The Top 10 Movie Production Companies of All Time
I’m a movie lover that enjoys keeping up with the latest news from the entertainment industry.
The iconic Universal Studios.
de.wikipedia.org
The Film Production Studios Which Make Movies Possible!
What would the world be like without movies? Well, the quick answer would be a lot less entertaining. Movies make us laugh, cry, jump with joy and grab the nearest pillow in fear.
The production companies fund the making of movies and offer the resources and manpower required to make it all possible. It is exciting to look back over the past hundred years and look at the great films that have been produced by some of the most influential production companies in the world.
The following list has the five major production companies as well as five minor ones that have reshaped the film industry forever. The rankings are based on research as well as personal opinions over which have had the largest impact over the years and which have offered the best library of movies.
Warner Bros. Studios.
fr.wikipedia.org
The 10 Best Film Production Companies
- Warner Bros.
- Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group
- Walt Disney Studios
- Universal Pictures
- 20th Century Fox
- Paramount Pictures
- Lionsgate Films
- The Weinstein Company
- Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios
- DreamWorks Pictures
Warner Bros. is considered to be one of the Big Six American studios.
en.wikipedia.org
#1- Warner Bros. Entertainment
Warner Bros. Entertainment was founded in 1923 and has created some of the best movies that have innovated the industry, such as The Jazz Singer, which introduced synchronized sound. The studio is owned by Time Warner.
Warner Bros. also owns other divisions and subsidiaries such as:
- New Line Cinema
- Castle Rock Entertainment
- Turner Entertainment
- Warner Bros. Animation
- DC Films
Warner Bros. is an unstoppable production company that has not only created some great movies but also some great film franchises. Among these are Harry Potter, The Matrix and Batman.
There was no doubt in my mind that Warner Bros. was going to be number one on this list. It has proven that it can deliver great movies while also obtaining some great subsidiaries and divisions to add to the already successful Warner Bros. Pictures.
Warner Bros. at the Box Office
Of the top 50 highest-grossing movies of all time (as of this writing), 11 of these were produced by Warner Bros. One of these, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, barely cracks the top of the list at number 10.
Top Box Office Films for Warner Bros.
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 – Ranked at 10 with $1,341,511,219.
- The Dark Knight Rises – Ranked at 22 with $1,084,939,099.
- The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey – Ranked at 33 with $1,021,103,568.
- The Dark Knight – Ranked at 34 with $1,004,558,444.
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – Ranked at 35 with $974,755,371.
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 – Ranked at 41 with $960,283,305.
- The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug – Ranked at 42 with $958,366,855.
- The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies – Ranked at 43 with $956,019,788.
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix – Ranked at 45 with $939,885,929.
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince – Ranked at 46 with $934,416,487.
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire – Ranked at 49 with $896,911,078.
Columbia Pictures is a major studio subsidiary of Sony Pictures.
en.wikipedia.org
#2- Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group
Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group is a division of Sony Entertainment, a part of the larger Sony conglomerate. The studio’s largest subsidiary is Columbia Pictures, which was acquired in 1989 from Coca-Cola for $3.4 billion. Their other divisions include:
- TriStar Pictures
- Screen Gems
- Sony Pictures Classics
- Sony Pictures Animation
- Destination Films
- Affirm Films
Sony is considered to have the biggest studio today, which begs the question of why they weren’t chosen for the number one spot. In my opinion, they are not the best production company, at least not out of this list. However, they have produced some great movies over the years as well as some franchises like Spider-Man, Men in Black and Resident Evil.
Their biggest asset may very well be Columbia Pictures, which has been producing movies since 1924. Sony certainly has the power to change any industry they enter into and the film industry is no exception.
Sony Pictures at the Box Office
Of the top 50 highest-grossing movies of all time, two have come from Sony.
Top Box Office Films for Sony Pictures
- Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle – Ranked at 40 with $960,630,695.
- Spider-Man 3 – Ranked at 50 with $890,871,626.
Walt Disney Pictures
nl.wikipedia.org
#3- Walt Disney Studios
Walt Disney Studios is the entertainment unit of The Walt Disney Company. The studio has produced some great movies over the years that have impacted many people’s lives, especially younger audiences.
Walt Disney Animation Studios is a division that creates animated feature films and shorts. A few of the great movies they have produced are Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Peter Pan and Frozen.
Most of its live-action productions are done under its major studio subsidiary Walt Disney Pictures. Their films include Pirates of the Caribbean, Beauty and the Beast and The Jungle Book.
In the 1980s, the collection of film units in the studio made them become one of Hollywood’s Big Six movie studios. This was largely due to the library produced by Touchstone Pictures as well as the clever marketing used by Walt Disney Studios.
Walt Disney Studios also owns these other subsidiaries and divisions:
- Lucas Film
- Marvel Studios
- Pixar
- Disneynature
Walt Disney Studios are only improving in their abilities to provide the latest and greatest movies. Their great franchises include Pirates of the Caribbean, The Chronicles of Narnia and The Lion King.
Walt Disney Studios at the Box Office
Of the top 50 highest-grossing movies of all time, a whopping 21 of them have come from Disney. They also have five spots in the top 10 from recent films. This success can be attributed to their acquisition of the Marvel and Star Wars films.
Top Box Office Films for Walt Disney Studios
- Star Wars: The Force Awakens – Ranked at 3 with $2,068,223,624.
- Avengers: Infinity War – Ranked at 4 with $1,917,981,205.
- The Avengers – Ranked at 6 with $1,518,812,988.
- Avengers: Age of Ultron – Ranked at 8 with $1,405,403,694.
- Black Panther – Ranked at 9 with $1,345,059,695.
- Star Wars: The Last Jedi – Ranked at 11 with $1,332,539,889.
- Frozen – Ranked at 12 with $1,290,000,000.
- Iron Man 3 – Ranked at 15 with $1,214,811,252.
- Captain America: Civil War – Ranked at 17 with $1,153,304,495.
- Toy Story 3 – Ranked at 23 with $1,066,969,703.
- Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest – Ranked at 24 with $1,066,179,725.
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story – Ranked at 24 with $1,056,057,273.
- Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides – Ranked at 26 with $1,045,713,802.
- Finding Dory – Ranked at 29 with $1,028,570,889.
- Alice in Wonderland – Ranked at 31 with $1,025,467,110.
- Zootopia – Ranked at 32 with $1,023,784,195.
- The Lion King – Ranked at 37 with $968,483,777.
- The Jungle Book – Ranked at 38 with $966,550,600.
- Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End – Ranked at 39 with $963,420,425.
- Finding Nemo – Ranked at 44 with $940,335,536.
Universal Studios
#4- Universal Pictures
Universal Pictures is owned by Comcast through its subsidiary NBCUniversal. Founded in 1912, it is the oldest American film studio.
Universal Studios has produced some timeless classics over the years. Their major box office hits include Jurassic Park, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and Jaws, which were all directed by Steven Spielberg.
A division of the studio is Universal Animation Studios which creates animated feature films and TV series. Their feature films include The Land Before Time, An American Tail and Balto.
Another division is Illumination which was founded in 2007 by Chris Meledandri. The animation studio became a success with Despicable Me, which earned a worldwide gross of $546.1 million. This created a franchise that has generated over $3 billion at the box office.
Other divisions and subsidiaries include:
- Universal Studios Home Entertainment
- Dreamworks Animation
- Focus Features
- Working Title Films
Universal Studios have not gained their enormous success solely through the help of Steven Spielberg, who has worked extensively with the studio. They have a vast movie library with some successful franchises like The Fast and the Furious, The Bourne Identity and Hannibal.
There is no doubt that Universal Studios is one of the most influential movie production studios in the world. They also have a memorable and iconic logo.
Universal Studios at the Box Office
Of the top 50 highest-grossing movies of all time, seven of them have been produced by Universal Studios. Two of them, Jurassic World and Furious 7, are in the top 10.
Top Box Office Films for Universal Studios
- Jurassic World – Ranked at 5 with $1,671,713,208.
- Furious 7 – Ranked at 7 with $1,516,045,911.
- The Fate of the Furious – Ranked at 14 with $1,238,764,765.
- Minions – Ranked at 16 with $1,159,398,397.
- Despicable Me 3 – Ranked at 27 with $1,034,799,409.
- Jurassic Park – Ranked at 28 with $1,029,939,903.
- Despicable Me 2 – Ranked at 36 with $970,761,885.
#5- 20th Century Fox
20th Century Fox is one of the Big Six studios. It was owned by New Corporation from 1984 to 2013. That company split into News Corp and 21st Century Fox, the latter of which currently owns the studio.
The studio was founded in 1935 and became successful and well-known for its musicals and association with Shirley Temple. Their biggest contemporary hit is Avatar, which currently holds the record for highest-grossing film of all time with over $2.7 billion.
20th Century Fox has produced some amazing and successful franchises. Among them are Ice Age and X-Men. They also produced the Star Wars films prior to their acquisition by Disney. Their original animation division, 20th Century Fox Animation, was started in 1994 to compete with Walt Disney Animation Studios, which at the time was making hugely successful movies like Lion King, Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast. Their main production unit was Fox Animation Studios. They had some success in 1997 with Anastasia. It was critically acclaimed but was often mistaken for a Disney movie. However, it did make nearly $140 million on a $53 million budget. The studio followed up with Titan A.E. The film made roughly $37 million on a $75 million budget. In total, the film lost the studio $100 million. This led to Fox Animation Studios shutting down in 2000.
On the flip side, 20th Century Fox has seen much more success from Blue Sky Studios, which they obtained in 1997. The studio focuses on computer animation features such as Ice Age, Robots and Rio.
20th Century Fox also owns these other divisions and subsidiaries;
- Fox Searchlight Pictures
- 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
- Fox Star Studios
- Zero Day Fox
In late 2017, The Walt Disney Company announced its plans to purchase 21st Century Fox for $52.4 billion. Pending approval, the deal is expected to be finalized by 2019.
20th Century Fox at the Box Office
Of the top 50 highest-grossing movies of all time, only two were produced by 20th Century Fox. However, one of them is the most profitable film of all time at the box office.
Top Box Office Films for 20th Century Fox
- Avatar – Ranked at 1 with $2,787,965,087.
- Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace – Ranked at 30 with $1,027,044,677.
#6- Paramount Pictures
Paramount Pictures is another member of the Big Six. They are owned by media conglomerate Viacom.
The studio was founded in 1912 and they have produced some of the greatest movies ever. Their most successful movie ever is Titanic, which has gathered a worldwide gross of over $2 billion.
Over the years, Paramount Pictures have produced some great movie series such as Mission Impossible, Indiana Jones and Transformers.
Among the divisions owned by the studio is Paramount Animation, which was started in 2011 after DreamWorks Animation departed the studio. Paramount Animation was announced as a division dedicated to the creation of animated feature films that could compete with the likes of DreamWorks, Walt Disney and Pixar.
Paramount Pictures also owns other divisions such as:
- Paramount Home Media Distribution
- Paramount Famous Productions
- Nickelodeon Movies
- MTV Films
Paramount Pictures at the Box Office
Of the top 50 highest-grossing movies of all time, three have come from Paramount Pictures. One of them cracks the top 10 at the number two spot.
Top Box Office Films for Paramount Pictures
Titanic – Ranked at 2 with $2,187,463,944.
Transformers: Dark of the Moon – Ranked at 18 with $1,123,794,079.
Transformers: Age of Extinction – Ranked at 21 with $1,104,054,072.
Lionsgate (aka Lions Gate Entertainment)
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#7- Lionsgate Films
Lionsgate Films is the most commercially successful mini-major movie and television distribution company in North America as well as the seventh most profitable movie studio.
Lionsgate has its origins go back to 1962 with the founding of Cinépix in Montreal. They would be purchased by the Lion Gate Entertainment Group in 1997 to form the studio as it is known today. They have succeeded through the help of other studios they have acquired such as Trimark Pictures, Vestron Pictures and Artisan Entertainment.
Lionsgate has helped produce some great movies series like Kick-Ass, The Expendables and The Hunger Games. There is no telling where Lionsgate will be in the future but I would imagine if they keep up with their smart investments they may soon make the transition to becoming a major studio. All they need is time!
Among the subsidiaries owned by the studio is Summit Entertainment, which is possibly their most successful subsidiary at the moment having produced fairly recent hits like Twilight, Knowing and Now You See Me.
Lionsgate also owns other divisions and subsidiaries which include:
- Lionsgate Premiere
- Roadside Attractions
- Pantelion Films
- Codeblack Films
Lionsgate at the Box Office
The studio does not currently have any of its films in the ranking of the top 50 highest-grossing films.
Top Box Office Films for Lionsgate
- The Hunger Games: Catching Fire: $424,668,047
- The Hunger Games: $408,010,692
- The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1: $337,135,885
- The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2: $292,324,737
- The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2: $281,723,902
The Weinstein Company
de.wikipedia.org
#8- The Weinstein Company
The Weinstein Company was formed by brothers Harvey and Bob Weinstein in 2005. It was formed after they left Miramax, which they formed in 1979.
This studio was at one point the largest mini-major studio in Hollywood. Their successful films included Derailed, Scream 4 and 1408. They quickly gained a reputation for churning out quality films that became profitable. Their highest grossing film is Django Unchained, which received over $425 million at the box office in worldwide gross.
The studio owns Dimension Films, which was bought from Disney, who owned Miramax. They have produced some great sequels to some older movies from the label such as Scary Movie 4 and 5, Scream 4 and Spy Kids: All the Time in the World.
The studio entered into some turmoil with the sexual abuse allegations against Harvey Weinstein in late 2017. He was fired from the company and the studio declared bankruptcy on March 19, 2018. The private equity firm Lantern Capital won the assets of the studio in an auction.
The Weinstein Company at the Box Office
None of the films from The Weinstein Company crack the ranking of the top 50 highest-grossing films.
Top Box Office Films for The Weinstein Company
- Django Unchained – $162,805,434
- The King’s Speech – $138,797,449
- Silver Linings Playbook – $132,092,958
- Inglorious Basterds – $120,540,719
- The Butler – $116,632,095
MGM (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer)
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#9- Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios (aka Metro Goldwyn Mayer, Metro Goldwyn Pictures and MGM) is an American media company that primarily produces movies and television programs. It was founded in 1924 and was the largest and most revered studio at the time. They were bought and sold multiple times over the years until they filed for bankruptcy in 2010. They recovered but are now considered a mini-major studio.
MGM has produced some timeless classics over the years such as Ben-Hur, The Dirty Dozen and GoldenEye. There is no doubt that a lot of MGM’s success came in the later years through the ownership of the James Bond series. However, their future success or failure will depend on the box office success of their films. Time will tell if it can regain its status as a major studio.
MGM at the Box Office
MGM currently has one film on the top 50 list. It is Skyfall, which ranks at #20 with $1,108,561,013.
DreamWorks Studios
commons.wikimedia.org
#10- DreamWorks Pictures
DreamWorks Pictures is a movie studio owned by Amblin Partners. It was founded in 1994 by Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg and David Geffen.
Some of their best films include Saving Private Ryan, Gladiator and Transformers. The studio was doing well around the turn of the millennium by winning three Academy Awards for Best Picture and having box office grosses of over $100 million. However, a debt of over $400 million led to the sale to Viacom in 2005.
One of their biggest and most successful divisions was DreamWorks Animation. It brought huge financial success with movies such as Antz, The Prince of Egypt, Chicken Run and Shrek. The division was spun off in 2004 and is currently owned by NBCUniversal.
DreamWorks at the Box Office
DreamWorks does not currently have any movies on the list of 50 highest-grossing films.
Top Box Office Films for DreamWorks
- Shrek 2 – $441,226,247
- Shrek – $267,665,011
- Saving Private Ryan – $216,540,909
- Madagascar – $193,595,521
- Gladiator – $187,705,427
Matthew on August 23, 2020:
I am a film buff!! I will not visit a movie theater ever again!! It’s not coming back!! Release to streaming services will be all that exists after Covid-19!! Let it rain!!
Mazuda on August 17, 2020:
Walk Disney #1
Winsbro on August 12, 2020:
My movie title accidental killer i will use Disney studio thanks for the update it help me locate a perfect studio for my movie accidental killer
Mueez Ahmad on July 21, 2020:
Walt disney should be on # 1
Andrew sparo on July 06, 2020:
this is to ensure development of movie production
ululu kaunga on June 23, 2020:
Please movie companies like disney (marvel) and warner bros (dc)……. i make fictional characters and the’ve reached around 354, as young as i’m i have no other place to take them
p.s am a comic book artist and writer
PLEASE HEAR ME OUT!!!
Jineth C on June 08, 2020:
Hey everyone like movie stars, films…etc but some people like money… so they will be rich.
Lucas on May 27, 2020:
Hey movie companies. I’m making a book called Break In. Can Dreamworks make a movie of it? My Eight ball said my book will be famous sooo . . . PLEASE!
David Joseph Isreal on May 22, 2020:
When it comes to acting am crazy over it even the joker is no match for me…… I love acting like it’s my soul dream
Yash h Patel on May 22, 2020:
Is so Good nice
Eugene on May 16, 2020:
I love movies so much and l love acting to
ANILLE on April 24, 2020:
I also love movies since childhood and I’m a movie writer myself.
Chukwu uchechi Gabriella on April 22, 2020:
I love all the movies and TV shows and entertainment I prayed that God will continue to strengthen all the producers
Bn james on April 14, 2020:
I love the spirit of this industries…I believe in the coming years we shall be far much ahead
OBINNA ODINWANKPA on April 11, 2020:
I wrote a movie script that i want to sell. Any movie production company that is interested, i will sell to them.
Boss High on March 31, 2020:
Weinstein
Ricky on February 20, 2020:
Like the hard work
Commander samy on October 09, 2019:
I just completed and publishing a fiction based on my true working experience. Name: ” Rulers of the deep”
The Indian submarine captain goes for war with Pakistan fires missiles and destroy Karachi harbour. On completion his submarine was hit by mines and gets gravely damaged. He sacrifice his life to help sixty of his crew members escape from the sunken submarine single handedly.
Very interesting story for a movie
Any takers” marinermumbai2019@gmail.com
Danny Rosado Sr on September 16, 2019:
I love Watching Movies, always since a Child, I went to the Theaters or Drive-ins, love The Smell of Popcorn and The comercials,,,,,””” it,s America # 1 Social Activity even in todays Society, I remember seeing StarWars and Return to Witch Montain and Love the Fact that it’s still number one in our Households. Everyone watches Television either recorded or live. As a Actor on many situations I would have Obviosly prefered the real thing. But destiny had made other arangements for my life. To make things clear I lived in the Shoes of many Super Heroes in My Life I would have Gladly interchange Destiny but not Possiblewith many individuals too many to describe lol. However many Celebrities are Admirred by many includuing my self. Super Heroes are The Best,,,,,
#1 do you know who it is?
I’Il leave it a mystery
Sincery
Danny Rosado Sr : ) aka Dreamer
Clichegame on August 30, 2019:
You kids should be glad that Disney takes the top 3 spot without any original ideas for movies other than buying companies and remaking films. Be extremely glad.
Herman Mertens on August 20, 2019:
Dear, I have written a book entitled “The lost German submarine” he released in May 2018 and I have already sold 100 copies without any form of publicity. People I know and have read him say that you should have a film made of it but how should I do that please someone who can help me with that I will be eternally grateful to you
Kind regards, Herman
Harperrr on August 18, 2019:
Why no horror films???
John smith adome on August 17, 2019:
The producer is every thing to a movie ,if he makes any problem is up to him to correct it or the movie will be bored
Donna Neeley Swygert on April 26, 2019:
Why are you not producing Tommy Faircloth’s Horror Films? They are great and you g people love these kind of movies! I’m 66 years old and I love his movies! Rarely do you see good Horror Films on the Big Screen anymore!
Allen on January 30, 2019:
disney is nothing without nothing it’s has to have something if it’s wants to be with me
AYOOLA ABIOLA on January 25, 2019:
Of the top 50 highest grossing movies of all time (as of this writing), 11 of these were produced by Warner Bros.
Zaber on January 17, 2019:
All these marvel/Disney kids crying on comment section,,why their beloved Disney isn’t number one studio!! I’ll tell you why,,they don’t have any original ideas to make new movies,,they can only stole others ideas or buy new companies for new content like marvel,Lucas,fox ,,,they are just bunch of business man doing their job politically,,,
Saif on January 04, 2019:
No doubt I felted in huge dreams. ..
Chamod123 on December 24, 2018:
This is bullshit Walt Disney number 3 comeon not only it has the most number of billion dollar movies but most number of Oscar nominations it clearly should be number one
Tony on November 25, 2018:
Disney is the most successful film company of all time. It is the only film company with more films that exceed one billion at the box office.
Film promotions on October 20, 2018:
Film Promotion are not just providing you promotion services but also ensuring that you get perfect response whenever you require.
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Obinna Odinwankpa on September 12, 2018:
I want to be receiving newsletter of current events.
Leo on June 27, 2018:
I must say lots of studious has amazing movies, but Walt Disney is my favore..
I think that rise of Disney was the most amazing from all others, and today onece minor become one of bigest mayor studious.
Edward Roloson on April 23, 2018:
what would these companies be without writers? Would they even exist? where does a movie begin? why is it fans are crying about no original ideas and yet Hollywood continues to keep the door closed to new writers?
Georgette Couvall on April 21, 2018:
I was born with a Craniofacial
condition which included nasal,
forehead, cheekbone deformity
and absence of my right eye.
I’ve had approximately thirteen
surgeries and I’m now living a
normal life. Here is my Personal
Story Blog:
https://georgettecouvall.wordpress.com
I’m wondering if my Personal
Story would make it as a
movie.
Daniel on April 03, 2018:
I’ve always been a big fan of Universal. Back in the 50’s and 60’s they brought entertainment to America which was greatly needed….i.e. humor. Some of Hollywoods great were in Universal movies.
Today, anytime I see a movie advertised by Universal, I usually sit up and look, because I might just get entertained again.
ni kadek candrawati on March 08, 2018:
Hallo, I have a story but I don’t know how to do for my story. Thank a lot before
annoymoss on February 06, 2018:
Wow i looked up campanys to see what and why they were sued and im shocked that almost all of them are sued
abdalla on September 13, 2017:
i eat alot
R.Baloch on August 13, 2017:
I am a huge fan of warner bros pictures just came here to know on which no does it stands and I’m glad that it is no one production company
Sasuke on May 31, 2017:
well i m big fan of New line cinema , jst came to kno tht its an time warner production (rofl). Well , Paramount are also one of best film company . P.S: i am cinephile
Murtuza siddiqui on May 22, 2017:
Hello sir SK film power
dave baker on April 24, 2017:
love this man its so kl
Emma on December 19, 2016:
Its ok
Martha Harris on October 08, 2016:
I’m using this means to contact someone who cares. My phone number is 360-749-9987.
The movies produced by these companies have brought us much enjoyment. However, I have an idea that will add to their superiority. Interested persons may call the number above.
Naja Pedersen 4426 8208 on October 04, 2016:
i have an ideer cut you make a movie with the superheros kids and the bad guys kids then they will fight each other
ravikumarchoedary on December 13, 2015:
hiii sir unformation is very nice
Pader Malik on December 12, 2015:
Actually, I really like Walt Disney and I am very proud that Walt Disney has been the 3rd biggest movie production. But I like every movie that has been listed on every movie production. All I can do is to support so I suport all of you espescially Walt Disney.
tynduth on July 21, 2015:
Everything i love it!!