History's Best Selling Movies of 2010

Hats off to 2010! Few movies commanded as much fanfare and nationwide excitement as Alice in Wonderland. Alongside sensationally popular hits like How to Train Your Dragon and Clash of the Titans, consumers eagerly embraced the Y2K fever and early digital revolution. Pioneering outfits from industry leaders like Tim Burton and Chris Sanders set the standard for quality, producing celebrated items that dominated airwaves and playground buzz alike. Browse our definitive retrospective below to rediscover the genuine articles of the era.

1. Alice in Wonderland

   Released in 2010 by Tim Burton, Walt Disney Pictures

   On March 5, 2010, audiences were invited to tumble down the rabbit hole once again with the theatrical release of Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland". The film arrived at a perfect nexus of cinematic trends: the height of the post-"Avatar" 3D boom, the star power of Johnny Depp, and Disney's burgeoning interest in reimagining its animated classics as live-action spectacles. This release was not just another movie premiere; it was a major cultural event that blended a beloved literary classic with Burton's uniquely gothic and whimsical aesthetic. It promised a darker, more mature take on Lewis Carroll's world, positioning itself as a must-see visual fantasy for a new generation.

2. How to Train Your Dragon

   Released in 2010 by Chris Sanders, Dean DeBlois, DreamWorks Animation

   On March 26, 2010, DreamWorks Animation soared to new heights with the theatrical release of "How to Train Your Dragon." The film's premiere marked a pivotal moment for the studio, establishing a franchise that would rival the industry's biggest players. Set in a mythical Viking world, the story of a young boy named Hiccup who befriends a feared dragon named Toothless debuted to immediate critical and audience acclaim. In a landscape often dominated by fairy tales and talking animal comedies, this film offered a thrilling, emotionally resonant action-adventure that captivated viewers of all ages, setting a new benchmark for animated storytelling with its breathtaking visuals and heartfelt narrative.

3. Clash of the Titans

   Released in 2010 by Louis Leterrier, Legendary Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures

   On April 2, 2010, audiences were invited back to the world of Greek mythology with the theatrical premiere of "Clash of the Titans." A high-budget remake of the beloved 1981 cult classic, this new iteration aimed to leverage cutting-edge CGI and the burgeoning popularity of 3D cinema to reimagine the story of Perseus for a new generation. Released in the wake of "Avatar"'s massive success, the film was a major event, promising epic battles, monstrous creatures, and a grand adventure. Its release marked a significant moment for blockbuster filmmaking, testing the appeal of both nostalgic remakes and the then-novelty of post-production 3D conversion on a massive scale.

4. Shrek Forever After

   Released in 2010 by Mike Mitchell, Paramount Pictures

   Shrek Forever After, the highly anticipated fourth installment in the beloved Shrek franchise, made its grand theatrical debut on May 21, 2010. This release marked a significant moment for DreamWorks Animation, as it was initially touted as the final chapter in Shrek's saga, promising a fresh perspective on the ogre's happily ever after. The film launched with considerable fanfare, drawing audiences back into the whimsical world of Far Far Away. Its premiere was a major event in the animation calendar, poised to continue the franchise's impressive box office legacy, offering fans a unique, alternate-reality take on their favorite characters and their familiar world. This date solidified its place as a tentpole release for the summer movie season.

5. Toy Story 3

   Released in 2010 by Lee Unkrich, Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney Pictures

   On June 18, 2010, audiences around the world flocked to theaters for the premiere of "Toy Story 3," a film that was more than just a sequel; it was the culmination of a 15-year journey. The original "Toy Story" had revolutionized animation in 1995, and its 1999 sequel was a critical and commercial triumph. The third installment arrived with monumental expectations, tasked with providing a satisfying conclusion for a generation that had grown up alongside Andy and his beloved toys, Woody and Buzz Lightyear. The film's release was a major cultural event, not only for its technical prowess but for its profoundly emotional story about growing up, moving on, and the bittersweet nature of change.

6. The Twilight Saga: Eclipse

   Released in 2010 by David Slade, Summit Entertainment

   June 30, 2010, marked the highly anticipated commercial release of 'The Twilight Saga: Eclipse,' the third installment in the globally phenomenon-making film series. This date was special not just for fans eager to continue Bella, Edward, and Jacob's dramatic love triangle, but for the industry itself, as 'Eclipse' set new box office records, particularly for a mid-week release. The film's debut was a testament to the immense power of its dedicated fanbase, solidifying the franchise's place as a cultural touchstone and a dominant force in young adult adaptations. Its opening day performance was staggering, indicating a fervent demand that transformed a regular Wednesday into a blockbuster event.

7. Despicable Me

   Released in 2010 by Pierre Coffin, Chris Renaud, Universal Pictures

   July 9, 2010, marked a pivotal moment in animated cinema history with the North American theatrical release of 'Despicable Me.' This seemingly modest animated feature from the then-fledgling Illumination Entertainment, distributed by Universal Pictures, was about to exceed all expectations and launch one of the most successful and beloved franchises of the 21st century. The film's debut not only charmed audiences with its unique blend of humor, heart, and iconic yellow sidekicks but also set the stage for an unprecedented box office performance, solidifying its place as a surprising summer blockbuster and a testament to the power of original storytelling.

8. Inception

   Released in 2010 by Christopher Nolan, Warner Bros. Pictures, Legendary Pictures

   On July 13, 2010, director Christopher Nolan invited audiences into a world where technology allowed one to enter the human mind through dream invasion. The premiere of "Inception" was more than just a summer blockbuster release; it was a cultural event that challenged viewers with its complex, multi-layered narrative and stunning visual effects. The film, a high-concept heist thriller set within the architecture of the mind, immediately sparked intense discussion and debate about its intricate plot and ambiguous ending. This date marks the release of a film that proved audiences were hungry for intelligent, original blockbusters, solidifying Nolan's reputation as a master filmmaker of the 21st century.

9. The Town

   Released in 2010 by Ben Affleck, Warner Bros. Pictures, Legendary Pictures

   On September 17, 2010, audiences were introduced to the gritty, blue-collar crime world of Charlestown, Boston, with the theatrical release of "The Town." The film arrived at a crucial point in Ben Affleck's career, serving as his second directorial effort after the critically acclaimed "Gone Baby Gone" (2007). The release not only proved that his debut was no fluke but also firmly re-established him as a major Hollywood force, both in front of and behind the camera. "The Town" was more than just another heist movie; it was a character-driven thriller that blended high-stakes action with a poignant story about loyalty, love, and the near impossibility of escaping one's past.

10. The Social Network

    Released in 2010 by David Fincher, Columbia Pictures

    Premiering in the United States on October 1, 2010, "The Social Network" arrived as a bolt of cinematic lightning, capturing the zeitgeist of a world being fundamentally reshaped by technology. Directed by David Fincher with a searing screenplay by Aaron Sorkin, the film documented the tumultuous founding of Facebook. At the time of its release, Facebook was already a global behemoth with over 500 million users, but its origin story was largely unknown to the public. The film provided a gripping, dramatic, and brilliantly crafted narrative that was less about coding and more about the timeless themes of ambition, friendship, class, and betrayal, making it an instant classic and a definitive statement on the new millennium.

11. Tangled

    Released in 2010 by Nathan Greno, Byron Howard, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

    November 24, 2010, marked the highly anticipated wide theatrical release of Disney's 'Tangled' across North America, a pivotal moment for Walt Disney Animation Studios. As the 50th animated feature from the studio, it represented a significant leap in computer-generated animation while honoring the classic fairy tale tradition. This date unleashed a vibrant, witty, and visually stunning reimagining of the Rapunzel story onto the big screen, captivating audiences with its blend of adventure, humor, and heart. The film's launch was a resounding commercial success, setting the stage for its remarkable journey to earn over half a billion dollars worldwide and solidifying its place as a modern Disney classic.

12. The King's Speech

    Released in 2010 by Tom Hooper, The Weinstein Company, UK Film Council, Momentum Pictures

    On November 26, 2010, the historical drama 'The King's Speech' began its limited theatrical run in the United States, quietly launching what would become one of the most celebrated and awarded films of the year. Directed by Tom Hooper from a script by David Seidler, the film tells the deeply personal story of King George VI's struggle to overcome a severe stammer. The release date positioned it perfectly for the awards season, allowing word-of-mouth to build from its initial screenings. It was a story of vulnerability and resilience within the rigid confines of the British monarchy, released at a time when audiences were receptive to character-driven, inspirational narratives. Its debut marked the beginning of a remarkable journey from a modest British production to a global box office smash and an Academy Award Best Picture winner.

13. Black Swan

    Released in 2010 by Darren Aronofsky, Protozoa Pictures, Cross Creek Pictures, Fox Searchlight Pictures

    On December 3, 2010, Darren Aronofsky's psychological thriller "Black Swan" began its limited theatrical run in North America, immediately captivating and unsettling audiences. The film's release date positioned it perfectly for the awards season, where it would become a major contender. It tells the story of a committed ballerina's descent into madness as she strives for perfection in the lead role of Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake." The film's release was a significant cultural event, sparking intense discussion about artistic pressure, mental health, and the dark side of ambition, all while showcasing a tour-de-force performance from its lead actress, Natalie Portman.