The following list is the top 10 movies of 2012 in terms of popularity and box office success.
The Avengers
This superhero flick is based on the Marvel comic of the same name. This sixth installment stars Robert Downey, Jr., Scarlett Johansson and Samuel L. Jackson. It was released May 4, 2012 and became the fastest film to gross $1 billion. Grossing $1.51 billion, it’s the third highest-growing film of all time.
The Dark Knight Rises
This superhero film is part of the famed Batman series. Facing new threats in Gotham City, Bruce Wayne must come out of retirement and reprise his Batman persona. The critically-acclaimed movie has grossed $1.081 billion worldwide since its release.
The Hunger Games
This science fiction adventure film is based on a novel of the same title. This film is set in a post-apocalyptic world where certain 12-18-year-olds take part in an annual televised event where they must fight to the death. This movie has amassed over $691 million worldwide.
Skyfall
Starring Daniel Craig, this is the 23rd film of the James Bond franchise. It was released in the United States on November 9, 2012 and was the first Bond movie to be shown in IMAX theaters. This was the first Bond film to gross over $1 billion.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
This fantasy-adventure movie is part of a trilogy that is actually the prequel to “The Lord of the Rings.” The movie is focused on the hobbit who is sent on a mission with 13 dwarves to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from a dragon. Released December 12, this movie has grossed over $1 billion.
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2
This romantic fantasy flick is based on the novel “Breaking Dawn.” It features all three original members of the previous “Twilight” movies: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattison and Taylor Lautner. Reviews were mixed but the movie grossed over $829 million worldwide.
The Amazing Spider-Man
This superhero film is based on the Marvel comic. It’s the fourth part of the series and serves as a reboot to recreate the characters and timeline of previous events. This movie centers around teenager Peter Parker who after getting bit by a spider, turns into Spider-Man. The film grossed over $752 million worldwide.
Brave
This computer-animated fantasy feat was created after Pixar reinvented their animation system for the first time in 25 years. This created the most complex visual models ever. This film won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe and grossed over $538 million.
Ted
This comedy is the brainchild of Seth MacFarlane of “Family Guy” fame. The raunchy film was a commercial and critical success and was the highest grossing R-rated comedy ever. The film earned over $549 million worldwide.
Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted
This 3D computer-animated comedy is the third installment of the Madagascar series. It chronicles the adventures of a group of animals trying to get back home to New York. This film grossed over $742 million worldwide.
