Taking a look at the box office numbers for 2013, chances are you visited the theater to see one of the highest-grossing movies of the year or intend on catching some the second time around sometime this year once released on video.
While ticket sales were down from 2012, grosses were up — due to rising average ticket prices. That said, 2013 was a healthy year for Hollywood both domestically and globally.
A quick glance at the top-grossing films worldwide reveals that sequels dominated and that almost half of the movies are family-friendly. With this trend of top-grossing films seeing more family-friendly content donning PG and PG-13 ratings and less with rated R labels, it seems the movie industry is seeing the value of embracing more wholesome content that attracts more family audiences.
From a faith standpoint, the top 13 movies are lined with inspirational story lines; stories of perseverance, hope and standing for what you believe in. Some of the most notable films in the top 13 displaying these themes include Iron Man 3, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Man of Steel, Gravity and The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. And of these, the projected top-grossing movie — when all is said done following its current stint in theaters — features a strong female as its heroine, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’s Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen.
So here are the 13 highest-grossing movies of 2013 (globally) …
1. Iron Man 3: $1.2 Billion
Robert Downey Jr.’s charismatic performance as the lead character, Tony Stark, is enjoyable to watch. This movie is a strong addition to the Marvel canon and is safe viewing for teenagers and up. Currently available on DVD/Blu-ray and rated PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence throughout and brief suggestive content.
2. Despicable Me 2: $918,573,53
Despicable Me 2 is full of eye-popping visuals and laughs — especially when the minions are on the screen — that the whole family can share. Currently available on DVD/Blu-ray and rated PG for rude humor and mild action.
3. Fast & Furious 6: $788,679,850
While the passing of co-lead actor Paul Walker was a sad way to reveal his humanitarian efforts, his legacy lives on the big and small screen through the action-packed Fast & Furious series. Walker’s charitable work should be applauded and be an example to the next generation. However, the Fast & Furious films, while fun and entertaining, may not be suitable for younger viewers. Currently available on DVD/Blu-ray and rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action and mayhem throughout, some sexuality and language.
4. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire: $771,484,011
Catching Fire explores the more thought-provoking themes featured in the novels and is great entertainment for teens and up. The arena scenes may be a bit violent for younger viewers. Currently in theaters and rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some frightening images, thematic elements, a suggestive situation and language.
5. Monsters University: $743,559,607
Pixar’s first prequel proves to be funny and smart entertainment for the entire family. The studio shows off some of its iconic characters and allows all audiences to discover the genesis of Mike and Sully’s life-long friendship. Currently available on DVD/Blu-ray and rated G.
6. Man of Steel: $662,845,518
Your typical superhero blockbuster, Man of Steel, is a spectacle for sure, but a tad generic in story. A questionable decision made by Superman also landed this take on the icon in some controversy. Suitable for teens and up. Currently available on DVD/Blu-ray and rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence, action and destruction, and for some language.
7. Gravity: $652,394,288
Masterfully directed, visually stunning and technically astounding filmmaking has Gravity in the lofty company of Oscar Best Picture favorites. That’s not even mentioning the powerhouse performance of Sandra Bullock and the always-magnetizing George Clooney. Intense throughout, this film is made for audiences of young adults and older. Available on DVD/Blu-ray February 25 and rated PG-13 for intense perilous sequences, some disturbing images and brief strong language.
8. Thor: The Dark World: $627,858,622
The sequel to Thor builds upon the first film and runs with the momentum of The Avengers. While not the greatest of Marvel movies, The Dark World features action and humor throughout and teenagers and superhero fans will be entertained. Available on DVD/Blu-ray February 25 and rated PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence, and suggestive content.
9. The Croods: $587,204,668
While not on the level of Disney/Pixar and some of the more recent DreamWorks animated films, The Croods still provides solid family entertainment. Currently available on DVD/Blu-ray and rated PG for some scary action.
10. World War Z: $540,007,876
Almost non-stop zombie apocalypse action is what’s on the menu for World War Z. Intense and brutal in some scenes, this movie is intended for audiences of young adults and older. Currently available on DVD/Blu-ray and rated PG-13 for intense frightening zombie sequences, violence and disturbing images.
11. Oz the Great and Powerful: $493,311,825
Visually dazzling but lacking the sense of wonder of the original Wizard of Oz, The Great and Powerful is entertainment for the entire family. Currently available on DVD/Blu-ray and rated PG for sequences of action and scary images, and brief mild language.
12. Stark Trek Into Darkness: $467,365,246
Into Darkness picks up where the first J.J. Abrams directed Star Trek left off and invites moviegoers on an action-packed adventure with the newest crew of the USS Enterprise. There are intense sequences that may frighten younger viewers, but great entertainment for most older audiences. Currently available on DVD/Blu-ray and rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi action and violence.
13. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug: $426,244,000
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, of course, is based on J.R.R Tolkien’s fantasy novel The Hobbit, or There and Back Again. In this second film of The Hobbit trilogy, we are introduced to the dangerous dragon Smaug. The antagonist covets and hoards gold, things the Bible warns against for a healthy lifestyle.Currently in theaters and rated PG-13 for extended sequences of intense family action violence, and frightening images.
Let us know if you saw any of these top 13 grossing movies that hit the big screen in 2013, and if so, tell us how many and what you thought of them.