Hollywood has seen a gradual shift in the portrayal of female characters in films over the past few decades, leading to a new era of films featuring women. These films not only showcase women as powerful protagonists, but also generate significant box office revenue.
The success of these films featuring women can be attributed to their favorite source material, catchy songs, strong protagonists, and impressive special effects. The expansion of their respective franchises has captivated audiences around the world. Destroying barriers and breaking cash desks, Star Wars: The Force Awakens And Frozen 2changed the game of filmmaking involving actresses.
10 Alice in Wonderland (2010) - 1.02 billion
Directed by Tim Burton, 19-year-old Alice Kingsley (Mia Wasikowska) returns to the magical world of the Dungeon to reunite with his friends such as the Mad Hatter (Johnny Depp) and save the world from the tyranny of the Red Queen (Helena Bonham Carter).
This 2010 fantasy adventure film is a continuation of Lewis Carroll’s beloved source material from the novels. Alice in WonderlandAnd Through the Looking Glass. Live action and CGI animation create stunning visuals that audiences truly love. A huge box office success worldwide, it revived the trend of “adult” fairy tale films.
9 Finding Dory (2016) - 1.02 billion
This computer animated film is a continuation of the popular Disney cartoon. Finding Nemo. It follows DoryEllen DeGeneres) when she goes on an epic journey to find her parents with the help of her friends Marlin (Albert Brooks) and Nemo (Hayden Rolens). On the trail leading to the Institute of Marine Life, she realizes that she must save her mom and dad from captivity.
Since Dory was the fans’ favorite friend, the sequel was supposed to be a hit. Throughout the film, Dory lights up the ocean with her carefree looks, but her emotional story is what truly captivates viewers of all ages. Going on a journey through the magical underwater world, the characters teach us life lessons filled with touching humor and charm.
8 Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) — 1.05 billion
The first standalone Star Wars story is a new narrative that precedes the beloved original trilogy. Scientist Galen Erso (Mads Mikkelsen) is forced to work as the Empire’s lead engineer on the most powerful weapon in the galaxy, the Death Star. His daughter Jyn ErsoFelicity Jones) must join a group of resistance fighters to steal the plans for this moon-sized space station for the rebel alliance.
With no expectations, viewers got a fresh look at the new Star Wars story, despite the movie’s misleading trailer. More than just a spin-off, it tells a story separate from Skywalker’s, in which people who risked their lives for the greater good came to the fore. Being a stunning prequel to Episode IV, the need to destroy the Empire made the story much more important.
7 Star Wars: Skywalker. Sunrise (2019) - 1.07 billion.
To round out the nine-part Skywalker saga, Disney has released the third installment in the Star Wars sequel trilogy. With the evil Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDermid) back from the dead, Rey must complete her Jedi training with Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill). Resistance led by Finn (John Boyega) and Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) will take their final stand against the First Order on the Sith world of Exogole.
Critics felt that the film was more fan service than telling the iconic Star Wars story. With the return of beloved prequels and original characters, Disney has provided amazing visuals, but changed the main characters’ personalities to rely on nostalgia. While it’s sad to see the end of the Skywalker era, new in-universe stories are more than welcome.
6 Captain Marvel (2019) - 1.13 billion
Former US Air Force pilot Carol DanversBrie Larson), was exposed to the energy of the Tesseract after the destruction of the Light Engine. As a result of the accident, she received cosmic powers and turned into an extraterrestrial Kree warrior. With the help of Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), Danvers attempts to uncover his past in an attempt to end an intergalactic war between his people and the Skrulls.
As the first film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to feature a female lead, it provided an outstanding introduction to the new female superhero. An Academy Award winner, Larson has been praised for her performance as it established Danvers as an important player in the MCU. It fits perfectly into the franchise, touching on women’s empowerment and representation.
5 Beauty and the Beast (2017) - $1.26 billion
In the small town of Villeneuve BelleEmma Watson) is captured by the Beast (Dan Stevens) in his castle. After some time, she befriends the castle’s bewitched staff and finds a way to see more than the Beast’s hideous appearance. As they begin to learn more about each other, she sees the good heart and soul of a true prince hiding within. If they can fall in love with each other, the Beast’s curse can be lifted.
Retelling the classic Disney animated romantic film, this live-action film is considered one of the highest-grossing live-action musical films. He takes classic characters and adapts them to new audiences. The ability to stay true to the original music and cutting-edge stunning visuals prove just how timeless this story truly is. Praised for its cast, it provides insight into the importance of inner beauty and the power of love.
4 Frozen (2013) - 1.28 billion
Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s 1844 fairy tale. The Snow QueenThe film tells the story of Princess AnneKristen Bell) as she teams up with an ice man named Kristoff (Jonathan Groff), his reindeer Sven and a snowman named Olaf (Josh Gad) find your beloved sister Elsa (Idina Menzel), who accidentally traps her kingdom in eternal winter with her icy powers.
This uplifting tale of sisterhood takes viewers through the story of two sisters who go through every phase of life together, from playing when they were younger to ignoring each other for nearly a decade but always supporting each other. This is the first Walt Disney Animation Studios film to win the Best Animated Feature Film award. The killer soundtrack to catchy sing-along songs like “Let It Go” and gorgeous animations appeal to such a wide audience, from kids to adults.
3 Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017) - 1.33 billion
The second part of the Star Wars sequel trilogy continues as Rey seeks the help of the legendary Luke Skywalker to help the Resistance fight against Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and the First Order. With the Resistance fleet in danger, General Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher), Finn and Poe Dameron lead their squads and try to avoid the First Order’s attack.
The Last JediStunning visuals offer an entertaining spectacle as viewers can explore the Star Wars universe deeper. Even though it seemed a bit odd, subverting expectations, unforgettable Star Wars quotes, and interesting character development led to massive box office success.
2 Frozen 2 (2019) - 1.45 billion
Three years after their first adventure comes a sequel frozen. Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, Sven, and Olaf must travel to the Enchanted Forest after Elsa inadvertently awakens the elemental spirits, forcing the entire kingdom to evacuate. In order to fix everything, they must understand the origin of Elsa’s magical powers.
Following in the footsteps of the original, it was easy to assume that this film would be a hit. Although it’s not as magical as the first one, Frozen 2 It had a compelling storyline, amazing animation, and genuinely lovable characters that appealed to viewers of all ages. Whether you’re laughing, crying, or cringing, Disney’s box office success proves they really know how to tell a good story.
1 Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) - 2 billion
Thirty years later Return of the Jedi, General Leia Organa searches for her brother Luke Skywalker while Poe Dameron obtains a map of Skywalker’s whereabouts. With the help of Han SoloHarrison Ford), Chewbacca (Peter Mayhe), Rey, Finn, and Dameron, they work with Rebel Alliance veterans to take on the Galactic Empire’s successor, the First Order, and Kylo Ren.
This sequel to the Star Wars franchise introduced new characters, but also brought back a few beloved characters from the original trilogy. The impressive visuals made the universe seem even more alive than in past films. The excitement of the new trilogy has attracted new and old fans to make it the highest-grossing film with a female lead.
Source: Collider
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