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Highlights
- Greta Gerwig's Barbie subverted societal norms, explored female identity, and smashed the billion-dollar barrier.
- Female directors like Gerwig are reshaping popular cinema with critically acclaimed, record-breaking films.
- Jennifer Lee became the only female director with two $1 billion movies due to Frozen II's global success.
Historically, the world of blockbuster filmmaking has been a male-dominated arena.
However, the landscape is gradually shifting, and women are boldly stepping behind the camera to create cinematic spectacles that redefine what audiences expect from big-budget films.
Female directors' films often defy expectations, delivering critical and commercial successes that reshape the definition of popular cinema.
One notable success story is that of Kathryn Bigelow, who made history as the first woman to win an Academy Award for "Best Director," for her riveting war drama The Hurt Locker in 2009.
Her groundbreaking achievement shattered glass ceilings, and paved the way for other female directors to receive recognition for their outstanding work behind the camera.
Similarly, Greta Gerwig garnered critical acclaim and multiple award nominations for her directorial debut, Lady Bird.
Patty Jenkins made waves with Wonder Woman, which became the highest-grossing film ever directed by a woman at the time of its release. In 2023, Greta Gerwig's Barbie made waves, achieving remarkable success at the box office.
Although it did not clinch the top spot for the highest-grossing film by a female director, Barbie set new records, becoming the highest grossing film of the year.
Though female directors are rapidly catching up with their male counterparts, progress still needs to be made.
Today, let's celebrate the remarkable success of the highest-grossing films directed by women.
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Glass Ceilings Are EverywhereThe Black Widow's Billions: Inside Griselda Blanco's Drug Empire And Shocking Net Worth
Black Widow of Drug Trade Griselda Blanco rose from poverty to acquire a net worth $2 billion with over $500 million worth of assets.10 Shrek (2001)
Global Box Office, Shrek - $488,628,188
Co-directed by Vicky Jenson (along with Andrew Adamson), Shrek turned the fairy tale genre on its head.
This irreverent animated comedy featured a grumpy ogre, a sassy princess, and a talking donkey embarking on a hilarious quest.
Jenson's innovative approach, blending satirical humor with cutting-edge animation for the time, propelled the film's phenomenal success.
Shrek grossed $268 million in North America and $220 million overseas, accumulating a global total of $488.6 million.
Jenson's role in Shrek's success made her a notable figure in the animation industry, propelling her career forward.
The film's box office triumphs, coupled with its creative ingenuity, earned it numerous accolades, including the first-ever Academy Award for "Best Animated Feature" in 2001.
Estimated Budget | $60,000,000 |
|---|---|
Director | Vicky Jenson |
Box Office (Domestic) | $268,349,831 |
Box Office (International) | $220,278,357 |
Box Office (Total) | $488,628,188 |
9 Brave (2012)
Global Box Office, Brave - $538,983,207
Injecting a dose of adventurous spirit into the Disney Princess lineup, Brave, co-directed by Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman (who replaced Andrews mid-production), delivered a refreshingly different story.
Set in the rugged Scottish Highlands, the film follows the free-spirited Merida and her strained relationship with her mother.
Chapman's vision infused the movie with a complex mother-daughter dynamic not often seen in animated films.
Brave was praised for its stunning animation, bold female protagonist, and themes of family and self-determination.
Receiving generally positive reviews, it was a box office success, grossing $539 million against a $185 million budget.
Estimated Budget | $185,000,000 |
|---|---|
Director | Brenda Chapman |
Box Office (Domestic) | $237,283,207 |
Box Office (International) | $301,700,000 |
Box Office (Total) | $538,983,207 |
Hollywood Power BrokersStone Cold Stunner: Emma Stone's Net Worth
Emma Stone's career is a tale of financial success, with over 20 films grossing $4.7 billion, a $60 million net worth, and potentially, another Oscar.8 Fifty Shades Of Grey (2015)
Global Box Office, Fifty Shades Of Grey - $569,651,467
Sam Taylor-Johnson, a director known for her artistic sensibilities, took a daring leap into the world of erotic romance with Fifty Shades Of Grey.
This adaptation of E.L. James' bestselling novel ignited a firestorm of controversy, sparking conversations about consent, power dynamics, and the nature of desire.
Despite (or perhaps because) of the heated debates, the film made its mark at box offices worldwide.
Fifty Shades Of Grey grossed $166.2 million in the United States and Canada and $403.5 million in other countries, for a worldwide total of $569.7 million.
With a budget of only $40 million, Fifty Shades Of Grey became a sensation, proving the immense box office potential of stories catering to female audiences, not minding its polarizing reception.
Estimated Budget | $40,000,000 |
|---|---|
Director | Sam Taylor-Johnson |
Box Office (Domestic) | $166,167,230 |
Box Office (International) | $403,484,237 |
Box Office (Total) | $569,651,467 |
7 Mamma Mia! (2008)
Global Box Office, Mamma Mia! - $694,665,577
Phyllida Lloyd, a veteran of stage productions, masterfully translated the exuberant energy of ABBA's music into a cinematic whirlwind with Mamma Mia!
Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, and an ensemble cast brought infectious enthusiasm to the sun-drenched Greek setting, their performances overflowing with the joy of the iconic songs.
Lloyd's deft direction ensured a seamless blend of music, romance, and comedy, creating a sing-along sensation that put the audiences in tune.
Mamma Mia! grossed $144.3 million in the United States and Canada and $550.3 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $694.6 million, against a production budget of $52 million.
It was also the highest-grossing movie directed by a woman, until it was surpassed by Patty Jenkins' Wonder Woman in 2017.
Estimated Budget | $52,000,000 |
|---|---|
Director | Phyllida Lloyd |
Box Office (Domestic) | $144,330,569 |
Box Office (International) | $550,310,170 |
Box Office (Total) | $694,665,577 |
Ms. MogulDrew Barrymore's Highest-Grossing Movies, From E.T. To Scream
Drew Barrymore, a child star turned $125 million superstar. Her filmography is worth over $3.45 billion.6 The Matrix Reloaded (2003)
Global Box Office, The Matrix Reloaded - $741,847,937
Lana Wachowski, as part of the visionary Wachowski filmmaking duo (alongside sister Lilly Wachowski), expanded the mind-bending world of The Matrix with this action-packed sequel.
Neo (Keanu Reeves), Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss), and Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) battled Agents of the Matrix in gravity-defying sequences that redefined the sci-fi genre.
The Wachowski sisters' ambition was evident in the film's epic action sequences and complex exploration of free will and artificial intelligence.
While the film's philosophical aspects divided fans, its groundbreaking visual effects and exciting chases delivered at the box office.
The Matrix Reloaded grossed $741 million globally, with a production budget estimated at around $150 million.
Estimated Budget | $150,000,000 |
|---|---|
Director | Lana Wachowski |
Box Office (Domestic) | $281,576,461 |
Box Office (International) | $460,271,476 |
Box Office (Total) | $741,847,937 |
5 Wonder Woman (2017)
Global Box Office, Wonder Woman - $823,970,682
Patty Jenkins' Wonder Woman became the first female-led entry in the superhero genre in over a decade.
Starring Gal Gadot in the lead role, the film follows Diana Prince's journey from the idyllic island of Themyscira to the battlefields of World War II, where she discovers her true destiny as a warrior for justice.
Jenkins' directorial prowess brought depth and nuance to the character, infusing the film with powerful themes of heroism, compassion, and empowerment.
Despite some criticism directed towards its climax, the film's cultural significance and positive reception propelled it to become a box office sensation.
Wonder Woman grossed over $824 million worldwide; it was the highest-grossing film by a solo female director at the time of its release.
According to Deadline Hollywood, Wonder Woman made a net profit of $252.9 million for Warner Bros.
Estimated Budget | $149,000,000 |
|---|---|
Director | Patty Jenkins |
Box Office (Domestic) | $412,845,172 |
Box Office (International) | $411,125,510 |
Box Office (Total) | $823,970,682 |
Carol Danvers!The Marvels Opens Below Expectations With $47M Debut
The latest installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, The Marvels, opened below expectations this weekend, grossing $110 million globally.4 Captain Marvel (2019)
Global Box Office, Captain Marvel - $1,131,416,446
Co-directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, Captain Marvel blasted through the billion-dollar barrier, becoming the first female-led superhero movie to achieve this historic feat.
Starring Brie Larson as the formidable Carol Danvers, the film follows her journey to becoming one of the universe's mightiest heroes amid a galactic war.
Behind the scenes, Boden and Fleck's collaborative vision brought Captain Marvel's cosmic adventure to life with stunning visual effects and high-energy moments.
Larson's performance as the titular character received praise from critics, further enhancing the film's appeal to audiences worldwide.
Captain Marvel grossed $426.8 million in North America and $704.6 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $1.131 billion.
It had a worldwide opening of $456.7 million, making it the biggest opening for a female-led film.
Estimated Budget | $160,000,000 |
|---|---|
Director | Anna Boden |
Box Office (Domestic) | $426,829,839 |
Box Office (International) | $704,586,607 |
Box Office (Total) | $1,131,416,446 |
3 Frozen (2013)
Global Box Office, Frozen - $1,397,045,694
Under the co-direction of Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee (in her feature directorial debut), Frozen exceeded expectations at the box office and re-conceived the Disney princess narrative.
Lee, a rising animation talent, infused the film with themes of sisterhood, self-acceptance, and the power of love.
The film follows Anna, the princess of Arendelle, who sets off on a journey to find her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped their kingdom in eternal winter.
Frozen grossed over $1.397 billion at the global box office, making it the highest-grossing animated film, a record held until it was surpassed by a remake of The Lion King in 2019.
Estimated Budget | $150,000,000 |
|---|---|
Director | Jennifer Lee |
Box Office (Domestic) | $400,953,009 |
Box Office (International) | $996,089,521 |
Box Office (Total) | $1,397,045,694 |
Barbie!Forbes' Highest-Paid Actors List: Who Made The Top Ten?
Forbes' "highest-paid actors" list is fueled by box office booms and streaming wars, and the ten top earners pocketed $449 million combined in 2023.2 Barbie (2023)
Global Box Office, Barbie - $1,445,638,421
Known for her unique directorial style and explorations of modern womanhood, Greta Gerwig brought a fresh, subversive take on pop culture with Barbie.
With Margot Robbie as the lead, the film cleverly upends expectations, venturing beyond the doll's plastic world into a meta-commentary on societal beauty standards and female identity.
Although Barbie may not be hailed as a revolutionary masterpiece, Gerwig's directorial vision offers a thought-provoking exploration of womanhood, challenging societal norms and shedding light on the oppressive forces of the patriarchy.
Barbie grossed $636.2 million in North America and $809.4 million in other territories for a worldwide total of $1.446 billion, making it the first solo female-directed film to break the billion-dollar barrier.
Estimated Budget | $145,000,000 |
|---|---|
Director | Greta Gerwig |
Box Office (Domestic) | $636,238,421 |
Box Office (International) | $809,400,000 |
Box Office (Total) | $1,445,638,421 |
1 Frozen 2 (2019)
Global Box Office, Frozen II - $1,453,683,476
Returning to direct the sequel to her record-breaking phenomenon, Jennifer Lee delivered another global smash hit with Frozen II.
The film brought back the beloved characters of Elsa and Anna for a new adventure, going deeper into their past and exploring the magical world beyond Arendelle.
Lee, working alongside co-director Chris Buck, crafted a spectacular experience with improved animation that worked well with the audience.
The film's characters evolve in complexity, driven by a diverse range of emotions and motivations, contributing to its universal appeal.
Frozen II surpassed its predecessor's box office figures, earning $477.4 million domestically and $976.3 million in other regions for a worldwide total of $1.453 billion.
That makes Lee the only female director in history to achieve the remarkable feat of having more than one movie surpass the $1 billion milestone.
Estimated Budget | $150,000,000 |
|---|---|
Director | Jennifer Lee |
Box Office (Domestic) | $477,373,578 |
Box Office (International) | $976,309,898 |
Box Office (Total) | $1,453,683,476 |
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