{"id":256513,"date":"2025-12-29T17:25:24","date_gmt":"2025-12-29T17:25:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/256513\/"},"modified":"2025-12-29T17:25:24","modified_gmt":"2025-12-29T17:25:24","slug":"youll-be-shocked-to-learn-the-highest-grossing-movie-of-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/256513\/","title":{"rendered":"You\u2019ll Be Shocked to Learn the Highest-Grossing Movie of 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

Originally appeared on E! Online<\/a><\/p>\n

Moviegoers were changed for good this year.<\/p>\n

Several blockbuster sequels cast a spell on theater audiences in 2025, and you won’t be surprised to learn that the top 15 money-making films<\/a> of the year include Zootopia 2, Jurassic World: Rebirth, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, The Conjuring: Last Rites, Captain America: Brave New World and Wicked: For Good\u2014which each earned over $440 million worldwide.<\/p>\n

And live action adaptations of popular franchises also came in hot, with Disney’s Lilo & Stitch and Warner Bros.’ A Minecraft Movie becoming the third- and fourth-highest grossing movies of the year, as they each took in about $1 billion at the box office.<\/p>\n

But the sequel that claimed the No. 1 global spot is a flick that many Americans haven’t yet seen, considering it made just $23 million in the U.S.<\/p>\n

So, which one took the crown as the highest-grossing movie of 2025? That would be Ne Zha 2, a Chinese animated film that raked about $2.2 billion worldwide (that’s nearly double the runner-up, Zootopia 2, which banked about $1.3 billion).<\/p>\n

More from E! Online<\/strong><\/p>\n

And no, the cartoon wasn’t made by Disney, DreamWorks or Pixar, but rather Chengdu Coco Cartoon and Beijing Enlight Media as a sequel to 2019’s Ne Zha. Directed and written by Jiaozi<\/strong> (also known as Yu Yang<\/strong>), the movie is inspired by the Chinese mythological character Ne Zha, a demon child voiced by L\u00fc Yanting<\/strong> and Joseph Cao<\/strong> in Mandarin and Crystal Lee <\/strong>and Griffin Puatu<\/strong> in English.<\/p>\n

Ne Zha 2 broke the world record for the highest-grossing animated movie of all time, topping Inside Out 2\u2014which claimed the spot last year with $1.7 billion in ticket sales.<\/p>\n

\"Chinese<\/p>\n

Martin Zabala\/Xinhua via Getty Images<\/p>\n

In addition to being record-breaking, it\u2019s simply rare for an international film to reign supreme at the box office, as past winners include Barbie in 2023 (raking in $1.4 billion), Avatar: The Way of Water in 2022 ($2.3 billion) and Spider-Man: No Way Home in 2021 ($1.9 billion).<\/p>\n

But Ne Zha 2 has blown audiences away. As The Guardian<\/a> put it in March, “Epic battle scenes and spellbinding graphics\u2014and a dose of symbolism\u2014have enticed Chinese audiences to the cinema in their millions.” Meanwhile, The Hollywood Reporter<\/a>‘s review praised its “endless action sequences,” stating, “The sequel is certainly a stupendous achievement in terms of its animation, and clearly has great cultural resonance in its native country.”<\/p>\n

\"Aleks<\/p>\n

Michael Buckner\/Variety via Getty Images<\/p>\n

Not to mention, it got a boost in August when A24\u2014known for such Oscar winners as Moonlight, Lady Bird and Everything Everywhere All at Once\u2014released an English dub in the U.S. with none other than Wicked’s Michelle Yeoh <\/strong>voicing Nezha’s mom Lady Yin, alongside fellow voice actors Aleks Le<\/strong>, Vincent Rodriguez III<\/strong>, Rick Zeiff<\/strong> and William Utay<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

And this month, the hit became available to stream on HBO Max, so there’s still time to watch the biggest movie of 2025 before that ball drops on New Year’s Eve.<\/p>\n

If you’re looking for more movies to add to your queue, grab some popcorn and read on to check out more recent and upcoming releases you don’t want to miss.<\/p>\n

Eternity – November 26, 2025<\/p>\n

\"<p><em>Eternity<\/em><\/p>\n

In an afterlife where souls have one week to decide where to spend eternity, Joan (Elizabeth Olsen<\/strong>) is faced with the impossible choice between the man she spent her life with (Miles Teller<\/strong>) and her first love (Callum Turner<\/strong>), who died young and has waited decades for her to arrive.<\/p>\n

Where to Watch:<\/strong> In theaters<\/p>\n

Zootopia 2 – November 26, 2025<\/p>\n

\"<p><em>Zootopia<\/p>\n

This sequel to the Oscar-winning 2016 animated hit promises a return to Animal Metropolis with familiar faces Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin<\/strong>) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman<\/strong>) along with some new characters like Gary D’Snake (Ke Huy Quan<\/strong>) and quokka therapist Dr Fuzzyby (Quinta Brunson<\/strong>).<\/p>\n

Where to Watch:<\/strong> In theaters<\/p>\n

Hamnet – November 27, 2025<\/p>\n

\"<p><em>Hamnet<\/em><\/p>\n

Based on the award-winning 2020 novel by Maggie O’Farrell<\/strong> and directed by Oscar winner Chlo\u00e9 Zhao<\/strong>, Hamnet tells the story of how William Shakespeare<\/strong> endured family tragedy to create his masterpiece, Hamlet. Starring Paul Mescal<\/strong>, Jessie Buckley<\/strong>, and Joe Alwyn<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Where to Watch:<\/strong> In select theaters on Nov. 27, expanding nationwide on Dec. 12.<\/p>\n

Oh. What. Fun. – December 3, 2025<\/p>\n

\"<p><em>Oh.<\/p>\n

This fresh twist on the classic holiday-comedy features a star-studded cast as one big dysfunctional family, including Michelle Pfeiffer<\/strong>, Felicity Jones<\/strong>, Chlo\u00eb Grace Moretz<\/strong>, Denis Leary<\/strong>, Dominic Sessa<\/strong>, Jason Schwartzman<\/strong>, and Eva Longoria<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Where to Watch:<\/strong> Streaming on Prime Video<\/a><\/p>\n

Merrily We Roll Along – December 5, 2025<\/p>\n

\"<p><em>Merrily<\/p>\n

Daniel Radcliffe<\/strong>, Jonathan Groff<\/strong> and Lindsay Mendez<\/strong> star in the live stage filming of the Tony-winning Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim<\/strong> and George Furth<\/strong>‘s musical.<\/p>\n

Where to Watch:<\/strong> In theaters<\/p>\n

Jay Kelly – December 5, 2025<\/p>\n

\"<p><em>Jay<\/p>\n

George Clooney<\/strong>, Adam Sandler<\/strong>, Billy Crudup<\/strong> and Laura Dern<\/strong> star in this “heartbreaking comedy” from writer-director Noah Baumbach<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Where to Watch:<\/strong> In theaters Nov. 14 and streaming on Netflix<\/a> Dec. 5.<\/p>\n

Five Nights at Freddy\u2019s 2 – December 9, 2025<\/p>\n

\"<p><em>Five<\/p>\n

The 2023 horror hit gets the sequel treatment, with returning stars Josh Hutcherson<\/strong>, Elizabeth Lail<\/strong> and Matthew Lilllard<\/strong> joined by new characters played by Mckenna Grace<\/strong> and Skeet Ulrich<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Where to Watch:<\/strong> In theaters<\/p>\n

Merv – December 10, 2025<\/p>\n

\"<p><em>Merv<\/em><\/p>\n

When their beloved dog Merv loses his spark after their split, Anna (Zooey Deschanel<\/strong>) and Russ (Charlie Cox<\/strong>) are forced into the world\u2019s most awkward co-parenting arrangement.<\/p>\n

Where to Watch:<\/strong> Streaming on Prime Video<\/a><\/p>\n

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery – December 12, 2025<\/p>\n

\"<p><em>Wake<\/p>\n

Daniel Craig<\/strong> returns as Benoit Blanc for his most dangerous case yet, alongside a stellar supporting cast including Glenn Close<\/strong>, Josh O’Connor<\/strong>, Josh Brolin<\/strong>, Jeremy Renner<\/strong>, Mila Kunis<\/strong> and Kerry Washington<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Where to Watch:<\/strong> Streaming on Netflix<\/a><\/p>\n

Ella McCay – December 12, 2025<\/p>\n

\"<p><em>Ella<\/p>\n

An all-star cast (Emma Mackey<\/strong>, Jamie Lee Curtis<\/strong>, Jack Lowden<\/strong>, Kumail Nanjiani<\/strong>, Ayo Edebiri<\/strong>) leads this comedy about an idealistic young woman juggling her family and work life.<\/p>\n

Where to Watch:<\/strong> In theaters<\/p>\n

Avatar: Fire and Ash – December 19, 2025<\/p>\n

\"<p><em>Avatar:<\/p>\n

Director James Cameron<\/strong> delivers the third film in his blockbuster Avatar franchise, promising a darker storyline as Jake and Neytiri’s family clash with the Mangkwan Clan, also known as the Ash People. Starring Sam Worthington<\/strong>, Zoe Salda\u00f1a<\/strong>, Kate Winslet<\/strong>,Oona Chaplin<\/strong>, and Michelle Yeoh<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Where to Watch:<\/strong> In theaters<\/p>\n

The Housemaid – December 19, 2025<\/p>\n

\"<p><em>The<\/p>\n

Based on the best-selling novel by Freida McFadden<\/strong>, this thriller follows a young woman (Sydney Sweeney<\/strong>) who accepts a job as a live-in housemaid for a wealthy couple (Amanda Seyfried<\/strong> and B<\/strong>randon Sklenar) and soon finds herself trapped in a seductive game of secrets and scandal.<\/p>\n

Where to Watch:<\/strong> In theaters<\/p>\n

Is This Thing On? – December 19, 2025<\/p>\n

\"<p><em>Is<\/p>\n

Directed by Bradley Cooper<\/strong> and starring Will Arnett<\/strong> and Laura Dern<\/strong>, this comedy-drama follows a middle-aged comedian navigating an impending divorce.<\/p>\n

Where to Watch:<\/strong> In theaters<\/p>\n

The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants – December 19, 2025<\/p>\n

\"<p><em>The<\/p>\n

SpongeBob and his Bikini Bottom friends set sail on a seafaring comedy-adventure, complete with ghost pirates.<\/p>\n

Where to Watch:<\/strong> In theaters<\/p>\n

Goodbye June – December 24, 2025<\/p>\n

\"<p><em>Goodbye<\/p>\n

It\u2019s nearly Christmas when an unexpected turn in their mother\u2019s health thrusts four adult siblings, and their exasperating father, into chaos as they navigate messy family dynamics in the face of potential loss. Kate Winslet<\/strong> makes her directorial debut and stars alongside Helen Mirren<\/strong>, Toni Collette<\/strong>, Andrea Riseborough<\/strong>, Johnny Flynn<\/strong>, and Timothy Spall<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Where to Watch:<\/strong> Streaming on Netflix<\/a><\/p>\n

Marty Supreme – December 25, 2025<\/p>\n

\"<p><em>Marty<\/p>\n

Timoth\u00e9e Chalamet<\/strong> takes the lead in this 1950s-set sports drama about a young man with a dream of becoming a champion table-tennis player. Also starring Gwyneth Paltrow<\/strong> and Odessa A’zion<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Where to Watch:<\/strong> In theaters<\/p>\n

Song Sung Blue – December 25, 2025<\/p>\n

\"<p><em>Song<\/p>\n

Based on a true story, two down-on-their-luck musicians (Hugh Jackman<\/strong> and Kate Hudson<\/strong>) form a joyous Neil Diamond tribute band, proving it’s never too late to find love and follow your dreams.<\/p>\n

Where to Watch:<\/strong> In theaters<\/p>\n

Anaconda – December 25, 2025<\/p>\n

\"<p><em>Anaconda<\/em><\/p>\n

Jack Black<\/strong> and Paul Rudd<\/strong> star in this comedy adventure about two friends who travel to the Amazon to film a remake of their all-time favorite snake movie, and find themselves facing off against an actual giant anaconda.<\/p>\n

Where to Watch:<\/strong> In theaters<\/p>\n

People We Meet on Vacation – January 9, 2026<\/p>\n

\"<p><em>People<\/p>\n

Tom Blyth<\/strong> and Emily Bader<\/strong> star in the movie adaptation of Emily Henry<\/strong>‘s bestselling romance novel.<\/p>\n

Where to Watch:<\/strong> Streaming on Netflix<\/a><\/p>\n

Primate – January 9, 2026<\/p>\n

\"<p><em>Primate<\/em><\/p>\n

A group of friends\u2019 tropical vacation turns into a terrifying, primal tale of
horror and survival.<\/p>\n

Where to Watch:<\/strong> In theaters<\/p>\n

The Rip – January 16, 2026<\/p>\n

\"<p><em>The<\/p>\n

BFFs Matt Damon<\/strong> and Ben Affleck<\/strong> reunite for this action thriller about a team of Miami cops who discover millions in cash in a derelict stash house and along with it some serious trust issues. Also starring Teyana Taylor<\/strong> and Steven Yeun<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Where to Watch:<\/strong> Streaming on Netflix<\/a><\/p>\n

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple – January 16, 2026<\/p>\n

\"<p><em>28<\/p>\n

Ralph Fiennes<\/strong> stars in this spin-off of the post-apocalyptic franchise, in which the inhumanity of the survivors becomes even more terrifying than the infected.<\/p>\n

Where to Watch:<\/strong> In theaters<\/p>\n

Send Help – January 30, 2026<\/p>\n

\"<p><em>Send<\/p>\n

Rachel McAdams<\/strong> and Dylan O’Brien<\/strong> star in this dark comedy about two office colleagues who find themselves stranded on a deserted island after they are the only survivors of a plane crash. On the island, they must overcome past grievances and work together to survive.<\/p>\n

Where to Watch:<\/strong> In theaters<\/p>\n

GOAT – February 13, 2026<\/p>\n

\"<p><em>GOAT<\/em><\/p>\n

From the studio behind Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse comes this animated comedy set in an all-animal world that follows Will, a small goat who gets the chance to play roarball – a dangerous, full-contact game dominated by the fiercest foes. Featuring Stephen Curry<\/strong>, Gabrielle Union<\/strong>, and Caleb McLaughlin<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Where to Watch:<\/strong> In theaters<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Originally appeared on E! Online Moviegoers were changed for good this year. Several blockbuster sequels cast a spell…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":256514,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[263],"tags":[132861,18,117,19,17,46891,49516,132863,132862,10483,7380,42054,327,107464,23432,8006,132860],"class_list":{"0":"post-256513","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-movies","8":"tag-chinese-animated-film","9":"tag-eire","10":"tag-entertainment","11":"tag-ie","12":"tag-ireland","13":"tag-jamie-lee-curtis","14":"tag-jason-bateman","15":"tag-jason-schwartzman","16":"tag-jonathan-groff","17":"tag-michelle-pfeiffer","18":"tag-michelle-yeoh","19":"tag-miles-teller","20":"tag-movies","21":"tag-ne-zha","22":"tag-paul-mescal","23":"tag-stephen-curry","24":"tag-william-utay"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@ie\/115804027590442954","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/256513","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=256513"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/256513\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/256514"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=256513"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=256513"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=256513"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}