Top 10 Movies with the Most Star-Studded Casts
In the ever-evolving world of Hollywood, the art of stacking the deck, or in this case, a movie with a star-studded cast, has become a tried and tested strategy to win over audiences, critics, and even the box office. To delve deeper into this phenomenon, we present to you a comprehensive list of the top 20 movies with the most stacked casts according to box office figures. These films have not only left an indelible mark in cinematic history but have also proven their mettle by amassing impressive combined career box office earnings. Join us as we explore the star power behind these cinematic gems.
1. Avengers: Endgame (2019)
- Number of stars: 37
- Combined career box office of stars: $279.6 billion
- Movie’s worldwide box office (non-inflation adjusted): $2.8 billion
- Franchise: Marvel Cinematic Universe
Avengers: Endgame, the epic culmination of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), stands at the pinnacle of star-studded casts. With an ensemble of 37 box office stars, this film shattered records, both in terms of its cast and box office earnings. Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, the movie picks up the pieces after Thanos’s devastating snap, which wiped out half of existence. Featuring a who’s who of A-list talent, including Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, and the late Chadwick Boseman, this superhero extravaganza showcases the combined career box office earnings of its cast, an astonishing $279.6 billion. Notably, the film’s worldwide box office revenue soared to $2.8 billion, solidifying its status as a cultural phenomenon.
2. Movie 43 (2013)
- Number of stars: 16
- Combined career box office of stars: $49.5 billion
- Movie’s worldwide box office (non-inflation adjusted): $31.2 million
- Franchise: Standalone movie
An exception in the star-studded movie realm, Movie 43 stands as a testament that even an impressive cast can’t guarantee a film’s success. Despite boasting 16 box office stars, including Kate Winslet, Hugh Jackman, and Halle Berry, the film barely grossed $31.2 million at the worldwide box office. Directed by multiple directors, the movie comprises a series of sketches and short stories, lacking a coherent plotline. It’s a stark reminder that a stellar cast does not guarantee a cinematic masterpiece.
3. Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi (2017)
- Number of stars: 16
- Combined career box office of stars: $49.4 billion
- Movie’s worldwide box office (non-inflation adjusted): $1.3 billion
- Franchise: Star Wars
The Star Wars franchise, a sci-fi icon, has consistently attracted top-tier talent throughout its four-decade history. Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi, directed by Rian Johnson, boasts a cast of 16 box office stars. This installment follows Rey (Daisy Ridley), a resistance fighter who seeks to learn the ways of the Force from Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill). The film also honors the late Carrie Fisher, reprising her role as Princess Leia. With a combined career box office earnings of $49.4 billion, the film raked in $1.3 billion at the global box office. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of the Star Wars saga.
4. The Lion King (2019)
- Number of stars: 14
- Combined career box office of stars: $32.5 billion
- Movie’s worldwide box office (non-inflation adjusted): $1.6 billion
- Franchise: The Lion King
The 2019 CGI adaptation of Disney’s The Lion King rekindled the magic of the original animated classic. With a cast that includes Beyoncé, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Donald Glover, this familial melodrama boasts a combined career box office earnings of $32.5 billion. The film soared to a worldwide box office revenue of $1.6 billion, affirming the enduring allure of the beloved Lion King tale.
5. Furious 7 (2015)
- Number of stars: 13
- Combined career box office of stars: $51.4 billion
- Movie’s worldwide box office (non-inflation adjusted): $1.5 billion
- Franchise: Fast and Furious
The Fast & Furious franchise, known for its high-octane action and star power, reached its zenith with Furious 7. This installment, dedicated to the memory of Paul Walker, features a cast that includes Vin Diesel, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and Jason Statham. With a combined career box office earnings of $51.4 billion, the film revved up a staggering $1.5 billion at the global box office. It’s a testament to the franchise’s enduring popularity and the magnetic draw of its stars.
6. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)
- Number of stars: 12
- Combined career box office of stars: $49.2 billion
- Movie’s worldwide box office (non-inflation adjusted): $939.6 million
- Franchise: Wizarding World
The magical world of Harry Potter brought together a stellar cast in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. This film, based on J.K. Rowling’s beloved series, boasts a cast that includes Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Ralph Fiennes. With a combined career box office earnings of $49.2 billion, the film enchanted audiences, earning $939.6 million at the global box office. Despite its position as the fourth highest-grossing Harry Potter film, it assembled the most profitable stars in one magical journey.
7. Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (2009)
- Number of stars: 12
- Combined career box office of stars: $32.6 billion
- Movie’s worldwide box office (non-inflation adjusted): $402.2 million
- Franchise: Night at the Museum
Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian, directed by Shawn Levy, brought history to life in a whimsical adventure. Ben Stiller headlines the cast as night guard Larry, with the likes of Amy Adams, Owen Wilson, and Hank Azaria joining in. With a combined career box office earnings of $32.6 billion, the film took audiences on a journey through the Smithsonian Institution, earning $402.2 million globally. It’s a testament to the charm of bringing historical figures to life on the big screen.
8. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
- Number of stars: 12
- Combined career box office of stars: $28.6 billion
- Movie’s worldwide box office (non-inflation adjusted): $872.4 million
- Franchise: DC Extended Universe
The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) witnessed a clash of titans in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Directed by Zack Snyder, the film features Ben Affleck as Batman and Henry Cavill as Superman. With a combined career box office earnings of $28.6 billion, the film grossed $872.4 million worldwide. It explores the iconic question of who would win in a battle between Batman and Superman, drawing in audiences with its star-studded lineup.
9. The Lego Movie (2014)
- Number of stars: 11
- Combined career box office of stars: $45.5 billion
- Movie’s worldwide box office (non-inflation adjusted): $468.1 million
- Franchise: The Lego Movie
The animated world of The Lego Movie captivated audiences with its humor and creativity. Chris Pratt voices the ordinary Emmet Brickowski, whose life takes an extraordinary turn. With a cast that includes Morgan Freeman, Will Ferrell, and Elizabeth Banks, the film showcases a combined career box office earnings of $45.5 billion. It achieved a worldwide box office revenue of $468.1 million, demonstrating the power of star-studded voice acting in animation.
10. Beauty and the Beast (2017)
- Number of stars: 11
- Combined career box office of stars: $40.0 billion
- Movie’s worldwide box office (non-inflation adjusted): $1.3 billion
- Franchise: Beauty and the Beast
Beauty and the Beast returned in 2017 as a live-action and CGI blend, bringing a darker tone to the classic tale. Emma Watson leads the cast, joined by Stanley Tucci, Emma Thompson, and Josh Gad. With a combined career box office earnings of $40.0 billion, the film enchanted audiences, earning $1.3 billion at the worldwide box office. It showcased the enduring appeal of fairy tales and star-studded performances.
Conclusion
In the world of cinema, star-studded casts have the power to captivate audiences, elevate box office earnings, and create memorable cinematic experiences. These top 20 movies with the most stacked casts have left an indelible mark in the annals of cinematic history. Whether it’s the superhero spectacle of “Avengers: Endgame,” the magical allure of “Harry Potter,” or the heartwarming nostalgia of “The Lion King,” these films prove that star power remains a potent force in the world of entertainment.
This comprehensive list serves as a tribute to the art of stacking the deck with talented actors and actresses, creating moments of cinematic magic that will endure for generations to come.