A ranking of the most financially successful movie series and franchises where the primary director or key installment directors are women. This list highlights the commercial viability and broad audience appeal of female-led filmmaking in major studio productions.
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Co-directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee, this Disney animated series revolutionized the industry with its massive global box office success. Jennifer Lee became the first woman to direct a Disney animated feature on her own for Frozen II, cementing the franchise's status as a top-earning cinematic event.
Co-directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee, furthering her role as a leading female voice in the franchise. The film grossed over $1.4 billion worldwide, solidifying Frozen as one of the highest-grossing animated series ever, driven largely by Lee's creative direction alongside Buck.
Directed by Greta Gerwig, this live-action adaptation became a global box office juggernaut, earning nearly $1.5 billion. It stands as one of the highest-grossing films ever directed by a woman, demonstrating the massive cultural and financial impact of female-led creative visions in mainstream cinema.
Directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, this Marvel Studios entry launched the first female-led solo film in the MCU. It grossed over $1.1 billion worldwide, proving the immense commercial power of female superheroes and directing teams in the blockbuster genre.
Patty Jenkins directed this groundbreaking DC Extended Universe entry, which revitalized the superhero genre with strong female leadership. The film's success paved the way for further female-led blockbusters, earning over $800 million globally and establishing a new benchmark for comic book movies.
Directed by Pete Docter and co-directed by Ronnie del Carmen, this Pixar franchise features significant female leadership in its creative direction. The series has become a cultural phenomenon, with the sequel becoming one of the highest-grossing animated films of all time, showcasing the emotional depth women bring to animation.
Directed by Nia DaCosta, this MCU entry continues the story of Carol Danvers, contributing to the broader commercial performance of the Captain Marvel character arc. It serves as a significant chapter in the franchise's expansion, maintaining audience engagement with female-centric superhero narratives.
Directed by Cate Shortland, this Marvel Studios entry focuses on the first female Avenger in her own solo film. It contributed to the box office success of the MCU's Phase 4, grossing over $370 million worldwide and highlighting the commercial draw of female-led narratives.
Directed by Chloé Zhao, this Marvel film introduced a diverse ensemble and significant female leadership. It grossed over $400 million globally, adding to the cumulative franchise total and demonstrating the viability of female-directed sci-fi epics in the modern blockbuster landscape.
Directed by Niki Caro, this live-action adaptation of the Disney classic grossed nearly $300 million globally before pandemic restrictions impacted performance. It showcased Niki Caro's ability to direct large-scale action sequences, contributing to the ongoing success of Disney's live-action remakes.
Directed by Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman, Brenda Chapman was a pioneering female director in animation. The film grossed over $540 million, highlighting the commercial success of stories centered on female independence and heritage, and cementing Pixar's reputation for diverse storytelling.
Directed by Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson, Vicky Jenson co-directed the first installment, which grossed billions and established DreamWorks' success. It remains one of the highest-grossing animated franchises, with Jenson's early involvement being a key factor in its tone and enduring popularity.
Directed by Domee Shi, this Pixar film marked Shi as the first woman to solo-direct a feature-length animated film for the studio. It contributed to the studio's broader financial success and cultural conversation, grossing significant ancillary revenue and streaming viewership.