by Kylie Fox

Created on: October 09, 2008

Is there a formula for creating a top grossing, box office smashing, film? Looking at the list of the all-time highest grossing films, it would seem the key elements to success would be bringing to life the characters from much loved books and comics to the big screen. Sequels, trilogies and series also seem to be the big hits.

Harry Potter has captured the hearts of children (and their parents) the world over and although the films do not feature in the top 20 money spinners that I will detail below, it's interesting to note that all of the films make up a part of the top 50.

The Star Wars movies (all of them), feature highly, as do the Lord of the Rings trilogy, the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy and, our favourite comic book characters, Spiderman and Batman.

Let's take a look at the top 20 highest grossing films of all time, which have earned more than a staggering 8 billion dollars between them.

1. Titanic. $600,788,188

Yes, James Cameron is still "king of the world". Released in 1997, this enduring love story has, so far, stood the test of time.

2. The Dark Knight. $522,106,180

Released in July 2008, this is the latest instalment in the Batman series, and Heath Ledger's final performance.

3. Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope. $460, 998,007

The highest ranking of the Star Wars series, this was the one that started them all in 1977.

4. Shrek 2. $437,212,000

It would seem we can't get enough of the lovable ogre and his sidekick, Donkey. This 2004 release has trumped the original for box office sales.

5. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. $434,974,579

The beloved, classic 1982 film featuring a very young Drew Barrymore.

6. Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace. $431,088,301

Sixteen years since the third of the original trilogy was released, this 1999 film was much anticipated as the first in the prequel trilogy.

7. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. $423,416,000

Another trilogy! The second in the tales of Captain Jack Sparrow, this 2006 release stars Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley sailing the high seas of box office success.

8. Spider-Man. $407,681,000

Amazingly, all three of the big screen adventures of the web-throwing superhero have found their place in the top 20. Released in 2002.

9. Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith. $380,270,522

Released in 2005. Will we ever get enough of this series?

10. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. $377,019,252

The final instalment of the classic J.R.R. Tolkien trilogy, this one was released in 2003.

11.

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