Best Selling Movies of 1987: A Look at Box Office Hits and Timeless Classics

Cracking the Code of Cinematic Gold: What Makes a Movie a Blockbuster?

Ever debated the "best movie ever"? It's tough. Opinions vary like your Aunt Mildred's holiday sweaters. A masterpiece to one can be boring to another. When we seek the “best selling movie,” what are we measuring? Critical acclaim? Box office success? Or films that linger in our memory?

Let's unpack why some movies shine in the crowded cinema world. Don’t expect to settle the "best movie" debate. Let’s explore what measures success. We’ll cover everything from critical praise to revenue, and even the emotional pull of beloved films.

Best Movies of All Time: A Matter of Taste or Timeless Truth?

Declaring the "best movie of all time"? That's like nailing jelly to a wall. It’s personal. Your perfect film could be a silent classic. Your friend might prefer an action thriller. Both opinions are valid but differ greatly.

However, critics often highlight films as benchmarks. Consider The Godfather. It's revered among film students and cinephiles alike. It stands out in "Greatest Films Ever Made" conversations. Its storytelling and acting are top-notch.

Other films vie for attention. Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight showed that superhero films can be deep and captivating. The Shawshank Redemption tells a moving story of hope. Plus, there's 12 Angry Men, a tense drama with rich dialogue set in one room. Check out Wikipedia for diverse opinions.

For numbers, IMDb’s Top 250 list is a solid resource. It captures audience opinions based on ratings. Expect to see repeats like The Shawshank Redemption and Pulp Fiction. These films resonate with many viewers.

Debates still exist even here. The Johns Hopkins News-Letter named The Dark Knight "arguably the best movie ever" in 2012. See? Subjectivity is key in discussions about the "best".

Highest-Grossing Movies: Cha-Ching! The Sound of Success?

Now, let’s focus on money. In Hollywood, revenue rules. The highest-grossing films usually define success. If a movie earns big, it likely did something right.

At the top is James Cameron's Avatar (2009). It made $2,923,706,026 globally. That’s enough to buy an island or make sequels galore. Cameron knows box office magic. He also shines with Avatar: The Way of Water and Titanic.

Right between these films is Avengers: Endgame (2019), which grossed $2,799,439,100. These aren’t just films; they're global events where lines wind around blocks and theaters add screenings.

Remember, these numbers come from box office sales. But there’s more. Movies diversify income now. Think DVD sales, TV rights, streaming deals, and merchandise. The box office is only the start.

Best-Selling Movie Formats: From VHS to Streaming, a History Lesson

Recall VHS tapes? For many, they were the kings of home viewing. Disney ruled best-selling VHS tapes. The Lion King was a must-have for kids in the '90s. Rewinding it often felt like a chore. DVDs brought relief with clarity and no rewinding.

Pixar’s Finding Nemo led DVD sales with its endearing story. It marked a peak for physical media before digital took over.

Technology shifts constantly. DVDs surpassed VHS in 2002, starting VHS's decline. Now, physical media faces challenges from streaming services. Formats come and go, but our love for films remains.

Most Liked Movies: Love is in the Air (and on the Screen)

Popularity changes with trends and cultural moments. A beloved '80s film may feel dated now. Yet, some films endure past fleeting trends.

Forrest Gump taps into universal themes. A poll named it "America's favorite movie." Its charm and memorable quotes earn it lasting recognition.

The Godfather again shines, not just for acclaim but also for impact. It shaped stereotypes about Italian-Americans. Titanic, a teen favorite, combines love and disaster effectively.

Beyond these titans, films like The Shawshank Redemption, Pulp Fiction, and even Citizen Kane (1941) continue receiving love from fans. They go beyond just viewing; they create deep connections.

Critical Ratings: The Tomato Meter and the Quest for Perfection

For a clearer quality measure, consider critical ratings. Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer helps gauge consensus. A perfect score lets a movie shine brightly.

Leave No Trace enjoys a rare 100% score with 253 positive reviews. That's a lot of happy critics agreeing on greatness.

The "99% Club" showcases nearly perfect films too. Members include Lady Bird, Eighth Grade, and Finding Nemo again! These films are admired for their brilliance, proving "almost perfect" can still impress.

Longest and Worst Rated Movies: The Extremes of Cinema

On the other end, we find extremes: longest films and poorly received ones. The longest film is Logistics (2012), a 857-hour Swedish documentary. That’s longer than many marriages. It's not just a movie; it's a commitment.

Then come films that audiences and critics dislike...

hate.The Terror of Tiny Town (1938) is a Western. It features an all-dwarf cast. Many mention it as one of the worst movies. Michael Medved included it in The Fifty Worst Films of All Time. Flavorwire, Rotten Tomatoes, and The Golden Turkey Awards often cite it too. Infamy can be a strange form of fame.

Beyond Movies: Best-Selling Albums and Singles Set the Stage

Now, let’s shift to music. Movies and music often mix. Michael Jackson's Thriller holds the title of best-selling album, with 66 million sales worldwide. This achievement crosses genres and generations.

Bing Crosby's White Christmas (1942) is the best-selling single. It has sold so many copies, Guinness World Records named it the top single worldwide. Timeless works often beat flashy ones.

Best-Selling Christmas Movie: Holiday Cheer and Box Office Gold

Christmas movies create joy. Home Alone stands as the best-selling Christmas film. This movie with Macaulay Culkin earned $285,761,243. It remains the king of Christmas movies. Other films like The Grinch follow, but none surpass Home Alone.

Most Successful Artists: Legends of Entertainment

Now, let’s view successful artists in entertainment. Michael Jackson, known as the "King of Pop," sold over 750 million records globally. Few achieve such high levels of superstardom.

The Beatles, best-selling artists of all time, have over 420 million equivalent album sales. Their mark on music and culture remains strong. Elvis Presley, the original rock icon, sold over a billion records worldwide. He secured his legendary title.

Today, Taylor Swift dominates the charts. She is Apple Music's most streamed artist. On Spotify, she has over 97 billion streams. These artists show various paths to success, making a real impact.

Most Viewed Video: The Digital Age and Viral Sensations

Let’s explore the digital age. In online video, Baby Shark Dance shines as the champion. This catchy kids' song became the first on YouTube to hit 10 billion views in January 2021. It outpaced "Despacito," showing how viral hits can come from unexpected places.

In our journey through cinema, “best seller” can vary: critical acclaim, box office hits, cultural impact, or sheer popularity. No single path exists, but true "best sellers" blend many elements. They resonate with audiences and endure over time. We didn’t find the "Best Seller Movie 1987" exactly (a deep dive into 1987 cinema could occur!). But we navigated the world of cinematic success. You can check IMDb's list of best-selling VHS tapes for nostalgia.

In the end, the "best seller movie" is what speaks to you. Grab some popcorn, get cozy, and enjoy your personal film treasure.

If you are interested in R-Rated hits, check out DIRECTV Insider's list of top R-Rated films. Just keep the kids away!