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Tinseltown has given us some of the most popular Hollywood movies, offering a variety of genres that cater to everyone's taste. From jaw-dropping action sequences and state-of-the-art CGI to realistic horror and tear-jerking romances, there's something for everyone.
Some of these movies are truly unforgettable due to their widespread popularity, lasting cultural impact, and the amount of profits they have earned.
Here’s a list of seven popular Hollywood movies that are famous for leaving an indelible mark on pop culture and have drawn in record sales, making them some of the most popular Hollywood movies of all time.
Disclaimer: This article contains the writer's opinion. Readers' discretion is advised.
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The Godfather, Casablanca, Jurassic Park, and more popular Hollywood movies one needs to watch
Here's a list of some of the most popular Hollywood movies:
- Jurassic Park
- Titanic
- The Exorcist
- Star Wars: Episode IV-A New Hope
- Interstellar
- The Godfather
- Casablanca
1) Jurassic Park (Available on Apple TV+)
The first Jurassic Park was a watershed moment in Hollywood history. The movie is centered around a fictional dinosaur park where a group of people and kids find themselves trapped. It had just the right amount of danger and thrill to make it one of the most popular Hollywood movies. One of Spielberg's highest-grossing films to date, the movie raked in over $914 million worldwide during its original theatrical run, according to Forbes.
The director left no stone unturned in incorporating path-breaking CGI into his movie. This heralded the era of CGI, where every modern movie lapped it up. Yet, what makes the movie equally memorable is the human element that Spielberg is so well known for. Even with all the cutting-edge technology, the director’s focus on in-depth character development won the hearts of every viewer.
2) Titanic (Available on Disney+)
There has always been a certain enigma surrounding the doomed ship Titanic. When James Cameron decided to intertwine this piece of history with a romantic tale and extraordinary production sets, the result was nothing short of monumental. A blockbuster hit around the world, Titanic raised interest in the tragic ship of 1912 and garnered millions of fans who shed a tear over Rose and Jack’s love story.
Winner of 11 Oscars, Titanic accumulated over $1.8 billion worldwide during its initial release, according to collider, making it the first movie to earn a billion dollars at the time of its release. From Winslet and DiCaprio’s stellar performances to Celine Dion’s powerful rendition of My Heart Will Go On, the movie is undoubtedly one of the most popular Hollywood movies.
3) The Exorcist (Available on Apple TV+)
Based on a novel by William Peter Blatty, The Exorcist changed the meaning of horror movies forever. Several reasons make it one of the most popular horror movies, even to this day. The film was also Warner Bros.'s most profitable film, with earnings of over $193 million domestically, according to CNBC.
The movie’s premise of a young girl possessed by a demon was unsettling for its time. The direction, makeup, and effects were realistic and serious in tone, setting it apart from the gimmicky horror produced up until then. The movie also shocked audiences with its bold scenes (like the infamous head-turning sequence) and the innovative use of subliminal images that played with the viewer’s psyche.
4) Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (Available on Apple TV+)
The first film in the Star Wars franchise broke new ground when it was released in 1977. As one of the most popular Hollywood movies, Star Wars set the tone for fantasy movies and introduced viewers to memorable characters like Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and the Jedi. The film is set in an otherworldly galaxy where a war breaks out between a tyrannical empire and a rebel alliance.
The original Star Wars is one of the most commercially successful movies in the series. The combined earnings of its initial 1977 release, a 1982 re-release, and a 1997 special edition release have garnered over $460 million, which is over $1.9 billion in 2024, according to financebuzz. Its popularity can be due to multiple factors, like the inherent storyline of good versus evil, fascinating costumes and weapons like the Jedi’s lightsaber, and thrilling action sequences.
5) Interstellar (Available on Netflix)
There’s always a buzz around Christopher Nolan’s movies, and when Interstellar was released, the result was no different. The sci-fi epic is set in an era where the Earth is rapidly dying from famine and urgently needs a group of astronauts to travel across vast lengths in outer space to find a new home. While such plots have been featured before, Interstellar distinguished itself through its scientific accuracy.
The makers worked with an actual physicist to delve into theories of black holes, time dilation, and wormholes. Using this information, Nolan crafted an epic narrative filled with breathtaking imagery. Coupled with Hans Zimmer’s orchestral background score, the movie left audiences in awe. The movie earned over $681 million worldwide on its original release, according to Box Office Mojo.
6) The Godfather (Available on Netflix)
Based on Mario Puzo’s novel of the same name, The Godfather is a touchstone of American cinema. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Marlon Brando and Al Pacino, the film focuses on the gangster Corleone family. Praised and referenced for its direction, acting, and depiction of the mafia, The Godfather is one of the most popular Hollywood movies. It earned over $243 million worldwide upon original release, as reported by Box Office Mojo.
What keeps The Godfather relevant is its subtle tone combined with gritty action sequences, its sophisticated quality, and the values of the family even in the world of the mafia. Additionally, Al Pacino’s acting and the story of an outsider gaining the topmost rank resonated with audiences strongly.
7) Casablanca (Available on Apple TV+)
A film from the Golden Age of Hollywood, Casablanca is a movie that no one is unaware of. Combining romance and war, this epic movie tells the tale of a man who must choose between love and duty. It won the Academy Award for Best Picture and was the sixth highest earning film of 1943, with domestic earnings of over $3.3 million, according to Warner Bros. records at Tandfonline (Taylor and Francis).
Sentiments were high during this time as the USA had entered the war, and the film’s opportune release made a significant impact on its fame. Over the years, it has been regarded as one of the most influential romantic war films and is rightly known as one of the most popular Hollywood movies.
Individuals who appreciate and enjoy retro movies, regardless of genre, must watch these popular Hollywood movies.
