sorvino, who had recently won an Oscar, the movie seemed like a lighthearted comedy on the surface but struck a deep chord with anyone who ever felt like an outsider, making this release date the birth of an enduring cult classic.

3. The Fifth Element

   Released in 1997 by Luc Besson, Gaumont, Columbia Pictures

   On May 7, 1997, French director Luc Besson's visually spectacular science-fiction epic, "The Fifth Element," opened the Cannes Film Festival before its wider theatrical release. In a cinematic landscape often dominated by American blockbusters, "The Fifth Element" was a bold and audacious European production, the most expensive ever made at the time. It arrived as a splash of vibrant, eccentric color in the sci-fi genre, which was often characterized by darker, more dystopian themes. The film's premiere was a major cultural event, promising audiences a completely unique vision of the future, blending high-octane action, quirky comedy, and a breathtakingly original aesthetic that was unlike anything seen on screen before. It was an ambitious gamble that would go on to define a generation of science fiction fandom.

4. The Lost World: Jurassic Park

   Released in 1997 by Steven Spielberg, Universal Pictures

   The highly anticipated sequel to the groundbreaking Jurassic Park, 'The Lost World: Jurassic Park,' roared into theaters on May 23, 1997. This date marked the North American theatrical release of Steven Spielberg's return to the world of dinosaurs, igniting immense public excitement and setting the stage for a massive box office run. Building on the original's success, the film was poised to be one of the biggest cinematic events of the year, promising more action, more dinosaurs, and even greater spectacle. Its debut was a testament to the enduring appeal of Michael Crichton's prehistoric vision, instantly becoming a significant cultural moment and a record-breaker in its own right, further solidifying the franchise's place in film history.

5. My Best Friend's Wedding

   Released in 1997 by P. J. Hogan, TriStar Pictures

   The summer of 1997 saw the romantic comedy genre redefined with the release of 'My Best Friend's Wedding' on June 20. This pivotal date marked the North American theatrical debut of what would become an instant classic, launching Julia Roberts further into superstardom as a leading lady and captivating audiences with its charmingly unconventional take on love and friendship. The film quickly became a massive commercial success, defying expectations for the genre and establishing itself as one of the year's highest-grossing movies. Its arrival was not just another film premiere; it was a cultural event that left an indelible mark on cinematic history and the hearts of millions, proving that romantic comedies could be both intelligent and spectacularly profitable.

6. Men in Black

   Released in 1997 by Barry Sonnenfeld, Walter F. Parkes, Laurie MacDonald, Columbia Pictures, Amblin Entertainment

   On July 2, 1997, just ahead of the lucrative American Independence Day holiday weekend, theaters across the nation unleashed a pop culture behemoth: "Men in Black." Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, the film was more than just a summer blockbuster; it was a perfectly calibrated entertainment machine. It merged high-concept science fiction, sharp buddy-cop comedy, and the undeniable charisma of its stars, Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones. Its release marked a pivotal moment in the careers of both actors, cementing Smith's status as the king of the summer box office and showcasing Jones's comedic timing. The film's arrival was an event, dominating conversations, fashion (with its iconic black suits and Ray-Ban sunglasses), and the music charts.

7. Air Force One

   Released in 1997 by Wolfgang Petersen, Columbia Pictures

   The summer of 1997 was electrified by the high-flying action thriller "Air Force One," which premiered on July 25th, marking its significant entry into cinematic history. This date wasn't just another Friday; it launched a blockbuster that captivated audiences worldwide, quickly becoming one of the year's highest-grossing films. The movie's blend of intense suspense, patriotic fervor, and a commanding performance from Harrison Ford as a kick-ass President solidified its place as a quintessential 90s action classic. Its release set the stage for a remarkable box office run and cemented its status as a benchmark for political thrillers, proving that a president could be both a fearless leader and an engaging action hero. The film's impact was immediate, securing its place in pop culture from its very first showing.

8. G.I. Jane

   Released in 1997 by Ridley Scott, Caravan Pictures, Hollywood Pictures

   On August 22, 1997, theaters across the United States debuted "G.I. Jane," a military drama directed by the acclaimed Ridley Scott. The film's release was a significant cultural event, arriving at a time of ongoing debate about the role of women in the U.S. military, particularly in combat roles. Starring Demi Moore in a physically transformative performance, the movie put a Hollywood spotlight on the intense challenges, both physical and political, faced by women striving for equality in one of the most traditionally masculine institutions. Its premiere on this date launched not just a movie, but a national conversation about gender, endurance, and the definition of a soldier.

9. The Full Monty

   Released in 1997 by Peter Cattaneo, Fox Searchlight Pictures

   On August 29, 1997, British cinemas unveiled a low-budget comedy that would become an unexpected global phenomenon: "The Full Monty." Released into a summer movie season typically dominated by Hollywood blockbusters, this heartwarming and hilarious film about a group of unemployed steelworkers from Sheffield struck a chord with audiences worldwide. Its UK release on this date cemented its status as a cultural touchstone, transforming it from a sleeper hit into a box office behemoth. The film's perfect blend of social commentary, laugh-out-loud humor, and genuine pathos captured the spirit of a post-Thatcherite Britain grappling with industrial decline, making it one of the most successful and beloved British films of all time.

10. The Game

    Released in 1997 by David Fincher, PolyGram Filmed Entertainment, Propaganda Films

    On September 12, 1997, audiences were invited to play a game unlike any other with the theatrical release of David Fincher's "The Game." The film premiered at a time when Fincher was solidifying his reputation as a master of the dark, stylish thriller, following the critical success of "Seven" two years prior. "The Game" plunged viewers into a paranoid, twisting narrative that blurred the lines between reality and fabrication. Starring Michael Douglas as a wealthy but emotionally hollow investment banker, the film's release tapped into late-90s anxieties about corporate power, surveillance, and the search for meaning in a materialistic world, leaving audiences questioning everything they saw on screen.

11. I Know What You Did Last Summer

    Released in 1997 by Jim Gillespie, Mandalay Entertainment, Columbia Pictures

    On October 17, 1997, the slasher genre, which had been spectacularly revived by "Scream" the year prior, received its next major entry with the release of "I Know What You Did Last Summer." Penned by "Scream" writer Kevin Williamson and featuring a cast of the hottest young stars of the era, the film was perfectly positioned to capture the teen market. Its premiere solidified the 90s slasher renaissance, trading self-referential humor for a more straightforward, suspense-driven plot about guilt and revenge. It immediately became a box office smash and a pop culture phenomenon, defining horror for a generation of moviegoers coming of age in the late 1990s.

12. Good Will Hunting

    Released in 1997 by Gus Van Sant, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Miramax Films

    On December 5, 1997, a small film written by and starring two unknown actors began a limited theatrical run in cities like New York and Los Angeles. That film was 'Good Will Hunting.' This strategic release was designed to build critical acclaim and word-of-mouth buzz ahead of a wider release and the impending awards season. The strategy worked brilliantly. The film captivated critics and early audiences, generating a powerful groundswell of support that would carry it to phenomenal box office success and ultimately, to the Academy Awards stage. This date marks the quiet, unassuming debut of a film that would become a cultural touchstone and launch its creators into Hollywood stardom.

13. Tomorrow Never Dies

    Released in 1997 by Roger Spottiswoode, United Artists

    The global cinematic landscape shifted ever so slightly on December 9, 1997, with the lavish premiere of "Tomorrow Never Dies" at London's Odeon Leicester Square. This date marked the highly anticipated return of Pierce Brosnan as James Bond, solidifying his tenure as the iconic super-spy following the immense success of "GoldenEye." The film roared into theaters as the eighteenth installment in the long-running Eon Productions series, instantly captivating audiences worldwide. It was not just another Bond movie; it was a testament to the franchise's enduring appeal, setting the stage for a commercially robust run that would see it become one of the year's highest-grossing films and a pivotal entry in the Brosnan era. This premiere launched a new chapter of high-stakes espionage and global thrills.

14. As Good as It Gets

    Released in 1997 by James L. Brooks, TriStar Pictures

    December 19, 1997, marked the eagerly anticipated limited theatrical premiere of 'As Good as It Gets,' a film that would swiftly become one of the year's most beloved and critically acclaimed comedies. Directed by the masterful James L. Brooks, this date launched a movie that would not only captivate audiences with its sharp wit and profound character studies but also dominate the awards season and the box office. Its initial release, though limited, quickly generated immense buzz, setting the stage for its subsequent wide release and cementing its status as a commercial and artistic triumph. This premiere date is special because it introduced the world to a unique blend of humor, romance, and raw human emotion that resonated deeply, leading to two Academy Awards for its leading stars.

15. Titanic

    Released in 1997 by James Cameron, Paramount Pictures, 20th Century Fox, Lightstorm Entertainment

    On December 19, 1997, James Cameron's epic romance and disaster film "Titanic" steamed into theaters worldwide. Its release was preceded by months of negative press focusing on its ballooning budget—the largest in film history at the time—and significant production delays, leading many industry insiders to predict a historic box office disaster. However, from its opening weekend, it became clear that "Titanic" was not just a film but a full-blown cultural phenomenon. Its premiere date marked the beginning of an unprecedented cinematic voyage that would captivate global audiences, shatter every existing box office record, and redefine the very concept of a blockbuster movie for a generation.