Quick Links
Blast off into the cinematic universe of intergalactic adventure, where creativity meets technology, and out-of-this-world budgets are born. In this article, we'll take a journey through the cosmos and explore the top X most expensive science fiction movies ever made. Strap in for a warp-speed ride through galaxies far, far away, as we uncover the costliest sci-fi films to ever grace our screens. From the high-octane space odysseys of Star Wars to the mind-bending twists of Transformers, we'll explore the mind-boggling amounts of cash poured into bringing these fantastical worlds to life. So, grab your popcorn, buckle up, and get ready to explore the big-budgeted sci-fi flicks ever created!
Jurassic World Dominion - 2022 ($1 Billion)
Jurassic World Dominion, the third film in the Jurassic World trilogy, has grossed over $1 billion worldwide. The movie reunites Owen and Claire as they team up with new and old characters to stop the escaped dinosaurs from wreaking havoc on the world. Set several years after the events of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, the film promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the franchise.
Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace - 1999 ($1 Billion)
In Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace, released in 1999, the world was introduced to young Anakin Skywalker and grossed over $1 billion worldwide. The film is set 32 years before the events of the original Star Wars and follows the Jedi knights as they try to protect Queen Amidala from the evil Trade Federation and uncover the truth behind the mysterious Sith Lord, Darth Sidious.
Jurassic Park - 1993 ($1 Billion)
Jurassic Park, the 1993 classic that started it all, grossed over $1 billion worldwide. Directed by Steven Spielberg and based on the novel by Michael Crichton, the film follows a group of scientists and visitors as they tour an island theme park filled with genetically resurrected dinosaurs, only to have things go horribly wrong when the creatures break free.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story - 2016 ($1 Billion)
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, the first standalone film in the Star Wars franchise, grossed over $1 billion worldwide. Set just before the events of the original 1977 film, A New Hope, the movie follows a group of rebels as they embark on a dangerous mission to steal the plans for the Death Star, a superweapon capable of destroying planets. With high-stakes action and a diverse cast of characters, Rogue One proved to be a thrilling addition to the Star Wars universe.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker - 2019 ($1 Billion)
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker took the galaxy by storm in 2019, grossing over $1 billion worldwide. The final chapter in the Skywalker saga brings the iconic heroes and villains back to the big screen for an epic showdown. The film follows Rey, Finn, and Poe as they embark on a mission to defeat the First Order and its new Supreme Leader, Kylo Ren, with the help of some familiar faces and a few surprises along the way
Transformers: Dark of the Moon - 2011 ($1.1 Billion)
In 2011, Transformers: Dark of the Moon" hit theaters and grossed a whopping $1.1 billion worldwide. The film continues the epic saga of the Autobots and Decepticons as they battle for supremacy, this time with a twist, a mysterious spacecraft hidden on the moon. Meanwhile, Sam Witwicky dives deeper into the Transformers' past on Earth, uncovering secrets that could change everything.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi - 2017 ($1.3 Billion)
Star Wars: The Last Jedi may have polarized fans, but it still managed to rake in an impressive $1.3 billion worldwide. The film continued the story of Rey, Finn, and Poe as they fought against the First Order, with some surprising plot twists and a memorable showdown between Kylo Ren and Luke Skywalker. Whether you loved it or hated it, there's no denying that The Last Jedi was a box office powerhouse.
Jurassic World - 2015 ($1.6 Billion)
Jurassic World took a bite out of the box office, grossing over $1.6 billion worldwide. This fourth installment in the Jurassic Park franchise is set 22 years after the first film and introduces a fully operational dinosaur theme park, which goes awry when a genetically modified hybrid dinosaur escapes and wreaks havoc on the island. With impressive visual effects and heart-stopping action, this movie proved to be a roaring success.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens - 2015 ($2 Billion)
Star Wars: The Force Awakens blasted its way into the box office, grossing almost $2.1 billion worldwide. Disney's revival of the beloved franchise brought back nostalgic feelings with original cast members Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and Mark Hamill. Set 30 years after Return of the Jedi, The Force Awakens introduces a new set of characters such as Rey, Finn, and Poe Dameron, as they try to defeat the dark side once again. With breathtaking action and a storyline that does not disappoint, it's no wonder the film broke the $2 billion mark.
Avatar: The Way of Water - 2022 ($2.3 Billion)
The sequel, Avatar: The Way of Water, has made a splash at the box office, grossing over $2.3 billion worldwide. Fans were delighted to see the return of Jake Sully and Neytiri, ten years after the first film. In this epic installment, the duo is fighting to protect the oceans and the creatures of Pandora. With breathtaking visuals and an emotionally-charged storyline, The Way of Water is another triumph for director James Cameron.
Avatar - 2009 ($2.9 Billion)
What do you get when you combine James Cameron's cinematic genius with cutting-edge 3D technology? The answer: the highest-grossing sci-fi film of all time, Avatar. This sci-fi epic made $2.9 billion worldwide, smashing all box office records. Avatar is set on the alien planet of Pandora in the future, where humans are seeking to mine valuable resources. Cameron's visionary directing, combined with groundbreaking 3D technology, created a visually stunning masterpiece that will go down in history as one of the greatest sci-fi films ever made.
Sources: IMDb, The Numbers, and MovieWeb.