Each year there are thousands, if not more, of movies made. From the mind boggling animatronics of 'Jurassic World' to the incredible set design of 'Titanic' to even the nostalgia inducing, heart wrenching scores of John Williams in 'Star Wars', it is difficult to tell what causes a film to be popular. But that's not why I'm here.
Counting has never been easy, but, without further ado, I present the top ten highest grossing films in the UK. *Fanfare*
10 'Jurassic World'
UK box office total (£ million): 64.5
Distributor: Universal
Country of origin: USA
Released: 11 June 2015
Coming straight out of the gate and onto the helpless, unsuspecting masses is 'Jurassic World'. With a staggering £64.5 Million at the box office, Jurassic World is the definition of a summer blockbuster. This film is the fourth in the 'Jurassic Park' series, with a gargantuan twenty two years between the release of the 'Jurassic Park', and the release of 'Jurassic World'.
9 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone'
UK box office total (£ million): 66.1
Distributor: Warner Bros
Country of origin: UK/USA
Released: 16 November 2001
Harry Potter is a world wide phenomenon, with around 100 million copies of the 'Philosopher's Stone' sold around the world, in total. So, with such an enormous fan base already in place, it's easy to see why and how the Harry Potter film series became so popular. In addition to the continuous fan base, the series snagged some excellent talent for the roles, with actors such as Gary Oldman and John Hurt, and of course with the late greats, Alan Rickman and Richard Harris.
8 'Mamma Mia!'
UK box office total (£ million): 68.6
Distributor: Universal
Country of origin: UK/USA
Released: 10 July 2008
'Mamma Mia!' is the only film on this list which was originally a theatre production. It's a happy film, with music, dancing, and a bit of a fae feel to it. As if everything is happening in a dream. Set in an almost sun-bleached villa on the fictional Greek island of Kalokairi, this classic feel good film of 2008 has etched a permanent place in my mind with it's catchy ABBA songs, along with most of the rest of the UK.
7 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2'
UK box office total (£ million): 73.1
Distributor: Warner Bros
Country of origin: UK/USA
Released: 7 July 2011
Just like the previous Harry Potter film in this list, the 'Deathly Hallows: Part 2' has the book fanbase to call upon, but unlike the previous Harry Potter film, this one also can call upon it's huge film fanbase. The ultimate film in the Harry Potter franchise was both heartwarming and tear jerking for both the audience and the members of the cast. For many, this film not only stirred sentiments because of the plot but because it represented the end of a journey. However, the decision to split the last book into two parts did cause a lot of controversy and may not have been the best decision, as both parts do feel stretched out in places.
6 'Toy Story 3'
UK box office total (£ million): 74.0
Distributor: Walt Disney
Country of origin: USA
Released: 21 June 2010
The original 'Toy Story' and the sequel hold a lot of fond memories for a lot of people. 'Toy Story 3' did an excellent job of continuing the series, and creating a new generation of fans of Woody and Buzz. It's an exciting and hilarious examination of growing up, leaving the past behind you, and new beginnings. If everyone didn't leave the cinema with a tear in their eye, I will eat my hat.
5 'Titanic'
UK box office total (£ million): 80.3
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Country of origin: USA
Released: 19 December 1997
There's not much to say about James Cameron's Titanic that you haven't already heard. It's based on a true story, it's one of the highest grossing films worldwide, it's won 11 Oscars. But despite all the facts and numbers, there is still something magical about watching the Titanic set off for the first time. Or imagining yourself as Jack in the now-cliché King-of-the-world scene.
If you've seen the film, you know what i'm talking about. If you haven't, you need to.
4 'Avatar'
UK box office total (£ million): 94.0
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Country of origin: USA
Released: December 17 2009
What if James Cameron, director of one of the highest grossing films ever made, spent a mind blowing budget of half a billion dollars on a futuristic, science fiction flick with a truck full of CGI, that only the most hard core of fans would watch? Most of Cameron's competition in Hollywood were probably jumping for joy. But the risk payed off. Whilst not everyone's cup of tea, 'Avatar' was hugely successful, combing romance, adventure and action set in one of the most beautiful worlds cinema has ever visited.
3 'Spectre'
UK box office total (£ million): 95.2
Distributor: Sony Pictures
Country of origin: UK/USA
Released: 26 October 2015
'Spectre' is Daniel Craig's fourth, and if rumors are to be believed, final bond film. It's fast paced, fun, sexy and comes with a great cast, including: Christoph Waltz, Léa Seydoux, Ben Whishaw and Naomie Harris. With the chemistry between Craig and Seydoux as the cornerstone of the film. Spectre is classic Bond, and although it might not have the same emotionality as Skyfall, it's one hell of a ride.
2 'Skyfall'
UK box office total (£ million): 103.2
Distributor: Sony Pictures
Country of origin: UK/USA
Released: 31 October 2012
The most celebrated Bond film in the last decade, according to some. 'Skyfall' has it all; girls, cars, guns and... Emotional turmoil? 'Skyfall' is memorable because it explores just that: memories. Continuing this theme, 'Skyfall' looks back at fifty years of Bond, and in particular, examines Dame Judi Dench's M. In addition to the interesting plot, Javier Bardem plays an excellent Raoul Silva, a devious villain with vendetta against MI6.
1 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens'
UK box office total (£ million): 122.3
Distributor: Walt Disney
Country of origin: UK/USA
Released: 17 December 2015
Perhaps one of the most anticipated movies ever made, 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' was received well by critics and fans alike. After the disaster that was Episodes 1 to 3, many diehard star wars fans were wary of any more movies being made, but director JJ Abrams came through, and The Force Awakens was made. Abrams doesn't simply focus on lasers and epic battles, but returns the focus of 'Star Wars' back to what made it amazing in the first place: the characters. The ragtag group of likeable underdogs whom must face the worst the galaxy has to offer.
Finn, Rey and Poe (John Boyega, Daisy Ridley and Oscar Isaac, respectively) may be the new heroes of the saga, but this movie definitely belongs to Harrison Ford. Reprising his role as the loveable scoundrel Han Solo, Ford definitely steals not only steals the show, but our hearts.