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Greta Gerwig's 'Barbie' & Other Films Directed by Women That Have Broken Records

Films Directed by Women That Broke Records

We recap some of the highest-grossing movies led by female directors

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Living in the «Barbie» world might not be as idyllic as we’ve been led to believe since our days of playing with those famous plastic dolls, but it certainly brings in the money. Led by the stellar Greta Gerwig, the movie has become the first solo-directed film by a woman to gross $1 billion globally.

Its star and one of its executive producers, Margot Robbie, seemed to have a clear vision of the film’s impending success when she picked up the phone to make the request to Gerwig. «I think I told them that it’d make a billion dollars, which maybe I was overselling, but we had a movie to make, okay?!» she said in a recent interview with Collider.

Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig attend the «Barbie» European Premiere at Cineworld Leicester Square on July 12, 2023 in London, England. Gareth Cattermole / Getty Images

In this moment of celebration that reminds us of «who run the world» (girls, by the way), let’s recap some of the highest-grossing films directed by women. Here’s our top 5.

5. Brave (2012)

«Brave» is one of the films that will surely inspire millions of girls worldwide. It focuses on the story of the brave Princess Mérida of DunBroch, who challenges an ancient tradition and must deal with a series of problems that follow. An animated film directed by Brenda Chapman and Mark Andrews, it won over critics and managed to gross $538,983,207.

Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman, winners of the Best Animated Feature award for ‘Brave,’ pose in the press room during the Oscars held at Loews Hollywood Hotel on February 24, 2013 in Hollywood, California. Jason Merritt/Getty Images

4. The Matrix Reloaded (2003)

Who isn’t familiar with the famous saga by the brilliant sisters Lana and Lilly Wachowski? Writers, producers, and film directors, they gifted us a decade ago with the second installment of «The Matrix,» starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, and Gloria Foster, along with Jada Pinkett joining the cast. This highly anticipated film raked in an impressive $741,847,937 worldwide, making it a must-see for cinephiles.
Carrie-Anne Moss, Lana Wachowski, and Keanu Reeves attend «The Matrix Resurrections» Red Carpet U.S. Premiere Screening at The Castro Theatre on December 18, 2021 in San Francisco, California. Kelly Sullivan / Getty Images

3. Wonder Woman (2017)

There aren’t enough comics on Earth to explain the significance of women in the DC universe. «Wonder Woman», one of the most powerful superheroines, capable of captivating the imaginations of children worldwide, finally got her well-deserved film in 2017. Directed by Patty Jenkins, it grossed $822,854,286.

Patty Jenkins arrives for the Premiere Of Warner Bros. Pictures’ «Wonder Woman» held at the Pantages Theatre on May 25, 2017 in Hollywood, California. Albert L. Ortega / Getty Images

2. Captain Marvel (2019)

And we continue with superheroes, this time in the Marvel universe. «Captain Marvel» was one of the most anticipated releases of 2019, directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck. Set in 1995, the film follows Carol Danvers as she becomes Captain Marvel after the whole world becomes embroiled in a galactic conflict between two alien civilizations. This adventure managed to amass a staggering $1,131,416,446.

Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden attend the «Captain Marvel European Gala» held at The Curzon Mayfair on February 27, 2019 in London, England. Dave J Hogan / Getty Images

1. Frozen I (2013) & Frozen II (2019)

A double win for one of the most epic recent animated film franchises in history, which brought songs like «Let It Go» and characters like Anna, Elsa, and Olaf to fame. «Frozen» made history by grossing $1,453,683,476, directed by Jennifer Lee in her directorial debut alongside Chris Buck. Six years later, in 2019, its second installment arrived, again led by Lee and Buck, reclaiming $1,284,540,518. This renowned saga, apart from its box office success, has also garnered numerous awards, including Oscars and Annie Awards.

Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck arrive to the 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards. Kevork Djansezian / NBC / NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

So, have you seen Barbie yet? There’s no doubt that its $1 billion profits will keep on rising!

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