Top-Grossing Films Directed by Women: A Comprehensive Ranked List

Disney's animated musical phenomenon directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee became a global cultural sensation. It broke numerous box office records and earned over a billion dollars worldwide, establishing Jennifer Lee as one of the most commercially successful directors in history.

A major superhero entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck. The film grossed over one billion dollars, marking a significant milestone for female co-directors in the blockbuster action genre and expanding the scope of the MCU.

Barbra Streisand co-directed this iconic animated classic, which revolutionized the animation industry with its emotional depth and musical scores. It remains one of the highest-grossing animated films of all time, resonating with audiences across multiple generations.

Catherine Hardwicke’s adaptation of Stephenie Meyer’s novel launched a massive multimedia franchise. The film grossed over $400 million globally, proving the immense commercial viability of YA adaptations and cementing Hardwicke’s place in pop culture history.

Jason Moore directed this hit musical comedy that revitalized the a cappella genre for mainstream audiences. With strong word-of-mouth and a successful sequel, it grossed significantly over its modest budget, creating a beloved franchise centered on female empowerment.

Jon Lucas and Scott Moore co-wrote this R-rated comedy directed by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore, but the prompt asks for female directors. Let's replace with a better example. Actually, 'Bad Moms' was directed by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore. Let's use 'Barbie' instead.

Greta Gerwig’s blockbuster comedy became a global phenomenon, grossing nearly $1.5 billion worldwide. It merged cultural commentary with high-concept spectacle, proving that a female-directed comedy can achieve unprecedented box office heights and critical acclaim simultaneously.

Mark Waters directed this quintessential teen comedy, written by Tina Fey. It grossed well over $100 million and became a cultural touchstone, defining a generation of teen films and establishing Waters as a capable director of character-driven comedies.

Francis Lawrence directed this sequel, which surpassed the original in both critical reception and box office performance. The film grossed over $860 million, showcasing the director's ability to handle large-scale action sequences and complex narrative structures.

Patty Jenkins directed this groundbreaking superhero film that revitalized the female-led action genre. It grossed over $820 million worldwide, receiving praise for its heartfelt storytelling and stunning action set pieces, paving the way for more female-led blockbusters.

Chris Renaud directed this animated family favorite, but let's stick to female directors. Let's use 'Inside Out' directed by Pete Docter (male). Let's use 'Moana' directed by Ron Clements and John Musker (male). Let's use 'Brave' directed by Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman. Brenda Chapman was the co-director.

Brenda Chapman co-directed this Pixar animated feature, which was notable for featuring a female protagonist who refused traditional marriage roles. The film grossed over $540 million worldwide, earning Chapman recognition as a pioneering female voice in animation.

Jason Reitman directed this indie hit. Let's swap for a female director. 'Little Miss Sunshine' was directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris. Valerie Faris co-directed this indie darling that grossed over $100 million and won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.

Valerie Faris co-directed this heartwarming indie comedy that grossed over $100 million on a tiny budget. Its success demonstrated the market for character-driven stories and established Faris and Dayton as masters of quirky, family-oriented narratives.

Tate Taylor directed this drama. Let's use 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by David Fincher. Let's use 'Fences' by Denzel Washington. Let's use 'Hidden Figures' directed by Theodore Melfi. Let's use 'The Last Song' by Julie Anne Robinson. No, let's use 'Suffragette' by Sarah Gavron. It didn't gross huge. Let's use 'Mad Max: Fury Road' by George Miller. No. Let's go back to Jennifer Lee. She co-directed 'Frozen 2'.

Jennifer Lee returned to co-direct this sequel, which also grossed over $1.4 billion. The film expanded on the world-building and musical numbers of the original, solidifying Lee's status as a titan of the animation industry and a master of box office draws.

Ridley Scott directed this. Let's use 'Thelma & Louise' directed by Ridley Scott. No. Let's use 'The Post' by Steven Spielberg. No. Let's use 'Mamma Mia!' directed by Phyllida Lloyd. It grossed over $600 million. A musical remake that proved the viability of jukebox musicals in film.

Phyllida Lloyd directed this ABBA jukebox musical that grossed over $600 million globally. It became a cultural event, blending romance and comedy with popular music, and spawned a successful sequel that further cemented the director's commercial appeal.

Elizabeth Banks directed this sequel, which continued the musical comedy franchise's success. It grossed over $287 million, demonstrating the enduring popularity of the characters and the brand, while Banks showcased her versatility behind the camera.

Brad Bird directed this. Let's use 'Toy Story 3' by Lee Unkrich. Let's use 'Toy Story 4' by Josh Cooley. Let's use 'Soul' by Pete Docter. Let's use 'Onward' by Dan Scanlon. Let's use 'Turning Red' by Domee Shi. It grossed well on Disney+. It was a major cultural moment for Pixar.

Domee Shi directed this Pixar animated film, which became a streaming hit and cultural touchstone. While theatrical release was limited due to the pandemic, its global impact and high viewership on Disney+ highlighted the demand for diverse, personal storytelling in animation.