History's Best Selling Movies of 2018

Hats off to 2018! Few movies commanded as much fanfare and nationwide excitement as A Quiet Place. Alongside sensationally popular hits like Avengers: Infinity War and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, consumers eagerly embraced the Y2K fever and early digital revolution. Pioneering outfits from industry leaders like John Krasinski and Anthony Russo set the standard for quality, producing celebrated items that dominated airwaves and playground buzz alike. Browse our definitive retrospective below to rediscover the genuine articles of the era.

1. A Quiet Place

   Released in 2018 by John Krasinski, Platinum Dunes, Paramount Pictures

   On April 6, 2018, a film that weaponized silence premiered in theaters, turning the communal experience of movie-watching into a breathless, edge-of-your-seat ordeal. "A Quiet Place," directed by and starring John Krasinski, was far more than just another creature feature. It was a high-concept phenomenon that leveraged a simple, terrifying premise to create an almost unbearably tense atmosphere. Upon its release, the film became a cultural talking point, praised by critics and embraced by audiences who flocked to theaters to collectively hold their breath. It demonstrated that a well-crafted, original horror story could not only scare audiences but also achieve massive commercial success and critical acclaim.

2. Avengers: Infinity War

   Released in 2018 by Anthony Russo, Joe Russo, Marvel Studios

   On April 27, 2018, the global cinematic landscape was irrevocably altered with the premiere of "Avengers: Infinity War." As the nineteenth film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), this was no ordinary blockbuster release; it was the culmination of a decade-long narrative arc that began with "Iron Man" in 2008. The film's release on this date was a highly anticipated cultural event, bringing together an unprecedented number of beloved characters for a single, universe-spanning conflict. It represented the first part of a grand finale to Marvel's "Infinity Saga," promising a story of such scale and consequence that it drew audiences to theaters in record-breaking numbers, all eager to witness the epic confrontation with the Mad Titan, Thanos.

3. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom

   Released in 2018 by J. A. Bayona, Universal Pictures

   June 6, 2018, marked the highly anticipated global premiere of 'Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom' in Spain, a pivotal moment for one of the most enduring and beloved franchises in cinematic history. This release continued the saga that began in 1993 with 'Jurassic Park,' bringing audiences back to a world where dinosaurs roam, albeit precariously. As the fifth installment in the 'Jurassic Park' series and the second in the 'Jurassic World' trilogy, 'Fallen Kingdom' was poised to be a box office titan, living up to its legacy by ultimately grossing over $1.3 billion worldwide. This premiere date was not just another movie launch; it was a global event that set the stage for a summer blockbuster, reigniting the wonder and terror of its prehistoric creatures for a new generation while pushing the narrative into uncharted, darker territory.

4. A Simple Favor

   Released in 2018 by Paul Feig, Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, Lionsgate

   On September 14, 2018, director Paul Feig, known primarily for broad comedies like "Bridesmaids" and "Spy," surprised audiences with a sharp, stylish, and darkly comedic thriller. "A Simple Favor" premiered, introducing the world to the intoxicating and dangerous dynamic between characters played by Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively. Based on the 2017 novel of the same name by Darcey Bell, the film arrived as a breath of fresh air in the thriller genre. It blended suspense, mystery, and sharp humor with a high-fashion aesthetic, subverting expectations for both its director and its stars. Its release marked a successful pivot for Feig and became a word-of-mouth hit, celebrated for its witty script, shocking twists, and the undeniable chemistry of its two leads.

5. Venom

   Released in 2018 by Ruben Fleischer, Sony Pictures Releasing

   The movie 'Venom' burst onto the global cinematic stage on October 5, 2018, marking a pivotal moment for Sony Pictures and its ambitions within the Marvel universe. This date signified the wide theatrical release for the film in North America and many international markets, effectively launching Sony's own distinct Marvel Character Universe (now known as Sony's Spider-Man Universe). Despite a mixed critical reception, 'Venom' defied expectations, becoming a phenomenal box office success and establishing a potent demand for anti-hero driven narratives. Its record-breaking opening weekend for October and impressive worldwide gross cemented its status as one of the highest-grossing films of the year, signaling a strong audience appetite for a darker, more unconventional comic book movie that dared to explore characters beyond the traditional superhero mold.

6. Bohemian Rhapsody

   Released in 2018 by Bryan Singer, 20th Century Fox

   The global phenomenon "Bohemian Rhapsody" burst onto the world stage with its theatrical premiere on October 23, 2018. This pivotal date marked the beginning of an extraordinary cinematic journey, celebrating the iconic British rock band Queen and its legendary frontman, Freddie Mercury. The film quickly transcended expectations, becoming the highest-grossing musical biographical film of all time, captivating audiences worldwide with its vibrant portrayal of Mercury’s life and the band’s electrifying music. Its launch was more than just a film release; it was a cultural event that reignited passion for Queen’s legacy, drawing both long-time fans and new generations into the electrifying world of "We Will Rock You" and "Somebody to Love."

7. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

   Released in 2018 by David Yates, Warner Bros. Pictures

   The 16th of November 2018 marked the highly anticipated worldwide theatrical release of "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald," the second installment in J.K. Rowling's Wizarding World prequel series. Following the success of "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them," this date plunged audiences back into the magical 1920s, promising a darker, more complex narrative revolving around the formidable dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald. While it garnered a significant global box office haul, signaling sustained interest in the franchise, its release was met with mixed reactions, setting the stage for critical discussions about the future direction of the beloved magical universe. This date represents a pivotal moment, aiming to expand the lore and deepen the mythology established by its predecessor.

8. Aquaman

   Released in 2018 by James Wan, Warner Bros. Pictures

   The world was introduced to the solo cinematic adventure of Arthur Curry on November 26, 2018, when "Aquaman" held its spectacular world premiere in London. This initial screening marked the beginning of an extraordinary box office journey for the DC Extended Universe. Directed by horror maestro James Wan, the film defied expectations, swiftly becoming a global sensation and eventually the highest-grossing DC film of all time. This premiere date isn't just a record in release history; it signifies the moment audiences first plunged into a vibrant, expansive underwater world, setting the stage for one of DC Films' most ambitious and commercially successful entries, transforming a once-mocked comic book hero into a formidable cinematic force.

9. Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle

   Released in 2018 by Andy Serkis, Warner Bros. Pictures, Netflix

   On November 29, 2018, director Andy Serkis's long-awaited vision of "The Jungle Book" began its limited theatrical run. Titled "Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle," its release was a significant event not for box office dominance, but for what it represented in the rapidly shifting landscape of film distribution. Originally developed by Warner Bros. Pictures for a wide theatrical release, the film was ultimately acquired by Netflix. This date marked the start of a brief qualifying run in theaters before its global debut on the streaming service, making it one of the highest-profile blockbusters to pivot from a traditional cinema model to a streaming-first strategy, a move that would become increasingly common in subsequent years.

10. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

    Released in 2018 by Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman, Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Marvel Entertainment

    On December 14, 2018, American audiences were introduced to a groundbreaking new vision of a beloved superhero with the theatrical release of "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse." Breaking from the live-action continuity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and previous Spider-Man film series, this animated feature offered a radical, visually stunning interpretation of the comic book medium itself. The film's release marked a pivotal moment for both superhero movies and mainstream animation, proving that animated films could be artistically audacious, emotionally complex, and commercially successful on a massive scale. It introduced the world to Miles Morales's Spider-Man on the big screen and redefined what a comic book movie could look and feel like.