History's Best Selling Movies of 1998

Make way for the hits of 1998! This remarkable era stood as a testament to the grunge & golden-era pop craze and the march of first-rate movies. Crowd-pleasers such as The Big Lebowski shared the spotlight with mega-bestsellers Deep Impact and Godzilla. Brought to you by top-notch makers from industry leaders like Joel Coen and Mimi Leder, these trailblazing products flew off store shelves and cemented lifelong fandoms and earned a permanent place in cultural lore. Check out the complete rank-ordered ledger below to relive the finest releases of the year.

1. The Big Lebowski

   Released in 1998 by Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, PolyGram Filmed Entertainment, Working Title Films

   On March 6, 1998, the Coen Brothers unveiled "The Big Lebowski" to American audiences. Following their Academy Award-winning success with "Fargo," expectations were high, yet the film's initial reception was lukewarm. It was neither a critical darling nor a box office smash, leaving many viewers and critics bewildered by its meandering plot and eccentric characters. This date marks the unassuming birth of what would become one of modern cinema's most enduring and beloved cult classics—a film whose true significance wasn't measured in its opening weekend, but in the decades of festivals, fan communities, and cultural quotations that would follow, proving that some classics just need time to marinate.

2. Deep Impact

   Released in 1998 by Mimi Leder, Paramount Pictures

   May 8, 1998, marked the highly anticipated theatrical debut of 'Deep Impact', a film that tapped into humanity's primal fear of extinction from celestial events. Released amidst a fascinating cinematic 'space race' with another asteroid-themed blockbuster, 'Deep Impact' distinguished itself with a more somber, character-driven approach to global catastrophe. Its premiere date kicked off a successful box office run, proving that audiences were eager for both spectacle and introspection when faced with the end of the world. This day wasn't just another movie opening; it was the launch of a significant cultural conversation about survival, sacrifice, and what truly matters when the clock is ticking down.

3. Godzilla

   Released in 1998 by Roland Emmerich, TriStar Pictures

   May 20, 1998, marked the highly anticipated theatrical premiere of Roland Emmerich's 'Godzilla,' a blockbuster spectacle that promised to redefine the iconic monster for a new generation. Unleashed with an unprecedented marketing blitz and the tagline 'Size Does Matter,' the film was poised to be one of the year's biggest cinematic events. While it delivered a massive opening weekend, signaling immediate box office success, this release date is special because it introduced a polarizing, yet undeniably impactful, iteration of the legendary creature, sparking passionate debate among fans and critics alike about its vision and execution. The film's launch was a cultural moment, setting the stage for a summer of discussions on monster movies and Hollywood's interpretation of beloved international franchises.

4. The Truman Show

   Released in 1998 by Peter Weir, Jim Carrey, Scott Rudin Productions, Paramount Pictures

   On June 5, 1998, "The Truman Show" was released in North American theaters, presenting audiences with a film that was part sci-fi satire, part psychological drama, and a stunningly prescient commentary on media culture. At the cusp of the reality TV boom, the film's premiere was a landmark event. It challenged audiences to consider the nature of reality, consent, and the voyeuristic tendencies of modern society. Starring Jim Carrey in a career-defining dramatic role, the film's release marked a pivotal moment, proving to be far more than a summer blockbuster; it was a cultural phenomenon that would spark conversations for decades to come.

5. Dr. Dolittle

   Released in 1998 by Betty Thomas, 20th Century Fox

   The release of "Dr. Dolittle" on June 26, 1998, marked a significant moment for summer family entertainment, catapulting the classic character into a new era with a modern, comedic twist. Starring the incomparable Eddie Murphy, the film became an instant box office juggernaut, proving the enduring appeal of talking animals and the star power of its lead actor. This particular date signifies the North American theatrical premiere, initiating a wildly successful run that would see the film charm audiences worldwide and solidify its place as one of the year's top-grossing comedies. It was more than just a movie; it was a cultural event that redefined the beloved doctor for a new generation.

6. Armageddon

   Released in 1998 by Michael Bay, Touchstone Pictures, Jerry Bruckheimer Films

   Crashing into theaters on July 1, 1998, "Armageddon" was not just a movie; it was a cultural event that defined the summer blockbuster for the late 90s. Directed by Michael Bay and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, the film arrived with immense hype, pitting a team of blue-collar heroes against an asteroid the size of Texas. It came out just two months after a rival asteroid film, "Deep Impact," but "Armageddon's" high-octane action, star-studded ensemble cast, and emotionally charged story propelled it to become the highest-grossing film of 1998 worldwide. Its premiere marked the peak of the disaster movie genre's resurgence, delivering an explosive and unapologetically entertaining spectacle.

7. Lethal Weapon 4

   Released in 1998 by Richard Donner, Warner Bros. Pictures

   Lethal Weapon 4 burst into theaters on July 10, 1998, marking the highly anticipated return of one of cinema's most beloved action duos. This summer blockbuster arrived as the fourth installment in the hugely successful 'Lethal Weapon' franchise, delighting fans eager for more high-octane action and witty banter from Riggs and Murtaugh. Its launch was a significant event for 90s action cinema, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the series even a decade after its debut. The film's robust box office performance solidified its place as a major commercial success, making this particular release date a memorable moment in the franchise's rich history.

8. There's Something About Mary

   Released in 1998 by Bobby Farrelly, Peter Farrelly, 20th Century Fox

   The cinematic landscape of 1998 was irrevocably altered on July 15th with the theatrical premiere of "There's Something About Mary." This date marks the debut of a film that wasn't just a box office success, but a cultural phenomenon, redefining the romantic comedy genre with its audacious blend of heartwarming romance and boundary-pushing, gross-out humor. Its launch ignited a summer of laughter and controversy, cementing its place as one of the most quotable and memorable comedies of the decade. The film’s unprecedented critical and commercial triumph underscored its unique appeal, drawing audiences in with its irresistible charm and shocking gags, proving that sweet and subversive could coexist on the big screen, and setting new benchmarks for the genre.

9. Saving Private Ryan

   Released in 1998 by Steven Spielberg

   On July 24, 1998, American cinema was irrevocably altered with the theatrical release of Steven Spielberg's "Saving Private Ryan." More than a mere movie premiere, this was a profound cultural event that redefined the war film genre for a new generation. It presented World War II with a level of visceral, unflinching realism never before seen by mainstream audiences. The film's graphic depiction of the D-Day landings at Omaha Beach was so intense and authentic that it was hailed as both a cinematic masterpiece and a harrowing historical document, immediately cementing its status as one of the most important motion pictures ever made.

10. Rounders

    Released in 1998 by John Dahl, Miramax Films

    When 'Rounders' premiered on September 11, 1998, it was released into a world where high-stakes poker was a largely underground and misunderstood subculture. The film, starring Matt Damon and Edward Norton, opened to a respectable but modest box office, not immediately signaling its future significance. However, this release date marks the beginning of the journey for what would become the most influential and iconic poker film ever made. It didn't create the poker boom of the 2000s, but it laid the cultural groundwork, providing the boom with its foundational myth and inspiring a generation of future players to take a seat at the table.

11. Rush Hour

    Released in 1998 by Brett Ratner, Jackie Chan, Chris Tucker, New Line Cinema

    On September 18, 1998, theaters across North America premiered "Rush Hour," an action-comedy that would become a cultural touchstone of the late 90s. The film paired Hong Kong martial arts legend Jackie Chan with rising American comedian Chris Tucker, creating an unlikely but electrifying duo. In a cinematic landscape filled with serious action heroes, "Rush Hour" offered a fresh, hilarious, and action-packed alternative. Its release marked a significant milestone, successfully cementing Jackie Chan's crossover appeal with mainstream American audiences and launching one of the most beloved buddy-cop franchises in movie history. The film's immediate success demonstrated a global appetite for cross-cultural comedy and expertly choreographed action.

12. American History X

    Released in 1998 by Tony Kaye, New Line Cinema

    On October 30, 1998, the unflinching and provocative drama "American History X" began its limited theatrical release in the United States. The film arrived as a cinematic gut punch, a raw and brutal examination of the roots of racism and the potential for redemption. Directed by Tony Kaye and starring Edward Norton and Edward Furlong, its release date positioned it for awards season consideration. The film immediately sparked intense debate due to its graphic violence and challenging subject matter. It was not intended as easy viewing but as a confrontational piece of art designed to force audiences to look at the ugly realities of hatred in America, making its debut a significant and controversial cultural event.

13. A Bug's Life

    Released in 1998 by John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton, Pixar Animation Studios / Walt Disney Pictures

    November 25, 1998, marked the wide theatrical release of 'A Bug's Life' across North America, bringing Pixar's second feature film to a broad audience just three years after the groundbreaking 'Toy Story'. This date was a pivotal moment for the burgeoning animation studio, demonstrating their ability to create compelling narratives with entirely new characters and worlds. The film's launch was notable not only for its critical acclaim but also for its significant box office performance, solidifying Pixar's reputation as a leader in computer-animated storytelling. Despite fierce competition and a tightly scheduled release that year, 'A Bug's Life' emerged as a beloved classic, captivating audiences with its innovative visuals and heartwarming tale of courage and community.

14. Shakespeare in Love

    Released in 1998 by John Madden, Miramax Films

    December 11, 1998, marked the highly anticipated limited theatrical release of 'Shakespeare in Love' in North America, a date that would quietly kickstart its journey to becoming one of the most beloved and critically acclaimed films of the decade. While not an immediate box office smash upon its initial debut, this romantic period comedy-drama would soon captivate audiences and critics alike, steadily building momentum through word-of-mouth and awards buzz. Its eventual monumental success, culminating in an unexpected Best Picture Oscar win, cemented this release date as the genesis of a cultural phenomenon that blended historical fiction with modern wit, ultimately grossing close to $300 million worldwide and proving that a clever, character-driven story could triumph on the grandest stage.