The Top 10 Movies of All Time at the U.S. Box Office, Adjusted for Inflation

      Here are the ten highest-grossing films at the U.S. box office, adjusted for inflation.

      When you check the top-grossing domestic film of all time, you'll find that the champion is 2015’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which accrued $936.7 million.

      However, once inflation is taken into account, it falls short of being the top-grossing film domestically.

      Let’s examine the top 10 films ever in the U.S. domestic box office, adjusted for inflation. But first…

      Caveats and Clarifications

      The Ten Commandments. MGM

      All figures come from Box Office Mojo, a great resource that we recommend.

      The adjusted numbers are based on estimated ticket sales, allowing for a direct comparison of films released years or even decades apart. This is the best way to compare a film from, for example, 1939 with one from 2026.

      We are using the 2022 ticket price as it is the most recent data available. We have checked and confirmed that no film released after 2022 affects the following information.

      Now that’s clarified, here are the top 10 films at the U.S. domestic box office, adjusted for inflation.

      10 — Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)

      Credit: Disney

      A pioneer in animation and still a joy to watch, this Walt Disney adaptation of a Grimm fairy tale made $184.9 million during its initial release and re-releases. Adjusted for inflation, it has generated $1.02 billion, enough for countless shiny red apples.

      The film had an estimated ticket sales figure of 109 million — slightly exceeding the 108,115,100 tickets sold for Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens. When adjusted for inflation, it ranks as the 11th highest-grossing movie in U.S. history.

      It's no wonder Disney opted for a live-action remake just last year.

      9 — The Exorcist (1973)

      Warner Bros. – Credit: C/O

      Often regarded as one of the most frightening films ever, especially for those who grew up believing in the devil, The Exorcist amassed $233 million at the box office, equating to $1.04 billion when adjusted for inflation.

      This total corresponds to approximately 110,559,200 tickets sold to anxious viewers wondering what the demon Pazuzu would do to poor Regan (Linda Blair).

      It is unsurprising that The Exorcist has led to many sequels, including the 2023 release Exorcist: Believer. A new film from director Mike Flanagan is also on the way, featuring Scarlett Johansson and promising a fresh perspective on Exorcist lore.

      8 — Doctor Zhivago (1965)

      Credit: Warner Bros

      Doctor Zhivago was the pinnacle of director David Lean’s grand epics, which also include Lawrence of Arabia and Bridge on the River Kwai.

      Like films from Stanley Kubrick, Lean’s works are often ideal examples of movies that should be viewed in theaters — preferably historic cinemas equipped with superb sound and projection systems.

      Lawrence of Arabia sold an estimated 124,135,500 tickets, garnering $111.7 million at the box office — which totals just under $1.2 billion when adjusted for inflation.

      7 — Jaws (1975)

      Universal – Credit: C/O

      Regarded as the film that launched the modern blockbuster era, Jaws — a notably perfect movie, directed by a young Steven Spielberg — generated long lines upon its release fifty years ago.

      It sold 124,135,500 tickets, including those from re-releases such as last year's 50th anniversary showings. Its box office result totaled $280.1 million, which translates to $1.2 billion when adjusted for inflation, accounting for all re-releases. Moreover, it inspired several sequels and a multitude of imitations.

      Two years after Jaws' release, Spielberg's friend and regular collaborator, George Lucas, would metaphorically prompt, “hold my beer.” But more on that shortly.

      6 — The Ten Commandments (1956)

      Paramount Pictures

      The largest biblical epic, this Cecil B. DeMille film depicts the story of Moses (Charlton Heston), capturing a significant audience.

      It has sold around 131 million tickets, which amounted to $65 million, or just under $1.3 billion in modern currency.

      The ensemble cast features Yul Brynner, Anne Baxter, Debra Paxton, and Edward G. Robinson.

      5 — Titanic (1997)

      Paramount

      Titanic’s director frequently appears in these rankings, contributing both Titanic and the Avatar films that garnered massive box office success. While both Titanic and the three Avatars achieved significant financial returns, Titanic stands as the most successful James Cameron film in terms of adjusted domestic box office results.

      Prior to Titanic's release, many speculated