History's Best Selling Movies of 2013

Revisiting 2013 presents a grand parade of movies history, marked by Y2K fever and early digital revolution and enduring fan favorites. Unrivaled hits including Fast & Furious 6, Despicable Me 2, and Monsters University took top honors in living rooms and storefronts alike. Master craftsmen from industry leaders like Justin Lin and Pierre Coffin led the vanguard, engineering high-caliber releases that dominated airwaves and playground buzz alike. Dive into the full historical rankings below to see which standout creations won the day.

1. Fast & Furious 6

   Released in 2013 by Justin Lin, Universal Pictures

   The Fast & Furious franchise revved into high gear with "Fast & Furious 6," which premiered globally on May 7, 2013, setting the stage for one of its most lucrative entries yet. This date marks the film's initial theatrical debut, specifically in London, preceding its wider international release. The movie solidified the series' transition from street racing to globe-trotting heists, captivating audiences with its blend of high-octane action, intricate stunts, and a renewed focus on its found-family theme. Its strong box office performance reaffirmed the franchise's enduring appeal, propelling it further into blockbuster territory and cementing its status as a critical pillar of Universal Pictures' slate.

2. Despicable Me 2

   Released in 2013 by Pierre Coffin, Chris Renaud, Universal Pictures

   The summer of 2013 marked a significant moment for animated cinema with the global premiere of 'Despicable Me 2' on June 5, 2013, in Australia. This eagerly anticipated sequel built upon the phenomenal success of its predecessor, catapulting the franchise into an even greater stratosphere of popularity. Its release was not just another animated movie event; it was a cultural phenomenon that saw audiences worldwide flocking to theaters, ultimately leading to a staggering box office performance that cemented Illumination Entertainment's status as a major player in the animation industry and further solidified the lovable Minions as global icons. This date is special as it kicked off the film's record-breaking run, setting the stage for its massive critical and commercial triumph.

3. Monsters University

   Released in 2013 by Dan Scanlon, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

   Monsters University burst onto the global cinematic stage on June 21, 2013, marking a highly anticipated return to the beloved world of Mike Wazowski and James P. 'Sulley' Sullivan. As a prequel to Pixar's cherished 'Monsters, Inc.', this film offered audiences a fresh perspective on how the iconic scare duo first met and developed their unbreakable bond. Its launch was a significant event for Pixar, continuing their tradition of delivering both critical acclaim and impressive box office performance. The release date was special not just for its commercial success, but for expanding a beloved franchise and enchanting a new generation with its vibrant animation and heartfelt storytelling, cementing its place as a summer blockbuster.

4. Instructions Not Included

   Released in 2013 by Eugenio Derbez, Pantelion Films, Lionsgate

   On August 30, 2013, a film largely unknown to mainstream American audiences began a limited theatrical run and quietly ignited a box office phenomenon. "Instructions Not Included" ("No se aceptan devoluciones"), a Spanish-language comedy-drama, opened in just 347 theaters but defied all expectations with a stunning opening weekend. Its release became a watershed moment, demonstrating the immense, often underestimated, power of the Latino box office in the United States. The film's grassroots success story, driven by word-of-mouth rather than a massive marketing blitz, sent a clear message to Hollywood about a significant and underserved segment of the moviegoing public, changing industry perceptions overnight.

5. Gravity

   Released in 2013 by Alfonso Cuarón, Warner Bros. Pictures

   Gravity, directed by Alfonso Cuarón, launched into theaters on October 4, 2013, marking a cinematic event that redefined the space thriller genre. This date signified its wide North American theatrical release, where it immediately captivated audiences and critics alike. It wasn't just a movie; it was an immersive experience, hailed for its groundbreaking visuals and intense narrative, quickly becoming a massive box office success. Its innovative approach to storytelling and visual effects firmly established it as a must-see film, generating immense buzz and setting the stage for a spectacular commercial run that far exceeded initial expectations, solidifying its place as one of the year's most significant releases.

6. Captain Phillips

   Released in 2013 by Paul Greengrass, Columbia Pictures

   On October 11, 2013, director Paul Greengrass's intense biographical thriller "Captain Phillips" opened in theaters worldwide. The film depicts the harrowing 2009 hijacking of the U.S. container ship Maersk Alabama by Somali pirates, focusing on the ordeal of its captain, Richard Phillips. Anchored by a powerhouse performance from Tom Hanks, the film's release marked the arrival of a major awards season contender. It was praised for its gripping realism, breakneck pacing, and nuanced portrayal of the complex global economic forces that lead to such desperate acts, becoming a critical and commercial success that captivated audiences with its almost unbearable tension.

7. Thor: The Dark World

   Released in 2013 by Alan Taylor, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

   October 22, 2013, marked the momentous world theatrical premiere of 'Thor: The Dark World' in London, a pivotal entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe's ambitious Phase Two. This highly anticipated sequel to 2011's 'Thor' continued the cosmic adventures of the God of Thunder, directly following the events of 'The Avengers'. Its launch was a major event, drawing significant attention as fans eagerly awaited the next chapter in Thor's saga and the continued development of the MCU's overarching narrative. The film would go on to achieve considerable commercial success, demonstrating Marvel's growing dominance at the global box office and solidifying Thor's place as a beloved superhero icon.

8. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

   Released in 2013 by Francis Lawrence, Lionsgate

   The Hunger Games: Catching Fire exploded onto the cinematic landscape on November 22, 2013, marking a pivotal moment for the burgeoning young adult dystopian genre. As the highly anticipated sequel to the blockbuster 'The Hunger Games,' its release was met with immense fan fervor and critical expectation. This date signifies the film's wide theatrical debut in North America, kicking off a record-breaking box office run that solidified its place as a cultural phenomenon. 'Catching Fire' not only lived up to the hype but surpassed its predecessor, achieving staggering commercial success and reinforcing the franchise's profound impact on audiences worldwide, cementing Jennifer Lawrence's status as a global superstar.

9. Frozen

   Released in 2013 by Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee, Walt Disney Animation Studios

   On November 27, 2013, Walt Disney Animation Studios released "Frozen," a film that would quickly transcend the screen to become a global cultural phenomenon. Launched just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States, the film was poised to be another entry in Disney's canon of animated fairy tales. However, its powerful and modern story of sisterly love, combined with an instantly iconic soundtrack, captured the world's imagination. This release date marked the beginning of a pop culture blizzard that redefined the modern Disney princess, shattered box office records, and solidified a second golden age for the legendary animation studio.

10. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

    Released in 2013 by Peter Jackson, Warner Bros. Pictures

    The highly anticipated second installment in Peter Jackson's 'The Hobbit' trilogy, 'The Desolation of Smaug', made its widespread theatrical debut in North America on December 13, 2013. This date marked a crucial moment in the epic saga, building on the commercial success of its predecessor and drawing millions back to the meticulously crafted world of Middle-earth. The film embarked on a global box office run that would ultimately see it collect nearly a billion dollars worldwide, cementing its status as a major cinematic event. Its release further deepened the narrative, introduced new iconic elements, and delivered an eagerly awaited encounter with one of Tolkien's most formidable creatures.