A ranked list of the most financially successful movies ever directed by women, highlighting breakthrough achievements in Hollywood and the global box office. This collection spans various genres, from sci-fi epics to romantic comedies, demonstrating the commercial viability and artistic impact of female filmmakers.
Get targeted exposure with custom position pinning and highlighted placement.
The Disney animated sequel directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee achieved massive global success, becoming the highest-grossing film by a solo female director. Its soundtrack and cultural impact helped it surpass one billion dollars in worldwide ticket sales.
Co-directed by Kelsey Mann, this Pixar sequel expanded on the original's emotional depth and became a monumental box office hit. It broke numerous records upon release, solidifying its place among the top-earning films directed by women.
Greta Gerwig's live-action adaptation became a cultural phenomenon and the highest-grossing film ever directed by a woman in North America. With over one billion dollars in global revenue, it showcased the immense power of female-led narratives in modern cinema.
Colin Trevorrow co-directed this reboot with directorial oversight that significantly boosted the franchise's earnings. As one of the highest-grossing films of all time, it represents a major milestone for female directors in the blockbuster sci-fi genre.
Chris Renaud co-directed this animated sequel, which capitalized on the original's success to earn significant global revenue. The film's charm and broad appeal contributed to its high box office performance, ranking it among the top entries.
Co-directed by Josh Cooley, this entry in the beloved Pixar franchise delivered strong box office returns. Its emotional storytelling and technical achievements helped it gross over one billion dollars worldwide, maintaining the series' lucrative status.
Co-directed by Kyle Balda, this animated sequel continued the franchise's dominance in the box office. With memorable characters and widespread appeal, it earned hundreds of millions globally, reinforcing the commercial strength of female-led animation teams.
James Wan co-directed this action-packed installment, which became one of the highest-grossing films of its year. The film's tribute to Paul Walker and high-octane sequences contributed to its massive global financial success.
Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck co-directed this superhero origin story, which performed exceptionally well at the box office. It established the character's prominence in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and grossed over one billion dollars worldwide.
Francis Lawrence co-directed this dystopian sequel, which shattered opening weekend records and maintained strong earnings. Its intense narrative and visual style contributed to its status as one of the highest-grossing films in the series.
James Bobin co-directed this fantasy sequel, which capitalized on the success of its predecessor. The film's visual effects and star-studded cast helped it achieve significant global box office revenue during its theatrical run.
Jon Favreau co-directed this live-action/CGI hybrid remake, which became a visual and financial triumph. Its realistic rendering and beloved story helped it earn over one billion dollars, marking a high point for female-led production teams.
Kenneth Branagh co-directed this Disney live-action adaptation, which received critical acclaim and strong box office numbers. The film's elegant design and musical elements contributed to its success, making it a notable entry in the franchise.
David Yates co-directed this Harry Potter spin-off, which debuted with a massive opening weekend. The film's connection to the beloved wizarding world and strong performances helped it achieve substantial global earnings.
Rob Marshall co-directed this fourth installment in the franchise, which became one of the highest-grossing films of its year. Its epic scale and Johnny Depp's iconic performance contributed to its massive financial success.
Gareth Edwards co-directed this standalone Star Wars film, which received praise for its gritty tone and story. The film's success contributed to the franchise's enduring popularity and achieved strong box office numbers globally.
Christopher McQuarrie co-directed this action thriller, which was praised for its practical stunts and narrative depth. The film's critical acclaim and strong audience reception helped it perform well at the international box office.
Barry Sonnenfeld directed this third installment, which continued the franchise's tradition of sci-fi comedy and action. The film's nostalgic appeal and star power helped it achieve solid box office returns during its theatrical release.
Sam Mendes directed this James Bond installment, which showcased high production values and a compelling storyline. Although it faced mixed reviews, it still performed commercially, contributing to the franchise's consistent box office presence.
Lana Wachowski directed this return to the sci-fi franchise, which sparked widespread discussion and curiosity. While its box office performance was mixed, it remains a significant entry in the history of the series and pop culture.
Tim Miller directed this sequel to the original Terminator films, aiming to revitalize the franchise. It faced mixed reception but still garnered attention, representing an effort by female directors to engage with major action franchises.