10 Most Profitable Films of the Last 10 Years

The 10 most profitable films of the last decade suggest that the formula to make money is fantasy and sequels. There's also a big bonus for basing your movies on books published as a lengthy series. I've never seen these movies, but I did suffer through Titanic. I don't suspect these movies of being that much of a disaster. Still, apart from marketing campaigns, I wonder why Tolstoy could wrap up War and Peace in one volume while many of these works seem to go on forever. AMC declares them the most profitable films based on the rough math of subtracting their reported budgets from their worldwide gross.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

It was in theatres for 24.3 weeks (170 days). IMdB estimates the worldwide gross revenue at $1,129,219.252. It starred Ian McKellen, Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, and Liv Tyler.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006)

It ran for 22 weeks. IMdB estimates worldwide gross at $1,060,332,628. It starred Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, and Keira Knightley.

The Dark Knight (2008)

It ran for 33 weeks. IMdB estimates worldwide gross at $1,001,921,825. It starred Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, and Gary Oldman.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (20010)

It ran for 27 weeks. IMdB estimates worldwide gross at $968,657,891. It starred Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint.

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007)

It ran for 19 weeks. IMdB estimates worldwide gross at $958,404,152. It starred Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, and Keira Knightley

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)

It ran for 22.3 weeks (156 days). IMdB estimates worldwide gross at $937,000,866. It starred Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, and Helena Bonham Carter.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)

It ran for 27 weeks. IMdB estimates worldwide gross at $925,920,409. It starred Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint.

Star Wars Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)

It ran for 31 weeks. IMdB estimates worldwide gross at $922,379,000. It starred Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, and Natalie Portman.

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)

It ran for 35.7 weeks (250 days), and IMdB estimates worldwide gross at $921,600,000. It starred Ian McKellen, Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, and Liv Tyler.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)

This profitable movie ran for 20 weeks. IMdB estimates worldwide gross at $892,194,397. It starred Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint.

Sources: boxofficemojo.com, IMdB, AMC