2006 has drawn to a close. As the the calendar moves forward into the new year, I thought it would be appropriate to take a look back at the top films of the year. These are not necessarily the best movies of the year, but they did succeed at bringing out the largest crowds. Whether it be through being a quality movie, or due to sheer volume of theaters, or a credit to the marketing team is left for you to decide. Anyway you slice it, these ten films made a splash. A couple of these films are still going strong, and these positions could shift a but, but as of the time of this writing, here are the top ten box office hits of 2006.
1. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest ($423,315,812). This was, by far, the biggest smash of the year. It opened with the biggest ever three day gross of $135,634,554 on its way to becoming the sixth biggest domestic release of all time, and the third largest worldwide.
The original film in 2004 was a surprise hit, garnering Johnny Depp his first Oscar nomination and rocketing him to a level of stardom he had never before acheived. Honestly, who thought that a movie based on a Disney roller coaster attraction would actually be a hit? Much less a good movie? Anyway, a hit summer film will generally spawn a sequel, and in this case two sequels.
The sequel was met with mixed reactions, but ultimately it proved to be a fine summer action/adventure, which may not equal its predecessor, definitely delivers the goods. It has definitely struck a chord with the public. It will be interesting to see if they return for the third film coming later this year.
2. Cars ($244,082,982). Pixar hit the jackpot again with their latest. It seems like everything that Pixar touches turns to gold. It doesn't hurt that they have a heart and an ability which seems to outstretch other animation houses. Of course, things didn't seem quite so rosey when the film opened.
Sure, it opened strong with $60,119,509, but it wasn't as strong as had been expected, and did not match some of the other Pixar releases. Things looked up for the studio as the movie found its legs and wound up with a highly respectable final tally. In my mind it is one of the lesser Pixar films, but that still places it well above most others. The story was nothing all that original, but the voice talent was good, and the animation is quite possibly the best I have ever seen projected on the big screen. It is quite amazing.
Article comments
1 - Erynn
Of these, I only saw three (Pirates, X-3, and Superman), all DVD rentals, and only paid to see one (thank you Blockbuster guaranteed in-stock rentals!). Of the seven I missed, I only want to see the Bond film. I have felt like the selection of movies this last year has been the weakest in several years of weak offerings.
Unfortunately the list you have for next year looks pretty rough as well. Granted, it is easier to predict success on a sequel than it is to pick success for an unknown, so I'm looking forward to seeing what else is coming out.
I agree, though, that I predict huge numbers for the first four on that list. It'll be interesting to see which of those four take the crown. My money is on Pirates or Potter.
2 - Nik
I have to wonder if Pirates 3 will do record biz or if it'll be a "Matrix Revolutions" deal where the mediocre 2nd installment turned more people off and they didn't care about the third. Probably not tho. Blah as Dead Man's Chest was to me Joe Public seemed to dig it. I'm pulling for Spidey 3 myself. Great trailers!
3 - Howard Dratch
Herein Chris shows the difference between blockbusters at the box office and movies of at least some substance.
We saw and enjoyed Pirates of the Caribbean: The Black Pearl and it was really good for a silly, Disney film. Dead Man's Chest sounded less-so and I skipped it but maybe it is time to give it a try. I need a silly, Disney film. And I will follow your advice and try Talladega Nights since I need a good comedy and they always seem like the hardest to come by. The good ones, that is.
And all the others? Why do they make so much when seriously planned and executed films get awards but not the same kind of play money? -- $423 Million is play money, it couldn't really be real, could it?