The 10 biggest summer blockbusters of all time.

1. THE 10 BIGGEST SUMMER
BLOCKBUSTERS OF ALL TIME
Classic summer movies that brought in the dough.

2. A NOTE ON METHODOLOGY
Movies were considered that had opening weekends
between Labor Day and Memorial Day
All figures represent domestic ticket sales only, and are
given in inflation-adjusted (2015) dollars.
These figures include ticket sales if a movie was re-
released at some later time.

3.  Sales: $653 million
 Year Released: 1994
 Company: Paramount
This book-turned-movie did far
better than expected, as it took
viewers through tumultuous times
via the unique lens of the title
character.
10) FORREST GUMP
Photo: Toby Jamohan, via Flickr

4. 9) RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK
 Sales: $682 million
 Year released: 1981
 Company: Lucasfilm
The first installment of the
Indiana Jones series was the only
one with a summer release.
Photo: Micky Aldridge, via Flickr

5.  Sales: $733 million
 Year Released: 1999
 Company: Lucasfilm
This was the first Star Wars film
in nearly 15 years. Though it was
met with mixed reviews, fans
turned out in droves.
8) STAR WARS: EPISODE I
Photo:Beekeeper, via Flickr

6. 7) JURASSIC PARK
 Sales: $733 million
 Year released: 1993
 Company: Amblin
Entertainment
While a newer version is in
theaters now, the original “Jurassic
Park” stunned viewers with its
special effects.
Photo: Jeremy Thompson

7.  Sales: $734 million
 Year Released: 1994
 Company: Walt Disney
The movie became an instant hit
during the golden age for
Disney’s cartoon movie unit.
6) THE LION KING
Photo: Post Memes, via Flickr

8. 5) STAR WARS: EPISODE VI
 Sales: $755 million
 Year released: 1983
 Company: Lucasfilm
This was the last in the first set
of Star Wars films, where we see
Darth Vader sacrifice himself
for Luke at the movie’s end.

9.  Sales: $784 million
 Year Released: 1980.
 Company: Lucasfilm
The second installment in the first
Star Wars trilogy, fans had to wait
three years for “The Empire
Strikes Back” to come to theaters.
4) STAR WARS: EPISODE V
Photo: Brett Jordan, via Flickr

10. 3) E.T.: THE EXTRA-TERRESTIAL
 Sales: $1.10 billion
 Year released: 1982
 Company: Amblin
Entertainment
The story of an alien left behind
and a 10-year old boy named
Elliot became an instant classic.

11.  Sales: $1.15 billion
 Year Released: 1975
 Company: Universal
The earliest release on this list,
the success of Jaws convinced
studio executives that summer
thrillers could be huge hits.
2) JAWS
Photo: 7th Street Theatre, via Flickr

12. 1) STAR WARS: EPISODE IV
 Sales: $1.32 billion
 Year released: 1977
 Company: Lucasfilm
When the first-ever “Star Wars”
came out, it broke every record in
the book. Audiences couldn’t (and
still can’t) get enough of the
movie.

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