History's Best Selling Movies of 2015

At the dawn of the new millennium, 2015 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 The Revenant and Ex Machina, capturing the public’s fancy in grand fashion. Distinguished creators from industry leaders like Alejandro G. Iñárritu and Alex Garland proved their mettle with Avengers: Age of Ultron, delivering craftsmanship that dominated airwaves and playground buzz alike. Step right up and inspect our complete, rank-ordered historical archive below!

1. The Revenant

   Released in 2015 by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Regency Enterprises, 20th Century Fox

   While its wide American release would follow shortly, January 6, 2016, marks a key point in the international rollout of 'The Revenant,' a film that had already begun generating immense awards buzz following its limited 2015 release. Directed by the visionary Alejandro G. Iñárritu, this cinematic event was more than just a movie; it was an endurance test for its cast, crew, and audience. The date falls within the critical period when the film expanded its reach, bringing its brutal and beautiful story of survival to a global stage. This was the moment the general public began to truly witness the performance that would finally earn Leonardo DiCaprio his long-awaited Academy Award for Best Actor.

2. Ex Machina

   Released in 2015 by Alex Garland, A24, Universal Pictures

   On April 24, 2015, the cerebral science-fiction thriller "Ex Machina" expanded into its wide theatrical release across the United States. Following a successful limited run, this date marked the moment Alex Garland's stunning directorial debut reached a mainstream audience. In a landscape dominated by large-scale blockbusters, the film's arrival was a breath of fresh air, offering a tense, thought-provoking, and stylish exploration of artificial intelligence. It quickly became a major topic of conversation, praised for its intelligence and suspense, proving that a high-concept, character-driven story could captivate and challenge viewers on a grand scale.

3. Avengers: Age of Ultron

   Released in 2015 by Joss Whedon, Marvel Studios

   On May 1, 2015, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) unleashed its eleventh installment, "Avengers: Age of Ultron," upon North American audiences. As the highly anticipated sequel to 2012's groundbreaking "The Avengers," the film's release was a monumental global event. It continued the overarching narrative of the MCU's "Phase Two," bringing together Earth's Mightiest Heroes for another epic battle. The date marked a pivotal moment in blockbuster filmmaking, demonstrating the unparalleled box office power and cultural dominance that Marvel Studios had cultivated, setting the stage for even grander conflicts to come in the franchise's future.

4. Mad Max: Fury Road

   Released in 2015 by George Miller, Warner Bros. Pictures, Village Roadshow Pictures, Kennedy Miller Mitchell

   On May 15, 2015, theaters worldwide were engulfed in fire and chrome with the premiere of "Mad Max: Fury Road." Arriving thirty years after the previous installment, "Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome," the film was the culmination of a legendarily troubled and long-delayed production. Director George Miller returned to his signature post-apocalyptic wasteland, rebooting his own franchise not with nostalgia, but with a visceral, high-octane vision that redefined the limits of the action genre. Its release was a cinematic event, a two-hour-long chase sequence that stunned audiences and critics alike with its breathtaking practical effects, relentless pacing, and unexpected thematic depth, immediately establishing itself as a modern classic.

5. Inside Out

   Released in 2015 by Pete Docter, Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney Pictures

   On June 19, 2015, Pixar Animation Studios released "Inside Out," a film that ventured into the uncharted territory of the human mind. The premiere was more than just a new animated movie release; it was a cultural event that promised a story of profound emotional intelligence and creativity. Coming after a period where some critics felt Pixar had leaned too heavily on sequels, "Inside Out" was hailed as a stunning return to form, showcasing the studio's unparalleled ability to blend imaginative world-building with deeply human stories. Its release on this date marked the beginning of a global conversation about mental health and emotions, packaged in one of the most inventive and heartfelt films of the decade.

6. Minions

   Released in 2015 by Pierre Coffin, Kyle Balda, Illumination Entertainment, Universal Pictures

   On July 10, 2015, the world was officially taken over by small, yellow, pill-shaped creatures with the U.S. theatrical release of "Minions." Serving as a spin-off and prequel to the enormously popular "Despicable Me" films, this movie was a direct response to the massive public adoration for the franchise's gibberish-spouting sidekicks. The film's release date marked the moment these supporting characters proved they could carry a blockbuster movie on their own, transforming from a fan-favorite element into a full-blown cultural and commercial phenomenon. It cemented the Minions' status as global animation icons and demonstrated Illumination Entertainment's formidable power at the box office, rivaling even the industry's most established animation studios.

7. Straight Outta Compton

   Released in 2015 by F. Gary Gray, Legendary Pictures, New Line Cinema, Universal Pictures

   Released in theaters on August 14, 2015, "Straight Outta Compton" arrived at a pivotal moment in American culture. Amidst a renewed national conversation about racial injustice and police brutality, this biographical film chronicling the rise and fall of the revolutionary gangsta rap group N.W.A. felt less like a historical retrospective and more like an urgent, contemporary statement. Directed by F. Gary Gray, the film's release became a cultural event, powerfully connecting the rebellious spirit of the late 1980s with the social anxieties of the 21st century. It transcended the music biopic genre to become a touchstone for discussions on free speech, systemic racism, and the power of art as protest.

8. Everest

   Released in 2015 by Baltasar Kormákur, Working Title Films, Walden Media, Cross Creek Pictures, Universal Pictures

   On September 2, 2015, the 72nd Venice International Film Festival opened with the world premiere of "Everest," a gripping biographical survival drama directed by Baltasar Kormákur. The date marked the first time audiences would experience this harrowing, large-scale cinematic retelling of the 1996 Mount Everest disaster. As the festival's prestigious opening night film, its premiere was a major event in the film world, setting the stage for its global theatrical run. The choice to debut at Venice highlighted the film's artistic and technical ambitions, positioning it not merely as a disaster movie, but as a serious, character-driven drama intended to immerse viewers in one of the most infamous and tragic events in modern mountaineering history.

9. The Martian

   Released in 2015 by Ridley Scott, 20th Century Fox

   On October 2, 2015, director Ridley Scott's science fiction epic "The Martian" premiered, offering audiences a thrilling and surprisingly optimistic story of survival. Based on Andy Weir's meticulously researched novel, the film landed at a time of renewed public fascination with space travel, fueled by NASA's Curiosity rover exploring Mars and the rise of private space ventures. Starring Matt Damon as a stranded astronaut, the film distinguished itself from other bleak survival tales by focusing on ingenuity, humor, and the power of human collaboration. It presented a vision of space exploration that was not only perilous but also inspiring, celebrating science and resilience against impossible odds.

10. Spectre

    Released in 2015 by Sam Mendes, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

    October 26, 2015, marked a significant date for James Bond fans worldwide as 'Spectre' premiered in London, kicking off its global theatrical run. This eagerly anticipated 24th installment in the Eon Productions James Bond series saw Daniel Craig return as 007, promising a deeper dive into Bond's mysterious past. The film quickly became a box office juggernaut, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the franchise. Its premiere was not just an event; it was a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship and massive marketing machinery behind one of cinema's most iconic characters, setting the stage for substantial commercial success and critical discussion.

11. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2

    Released in 2015 by Francis Lawrence, Lionsgate

    The global cinematic landscape braced for a poignant farewell on November 04, 2015, with the world theatrical premiere of 'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2' in Berlin. This monumental date marked the highly anticipated conclusion to one of the most successful dystopian sagas in film history. As the final chapter unfolded, fans worldwide eagerly witnessed Katniss Everdeen's ultimate stand against President Snow. This movie wasn't just a film; it was the culmination of a cultural phenomenon, destined to close out the beloved series with a massive box office performance and an emotional impact that resonated deeply with its dedicated audience, solidifying its place as a significant event in cinematic history.

12. Spotlight

    Released in 2015 by Tom McCarthy, Participant Media, Open Road Films

    On November 6, 2015, director Tom McCarthy's "Spotlight" opened in limited theatrical release, presenting a stark, methodical, and gripping account of real-world journalistic heroism. The film arrived at a time of increasing skepticism towards traditional media, offering a powerful reminder of the vital role investigative journalism plays in holding powerful institutions accountable. "Spotlight" wasn't a flashy, action-packed thriller; instead, its tension was built through meticulous research, difficult conversations, and the slow, horrifying unraveling of a conspiracy of silence. Its release on this date began a journey that would culminate in the highest honor in film, validating its quiet power and affirming the importance of its story in the public consciousness.

13. Krampus

    Released in 2015 by Michael Dougherty, Legendary Pictures, Universal Pictures

    On December 4, 2015, director Michael Dougherty delivered a deliciously twisted holiday gift to moviegoers with the theatrical release of "Krampus." Arriving as an antidote to the season's typically saccharine fare, the film reintroduced the terrifying figure from Central European folklore to a mainstream audience. It cleverly blended horror, dark comedy, and family drama, offering a cautionary tale for those who lose their Christmas spirit. Its release date positioned it perfectly as the go-to alternative for film fans seeking holiday chills instead of just holiday cheer, quickly establishing it as a new festive favorite.

14. Star Wars: The Force Awakens

    Released in 2015 by J.J. Abrams, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

    On December 18, 2015, a new chapter in one of the most beloved sagas in cinematic history unfolded with the North American theatrical release of 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens'. This date marked not just a film premiere, but a cultural phenomenon, signaling the triumphant return of the Star Wars universe under Disney's stewardship after a decade-long hiatus from the big screen. The anticipation for this installment, which served as both a sequel and a soft reboot, was unprecedented, leading to a global box office onslaught that shattered numerous records and reaffirmed the franchise's unparalleled appeal. This date became synonymous with a cinematic event that captivated generations, promising adventure, nostalgia, and a fresh direction for a galaxy far, far away.