highest-grossing film

Meaning

This phrase refers to a movie that has earned the most money at the box office through ticket sales. It is a formal industry term used by journalists, critics, and film enthusiasts to discuss financial success. It does not necessarily reflect the artistic quality of the movie, only its commercial performance.

Examples

• Avatar remains the highest-grossing film of all time, earning billions worldwide.

  Avatar remains the highest-grossing film of all time, earning billions worldwide.

• The studio is hoping their new superhero sequel will become the highest-grossing film of the year.

  The studio is hoping their new superhero sequel will become the highest-grossing film of the year.

• Despite mixed reviews from critics, it quickly became the highest-grossing film in the franchise.

  Despite mixed reviews from critics, it quickly became the highest-grossing film in the franchise.

• Industry analysts predict which upcoming release will be the next highest-grossing film.

  Industry analysts predict which upcoming release will be the next highest-grossing film.

• She starred in the highest-grossing film of the summer, boosting her career significantly.

  She starred in the highest-grossing film of the summer, boosting her career significantly.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ It was the highest-earning-money film of the year.

  ✓ It was the highest-grossing film of the year.

  While 'highest-earning' is occasionally used, 'highest-grossing' is the standard, idiomatic term in the film industry to denote box office revenue.

• ✗ This is the most grossing film in history.

  ✓ This is the highest-grossing film in history.

  'Grossing' requires the superlative adjective 'highest' rather than 'most' when describing the top-earning film.

Related Expressions

Practice

• After weeks in theaters, the sequel became the ___ of the decade.

  💡 The movie that earned the most money.

  Show answer

  highest-grossing film

• To secure its spot as the ___, the movie needs to perform exceptionally well overseas.

  💡 The top-earning movie at the box office.

  Show answer

  highest-grossing film