History's Best Selling Movies of 2011

At the dawn of the new millennium, 2011 saw a swell surge of Y2K fever and early digital revolution in the world of movies! Leading the charge were mighty, top-selling marvels like No Strings Attached and The Rite, capturing the public’s fancy in grand fashion. Distinguished creators from industry leaders like Ivan Reitman and Mikael Håfström proved their mettle with The Lincoln Lawyer, delivering craftsmanship that dominated airwaves and playground buzz alike. Step right up and inspect our complete, rank-ordered historical archive below!

1. No Strings Attached

   Released in 2011 by Ivan Reitman, Paramount Pictures

   On January 21, 2011, the romantic comedy "No Strings Attached" premiered in theaters across North America. Directed by comedy veteran Ivan Reitman and starring Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher, the film arrived at a moment when romantic comedies were exploring more modern, less traditional relationship dynamics. Its release on this date positioned it as a major winter box office contender, tapping into the perennial audience for relationship-focused stories but with a contemporary twist. The film's premise—two friends trying to maintain a purely physical relationship without emotional complications—was timely and relatable, sparking conversations about the evolving landscape of modern dating and romance in the early 2010s.

2. The Rite

   Released in 2011 by Mikael Håfström, New Line Cinema, Warner Bros. Pictures

   On January 28, 2011, theaters were enveloped in a sense of theological dread with the release of "The Rite." Directed by Mikael Håfström, this supernatural horror film arrived at a time when audiences were hungry for intelligent, atmospheric thrillers. Anchored by the formidable presence of Academy Award-winner Anthony Hopkins, the film promised more than just jump scares; it offered a psychological and spiritual deep dive into the ancient practice of exorcism. Marketed with the chilling tagline "inspired by true events," it invited moviegoers to question the boundaries between faith, skepticism, and a darkness that might be all too real, securing its position as the number one film in its opening weekend.

3. The Lincoln Lawyer

   Released in 2011 by Brad Furman, Lionsgate, Lakeshore Entertainment

   On March 18, 2011, audiences were introduced to slick Los Angeles defense attorney Mickey Haller with the theatrical release of "The Lincoln Lawyer." Based on the best-selling 2005 novel by Michael Connelly, the film arrived as a sharp, intelligent legal thriller at a time when the genre felt ripe for a refresh. More significantly, it served as a crucial vehicle for its star, Matthew McConaughey, marking a definitive pivot from romantic comedies to the more complex, dramatic roles that would define his acclaimed "McConaissance." The film's release positioned it as a smart, adult-oriented counterprogramming option, successfully blending courtroom intrigue with a gritty, character-driven neo-noir aesthetic that captivated both critics and moviegoers.

4. Bridesmaids

   Released in 2011 by Kristen Wiig, Annie Mumolo, Paul Feig, Apatow Productions, Relativity Media, Universal Pictures

   On April 28, 2011, the comedy world was given a sneak peek of a film that would soon become a cultural phenomenon. "Bridesmaids" held its world premiere in Westwood, California, introducing audiences and critics to a refreshingly honest and outrageously funny take on female friendship. At the time, the prevailing industry wisdom suggested that R-rated, female-led comedies were a box office risk. The premiere marked the beginning of the film's journey to completely dismantling that notion, setting the stage for its blockbuster run and its lasting impact on the landscape of modern film comedy.

5. Fast Five

   Released in 2011 by Justin Lin, Universal Pictures

   On April 29, 2011, the fifth installment of The Fast & Furious franchise, "Fast Five," roared into theaters, fundamentally altering the trajectory of the entire series. Directed by Justin Lin, the film was a pivotal moment, shifting the franchise's focus from its street-racing roots to a global action-heist spectacle. The movie's release marked the reunion of stars from previous films, including Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, and Jordana Brewster, while critically adding Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson to the cast. This strategic evolution transformed the series from a successful but niche car-culture property into one of Hollywood's most bankable and enduring blockbuster franchises.

6. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

   Released in 2011 by Rob Marshall, Walt Disney Pictures, Jerry Bruckheimer Films

   Unleashed in theaters on May 20, 2011, 'Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides' was a global cinematic event. As the fourth installment in the monumentally successful franchise, the film arrived four years after the conclusion of the original trilogy. It represented a soft reboot, moving away from the overarching Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann storyline to focus squarely on the series' breakout character, Captain Jack Sparrow. Its release was a calculated blockbuster move by Disney, aiming to prove the franchise's staying power and Jack Sparrow's standalone appeal, all while capitalizing on the booming popularity of 3D technology to deliver a massive summer spectacle for audiences worldwide.

7. The Hangover Part II

   Released in 2011 by Todd Phillips, Warner Bros. Pictures

   May 26, 2011, marked the highly anticipated North American theatrical release of 'The Hangover Part II,' a sequel that arrived with immense expectations after its predecessor's unexpected blockbuster success. This date saw the return of the beloved 'Wolfpack' and immediately set the box office ablaze, proving that audiences were more than ready for another round of R-rated chaos. The film didn't just meet expectations; it shattered numerous records for an R-rated comedy, kicking off the Memorial Day weekend with a bang and cementing its place as one of the highest-grossing comedies of all time, making this release date a pivotal moment in 21st-century cinema.

8. Transformers: Dark of the Moon

   Released in 2011 by Michael Bay, Paramount Pictures

   Transformers: Dark of the Moon exploded onto the big screen on June 29, 2011, marking a pivotal moment for the blockbuster franchise and 3D cinema. As the third installment in Michael Bay's epic saga, anticipation was sky-high for fans eager to witness the Autobots and Decepticons in a new, visually immersive dimension. This release date was not just another movie premiere; it heralded one of the highest-grossing films of the year, cementing the Transformers' status as a global box office juggernaut. Its launch was a spectacle in itself, promising an unparalleled cinematic experience that would draw millions worldwide, eager for high-octane action and groundbreaking special effects, all amplified by the then-burgeoning 3D technology.

9. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2

   Released in 2011 by David Yates, Warner Bros. Pictures

   The release of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2" on July 15, 2011, wasn't just another movie premiere; it was a global cinematic event marking the emotional conclusion to a decade-long film saga and an even longer literary phenomenon. This date holds immense significance as it was the official wide theatrical release in North America and many international territories, allowing millions of fans to witness the epic final battle between Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort. Anticipation reached fever pitch, breaking pre-sale records worldwide, and the film did not disappoint, delivering a powerful, visually stunning, and ultimately tear-jerking farewell that shattered box office expectations and set new benchmarks for opening weekends, solidifying its place as a monumental cultural touchstone.

10. Captain America: The First Avenger

    Released in 2011 by Joe Johnston, Marvel Studios, Paramount Pictures

    On July 22, 2011, audiences were transported back to the 1940s with the theatrical premiere of "Captain America: The First Avenger." This film was a crucial piece of Marvel Studios' ambitious "Phase One" puzzle, introducing the final core member of the Avengers before their historic team-up the following year. Directed by Joe Johnston, the film had the unique challenge of establishing a genuinely earnest, patriotic hero in a modern, often cynical, cinematic landscape. Its release on this date was a pivotal moment for the burgeoning Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), successfully grounding the fantastical world of superheroes in a period-piece war epic and proving that even a character draped in the American flag could resonate with global audiences.

11. The Smurfs

    Released in 2011 by Raja Gosnell, Columbia Pictures

    The Smurfs made a grand entrance onto the big screen on July 29, 2011, marking a significant moment for fans of the beloved blue characters and a highly anticipated family film event. This date signifies the widespread North American theatrical release, bringing Papa Smurf, Smurfette, and their whimsical village into the 21st century with a blend of live-action and CGI animation. The film quickly proved to be a global box office juggernaut, far exceeding initial expectations and demonstrating the enduring appeal of Peyo's creations. Its impressive commercial success validated the strategy of adapting classic cartoons for a modern audience, setting a high bar for subsequent hybrid animation projects.

12. The Help

    Released in 2011 by Tate Taylor, DreamWorks Pictures, Touchstone Pictures

    Released on August 10, 2011, "The Help" arrived in theaters as more than just a late-summer drama; it became a cultural touchstone. Based on Kathryn Stockett's best-selling 2009 novel, the film transported audiences to Jackson, Mississippi, in the 1960s, at the height of the Civil Rights Movement. It explored the complex and often painful relationships between white families and the African American maids who worked for them. Through its blend of humor, heartbreak, and powerful performances, the film sparked widespread conversation about race, class, and gender in America, becoming both a critical and commercial success that resonated deeply with audiences worldwide.

13. Drive

    Released in 2011 by Nicolas Winding Refn, FilmDistrict, Bold Films

    On September 16, 2011, American audiences were introduced to the stoic, unnamed protagonist of "Drive," a film that would quickly become a defining piece of neo-noir cinema for the new decade. Directed by Danish filmmaker Nicolas Winding Refn, the movie's US premiere on this date unleashed a unique blend of arthouse sensibility, brutal violence, and 1980s-inflected synth-pop cool. While it had already garnered critical acclaim and won Refn the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival earlier that year, its wider release solidified its status as a cultural phenomenon. It subverted the expectations of a typical Hollywood action film, offering a stylish, meditative, and visually stunning experience that captivated critics and audiences alike.

14. Puss in Boots

    Released in 2011 by Chris Miller, DreamWorks Animation

    On October 28, 2011, a beloved sidekick from one of animation's biggest franchises stepped into the spotlight. 'Puss in Boots' premiered in theaters, giving the charming, swashbuckling feline from the 'Shrek' series his very own origin story. Voiced by the charismatic Antonio Banderas, the character had been a fan favorite since his debut in 'Shrek 2'. This spin-off film represented a major test for DreamWorks Animation: to see if the fairy-tale universe they had built could successfully expand beyond its famous green ogre. The film's release marked a confident stride forward, proving that the fearless hero was more than capable of carrying his own epic adventure.

15. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1

    Released in 2011 by Bill Condon, Summit Entertainment

    On November 18, 2011, audiences around the globe eagerly flocked to theaters for the highly anticipated release of 'The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1.' This pivotal installment in the beloved supernatural romance franchise marked a significant cinematic event, kicking off the grand finale of Bella and Edward's epic love story. The film's premiere was met with immense fan enthusiasm, quickly translating into a colossal box office success that reaffirmed the saga's cultural dominance and set the stage for its dramatic conclusion. This date wasn't just another movie release; it was a global phenomenon, underscoring the enduring power of the Twilight universe and its devoted fanbase.