History's Best Selling Movies of 2005

Make way for the hits of 2005! This remarkable era stood as a testament to the turn-of-the-millennium pop explosion and the march of first-rate movies. Crowd-pleasers such as Coach Carter shared the spotlight with mega-bestsellers Hitch and Sin City. Brought to you by top-notch makers from industry leaders like Thomas Carter (director) and Andy Tennant, these trailblazing products dominated airwaves and playground buzz alike 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. Coach Carter

   Released in 2005 by Thomas Carter (director)

   On January 14, 2005, a film that was much more than a sports movie premiered in theaters across the United States. *Coach Carter*, starring Samuel L. Jackson, defied expectations to become a box office champion, holding the #1 spot for three consecutive weeks. Its release on this date marked the debut of a powerful and true story about the battle for academic achievement over athletic glory, a narrative that would spark national conversation and cement its place as an inspirational classic.

2. Hitch

   Released in 2005 by Andy Tennant, Will Smith, Overbrook Entertainment, Columbia Pictures

   Released on February 11, 2005, just in time for Valentine's Day, "Hitch" arrived when its star, Will Smith, was at the zenith of his global superstardom. The romantic comedy genre, while always popular, was ripe for a fresh, charismatic take, and "Hitch" delivered perfectly. It combined Smith's effortless charm with a clever, modern premise about the art of dating. The film's premiere marked the launch of a cultural phenomenon that would not only dominate the box office but also become one of the most beloved and defining romantic comedies of the 2000s, solidifying the formula of a high-concept plot led by an A-list star.

3. Sin City

   Released in 2005 by Frank Miller, Robert Rodriguez, Quentin Tarantino, Dimension Films

   On April 1, 2005, audiences were plunged into the rain-soaked, morally bankrupt streets of Basin City with the theatrical release of "Sin City." Co-directed by Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller, with Quentin Tarantino serving as a "Special Guest Director," the film was a revolutionary cinematic achievement. It wasn't just an adaptation of Miller's graphic novels; it was a direct translation of the comic book page to the screen. Using groundbreaking digital filmmaking techniques, the movie perfectly captured the stark, high-contrast black-and-white visuals and occasional splashes of color that defined the source material. Its release marked a new era for comic book films, demonstrating that a fiercely faithful, artistically bold adaptation could be both a critical and commercial success.

4. Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith

   Released in 2005 by George Lucas, 20th Century Fox

   May 19, 2005, marked a pivotal moment for legions of fans worldwide with the theatrical release of 'Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith'. This date wasn't just another movie premiere; it was the culmination of a decades-long saga, serving as the final installment in George Lucas's prequel trilogy and the ultimate bridge to the original films. Anticipation reached fever pitch, driving a monumental box office performance that saw it shatter records and become one of the highest-grossing films of its year. Its launch was a global cinematic event, signaling the dramatic conclusion to Anakin Skywalker's tragic transformation into Darth Vader.

5. Madagascar

   Released in 2005 by Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath, DreamWorks Pictures

   The vibrant animated adventure "Madagascar" burst onto the cinematic scene on May 27, 2005, captivating audiences with its unique blend of humor, heart, and catchy tunes. This date marked its wide theatrical release in North America, kicking off what would become a massive global success for DreamWorks Animation. Far from just another animated film, "Madagascar" quickly established itself as a cultural phenomenon, boasting an impressive worldwide box office performance that cemented its place as one of the year's top-grossing movies and a cornerstone of DreamWorks' flourishing animation empire. Its launch was a pivotal moment, introducing beloved characters and a distinct comedic style that continues to resonate with fans old and new, ensuring its place in animation history.

6. Mr. & Mrs. Smith

   Released in 2005 by Doug Liman, 20th Century Fox

   The highly anticipated action-comedy "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" exploded onto screens on June 10, 2005, captivating audiences worldwide with its blend of explosive action, sharp wit, and undeniable star power. This particular date marked the film's significant North American theatrical debut, setting the stage for what would become one of the year's biggest box office successes. More than just a summer blockbuster, its release became a cultural phenomenon, fueled by intense public interest in its leading stars and their sizzling on-screen chemistry. The film's launch was a major cinematic event, laying the groundwork for its impressive global earnings and cementing its place in pop culture history.

7. Batman Begins

   Released in 2005 by Christopher Nolan, Warner Bros. Pictures, Legendary Pictures, DC Comics

   On June 15, 2005, audiences were reintroduced to a cinematic icon in a way they had never seen before. "Batman Begins," directed by Christopher Nolan, premiered in theaters, marking a pivotal moment for the superhero genre. Eight years after the critical and commercial failure of "Batman & Robin" had seemingly buried the franchise, Nolan's film offered a dark, gritty, and psychologically grounded origin story. Its release on this date was not merely another summer blockbuster; it was the resurrection of a beloved character and the foundation for what would become one of the most celebrated film trilogies in history, The Dark Knight Trilogy.

8. War of the Worlds

   Released in 2005 by Steven Spielberg, Paramount Pictures

   June 29, 2005, marked the explosive arrival of Steven Spielberg's 'War of the Worlds' in theaters worldwide, a highly anticipated cinematic event that combined the legendary director's vision with the star power of Tom Cruise. This date wasn't just another movie premiere; it was the global launch of a modern science fiction epic, poised to redefine alien invasion narratives for a new generation. The film quickly ascended to box office dominance, establishing itself as one of the year's highest-grossing movies and reaffirming Spielberg's unparalleled ability to craft both spectacle and profound human drama. Its release captured the cultural zeitgeist, drawing massive crowds eager to witness its terrifying portrayal of an extraterrestrial apocalypse.

9. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

   Released in 2005 by Tim Burton, Warner Bros. Pictures

   On July 15, 2005, Tim Burton’s fantastical vision of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" opened its doors to audiences, reintroducing the world to the eccentric candy maker Willy Wonka and the impoverished but pure-hearted Charlie Bucket. This date marked the highly anticipated cinematic return of Roald Dahl's beloved tale, coming more than three decades after its first film adaptation. With Johnny Depp stepping into the iconic role of Wonka, the film promised a darker, yet equally enchanting journey into the whimsical world of confectionery, quickly establishing itself as a major summer blockbuster and a significant cultural event of the year. Its grand premiere captivated millions and set the stage for impressive box office success, ensuring its place in cinematic history.

10. The 40-Year-Old Virgin

    Released in 2005 by Judd Apatow, Steve Carell, Apatow Productions, Universal Pictures

    On August 19, 2005, the landscape of modern film comedy was forever altered with the theatrical premiere of "The 40-Year-Old Virgin." The film not only launched Steve Carell into movie stardom but also established Judd Apatow as a defining directorial voice for a new era of comedy. Released in a summer movie season typically dominated by action blockbusters, this R-rated comedy's potent mix of raunchy humor and genuine heart proved to be a powerful counter-programming force. It became a surprise critical and commercial smash hit, heralding a significant shift in the tone and style of mainstream comedy films.

11. The Constant Gardener

    Released in 2005 by Fernando Meirelles, Focus Features

    On August 31, 2005, North American audiences were introduced to 'The Constant Gardener,' a film that defied easy categorization. Directed by Fernando Meirelles, fresh off the international success of 'City of God,' the movie was far more than a standard thriller. Arriving in theaters, it presented a politically charged, emotionally devastating mystery that explored corporate malfeasance and the human cost of global indifference. It was a sophisticated, adult-oriented drama that trusted its audience to follow a complex narrative, and its release marked the arrival of a powerful and unforgettable piece of cinema that resonated with both critics and viewers alike.

12. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

    Released in 2005 by Mike Newell, Warner Bros. Pictures

    On November 18, 2005, the cinematic world of Harry Potter grew up. The release of 'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,' the fourth film in the blockbuster series, marked a pivotal and much darker turn for the franchise. Directed by Mike Newell, it was the first installment to receive a PG-13 rating in the United States, signaling a significant shift away from the more whimsical tone of the earlier films. This entry tackled adolescent anxieties, romance, and genuine, life-threatening danger, culminating in the terrifying rebirth of the series' main antagonist, Lord Voldemort. The film's release was a global event, proving the franchise's ability to evolve with its characters and its audience, setting the stage for the epic conflict that would define the remaining movies.

13. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

    Released in 2005 by Andrew Adamson, Walt Disney Pictures

    December 9, 2005, marked a monumental day for fantasy film enthusiasts and C.S. Lewis fans alike, as 'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' premiered widely in theaters across North America and numerous other territories. This date wasn't just another movie release; it was the culmination of decades of anticipation for a faithful big-screen adaptation of one of literature's most beloved tales. Backed by Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media, the film was a massive gamble, aiming to capture the magic and intricate allegory of Lewis's world. Its opening weekend immediately hinted at its future success, laying the groundwork for what would become one of the year's highest-grossing films and establishing a new benchmark for family-friendly fantasy epics, bringing Narnia to a new generation with stunning visuals and heartfelt storytelling.

14. King Kong

    Released in 2005 by Peter Jackson, Universal Pictures

    December 14, 2005, marked the grand North American theatrical release of Peter Jackson's ambitious 'King Kong.' Coming hot off his Oscar-winning 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy, Jackson's reimagining of the classic monster tale arrived with immense anticipation, offering audiences a spectacle unlike any other that holiday season. This date ushered in a visually stunning epic that aimed to blend thrilling action with heartfelt emotion, seeking to break new ground in cinematic storytelling and special effects. While not breaking box office records in the vein of his Middle-earth saga, it still commanded significant global attention and generated impressive worldwide revenue, cementing its place as a significant cinematic event of the mid-2000s.