As "Jurassic World" overtakes "Furious 7" and "The Avengers" to become the third highest-grossing film of all time (not adjusted for inflation), we take a look at the key figures behind the top five's four other members, including US$2-billion-plus monsters "Avatar" and "Titanic."
1. Avatar (2009)
James Cameron's "Avatar" was not only a US$2.78 billion box office haul and a pioneer in the 3D and CGI film technique, but also a decade and a half in the making and Cameron's first feature since "Titanic" over 10 years prior. Lead actors Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana were already enjoying high-profile years in 2009, Worthington having starred in "Terminator Salvation" and Saldana in the "Star Trek" reboot; both are expected to appear in three more "Avatar" films.
2. Titanic (1997)
Cameron's epic tale of mid-Atlantic love and loss turned a US$200 million fund into US$2.19 billion of ticket sales, starring the in-demand Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. Cameron came to it as one of Hollywood's biggest active directors, with two "Terminator" films and "Aliens" on his resumé; less stellar, "True Lies" was still box office bank, and relative flop "The Abyss" helped pave the road to "Titanic" and three marine documentaries.
3. Jurassic World (2015)
Colin Trevorrow, who's he? Only the rumored director of "Star Wars VIII." But before "Jurassic World" he was almost unknown, his only feature having been offbeat comedy "Safety Not Guaranteed." Star Chris Pratt had already led money-spinners "The Lego Movie" and "Guardians of the Galaxy," while Bryce Dallas Howard (who shares an alma mater with Trevorrow) had been in "Spider-Man 3," "Terminator Salvation" and "The Help." Still in cinemas, it's won US$1.517 billion in five weeks.
4. The Avengers (2012)
Marvel's "The Avengers" introduces the ensemble concept to our top five grossers: five previous Marvel films had led up to "The Avengers," which then brought in a host of additional new characters, its US$220 million budget becoming US$1.516 billion at the box office. Best known for TV series "Buffy," "Firefly" and "Dollhouse," director Joss Whedon might have seemed like an underdog choice, but he'd won an Eisner for the "Astonishing X-Men" comic books, and an Oscar for the "Toy Story" script.
5. Furious 7 (2015)
This year's second entry to the all-time top five, April's "Furious 7" is another testament to the power of an ongoing franchise helmed by a carefully chosen director. Malaysian-born James Wan had specialized in horror films, having directed "Saw," "Insidious" and "The Conjuring" but ably guided an all-star cast to the action franchise's biggest haul so far. Its astute social media and marketing campaign didn't hurt as a US$190 million budget was multiplied into US$1.512 billion at the box office.
AFP RELAXNEWS
Fri Jul 24 2015
Universal and Amblin Entertainment's Jurassic World has hit $1.522 billion at the global box office. - Photo AFP
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.