History's Best Selling Movies of 2020

Revisiting 2020 presents a grand parade of movies history, marked by Y2K fever and early digital revolution and enduring fan favorites. Unrivaled hits including Bad Boys for Life, Dolittle, and The Eight Hundred took top honors in living rooms and storefronts alike. Master craftsmen from industry leaders like Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah and Stephen Gaghan led the vanguard, engineering high-caliber releases that dominated airwaves and playground buzz alike. Dive into the full historical rankings below to see which standout creations won the day.

1. Bad Boys for Life

   Released in 2020 by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, Sony Pictures Releasing

   The release of 'Bad Boys for Life' on January 17, 2020, marked a significant moment for action-comedy enthusiasts and a triumphant return for one of cinema's most beloved buddy-cop duos. After a 17-year hiatus, the third installment in the 'Bad Boys' franchise not only delivered on long-awaited expectations but also broke box office records, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of the year, particularly before the global pandemic reshaped the theatrical landscape. This date wasn't just another movie premiere; it was a testament to the enduring appeal of Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, signaling a powerful resurgence for a franchise many thought was dormant, and proving that classic chemistry could still captivate a new generation of viewers.

2. Dolittle

   Released in 2020 by Stephen Gaghan, Universal Pictures

   The launch of 'Dolittle' on January 17, 2020, marked a highly anticipated, albeit ultimately challenging, cinematic event. This particular date signifies the film's official wide theatrical release in North America, allowing audiences their first widespread opportunity to witness Robert Downey Jr.'s portrayal of the eccentric veterinarian who can communicate with animals. While backed by a massive budget and the star power of Downey Jr. post-MCU, the film's journey to the big screen was fraught with production difficulties and reshoots. Despite its eventual worldwide box office gross of over $251 million, a figure that on its own might seem substantial, it struggled significantly against its colossal production and marketing costs, making its premiere date a benchmark for a major studio release that faced considerable financial hurdles right from its debut.

3. The Eight Hundred

   Released in 2020 by Guan Hu, Huayi Brothers

   August 21, 2020, marked the highly anticipated theatrical premiere of 'The Eight Hundred' in China, a date that would etch itself into cinematic history as the launch of the highest-grossing film worldwide in a year heavily impacted by global events. This war epic not only defied the challenging circumstances of the pandemic to achieve astonishing box office success but also captivated audiences with its grand scale and emotionally charged narrative. Its release was a significant moment for the Chinese film industry, signaling resilience and the potential for massive domestic performance, making this premiere date a cornerstone in its remarkable journey.

4. Tenet

   Released in 2020 by Christopher Nolan, Warner Bros. Pictures

   Tenet's release was a pivotal moment for cinema in 2020, navigating the unprecedented challenges of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Premiering internationally on August 26, 2020, it marked a daring attempt by director Christopher Nolan and Warner Bros. to bring a major blockbuster back to the big screen, a testament to Nolan's unwavering belief in the theatrical experience. This date wasn't just a film launch; it was a cultural experiment, testing the waters for the industry's recovery and offering audiences a much-needed escape into an ambitious, high-concept world. Its staggered international rollout before a domestic debut was a unique strategy dictated by global health conditions, making its initial premiere a symbol of resilience for moviegoers worldwide.

5. Mulan

   Released in 2020 by Niki Caro, Walt Disney Pictures

   On September 4, 2020, Disney's live-action 'Mulan' debuted not with a traditional global theatrical premiere, but primarily on the Disney+ streaming service through its new 'Premier Access' model. This release strategy was a direct and seismic response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which had forced the closure of cinemas worldwide and delayed the film's original March release date. This date, therefore, represents a pivotal moment in film history, where one of the year's biggest and most expensive blockbusters bypassed the theatrical window in major markets, testing a new direct-to-consumer model and signaling a potential, permanent shift in how movies are distributed and consumed by audiences.

6. Jiang Ziya

   Released in 2020 by Li Wei, Cheng Teng, Beijing Enlight Pictures

   October 1, 2020, marked the highly anticipated theatrical premiere of 'Jiang Ziya' in China, a date chosen to coincide with the country's National Day holiday. This release was particularly special as it followed the immense success of 'Ne Zha' (2019), positioning 'Jiang Ziya' as the second major installment in the burgeoning 'Fengshen Cinematic Universe.' Despite the unprecedented challenges posed by the global COVID-19 pandemic, the film opened to record-breaking numbers, demonstrating the strong demand for high-quality domestic animation. Its launch on this significant holiday symbolized a resurgence of the cinematic experience, drawing massive crowds and setting new benchmarks for animated features in China, solidifying its place as a monumental event in the nation's film history.

7. My People, My Homeland

   Released in 2020 by Ning Hao, Xu Zheng, Chen Sicheng, Yan Fei, Peng Damo, Deng Chao, Yu Baimei, Da Peng, Ren Chong, Lu Yang, Huaxia Film Distribution

   The cinematic landscape of 2020, marked by unprecedented global challenges, saw a beacon of hope and national pride emerge on October 1st: 'My People, My Homeland'. Released strategically on China's National Day, this highly anticipated anthology film captured the hearts of millions, swiftly ascending to become one of the year's highest-grossing films globally. Its premiere date wasn't just another entry on the calendar; it was a carefully chosen moment for collective celebration, showcasing the nation's progress and the indomitable spirit of its people. The film's record-breaking box office success underscored its profound cultural resonance and the yearning for uplifting narratives in a trying year, making its release a truly special event in contemporary Chinese cinema.

8. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train

   Released in 2020 by Haruo Sotozaki, Ufotable

   On October 16, 2020, amidst a global pandemic that had crippled the worldwide box office, "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train" premiered in Japanese theaters. What followed was nothing short of a cultural and commercial earthquake. The film, a direct continuation of the wildly popular 2019 anime series, didn't just succeed; it shattered nearly every box office record in Japan's history. Its release on this date marked the beginning of an unprecedented theatrical run that defied industry expectations, revitalized a struggling cinema market, and demonstrated the immense power of a beloved anime franchise to captivate a massive mainstream audience on a global scale.

9. Shock Wave 2

   Released in 2020 by Herman Yau, Universe Films Distribution

   On December 24, 2020, 'Shock Wave 2' exploded onto the big screen in mainland China, delivering a much-needed dose of high-octane action during a challenging year for global cinema. This Christmas Eve premiere marked the world theatrical debut of the highly anticipated Hong Kong action thriller, which defied pandemic-era expectations to become a massive commercial success. Its impressive box office run, particularly in its home market, cemented its status as one of the standout films of 2020 and a testament to the enduring appeal of quality Asian filmmaking. The launch date was strategically chosen to capitalize on holiday viewership, and the gamble paid off handsomely, setting the stage for a record-breaking performance that thrilled audiences and critics alike.

10. A Little Red Flower

    Released in 2020 by Han Yan, HG Entertainment, Lian Ray Pictures

    The end of 2020 brought a poignant cinematic experience to screens in China with the release of 'A Little Red Flower' on December 31st. This date marked the world theatrical premiere of a film that would quickly capture the hearts of millions and achieve remarkable commercial success amidst a challenging global environment for cinema. Its debut was not just another movie launch; it was a cultural event that resonated deeply, offering a beacon of hope and resilience as the world grappled with the ongoing pandemic. The film's immediate box office triumph underscored its profound connection with audiences, positioning it as a significant cinematic milestone of its year.