15/ Avatar
Avatar may be one of the most expensive movies ever made. Directed by James Cameron, the film quickly made impressive profits (within about ten days of its release). It made 2 billion dollars in revenue. Six weeks after its cinema release, it became the biggest success in the history of cinema, beating Titanic, made by the same director. At least there was no cause for jealousy!
16/ Star Wars, episode VI: The Return of the Jedi
Episode VI in the saga took inspiration from American cinema, but also from Japanese art. The Return of the Jedi received, among others, an Oscar for Best Visual Effects.
17/ Jurassic Park
Jurassic Park was the first movie in the history of cinema to make more than 900 million dollars. It thus became the best received film worldwide. In May 2013, it made a brief return to cinema screens (in 3D), to celebrate its 20th birthday.
18/ Star Wars, episode I: The Phantom Menace
Released in 1999, the Phantom Menace incorporates various myths and cultures. Despite mixed reviews from the critics, the film broke box office records. Despite nominations, it did not win any Oscars, although it won two Saturn Awards and unfortunately one Razzie Award (a mock award for worst film).
19/ The Lion King
The Lion King was Disney’s 32nd animated move. It was released in 1994 and was inspired by both the work of Osamu Tezuka and by Shakespeare’s Hamlet. With 987,483,777 dollars in global revenue, The Lion King is one of the greatest successes in the history of animated cinema.
20/ The Sting
The Sting is a comedy film by American George Roy Hill, which was released in 1973. It tells the story of three con men who come up with a complicated scheme to con an infamous gangster in the New York Mafia. It generated over 159 million dollars in the box office.
