Over the years, December has often been a month in which many popular films have been released and some of these have become iconic and memorable. December isn’t just a month for Christmas, which the film industry has continuously shown. Although the film industry draws more attention to Christmas films at this time of the year, other films haven’t been forgotten.
Here at Cheap TVs, we have compiled a list of some great box office films which have been released throughout December in previous years.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Released: 17th December 2015
Did you know this film is the world’s third-highest-grossing film of all time, making over $2 billion at the box office? Directed by J. J. Abrams, it is the sequel to the 1983 film Return of the Jedi, and is the first installment to the Star Wars sequel trilogy. Set 30 years after Return of the Jedi, it follows the search for Luke Skywalker and the fight alongside the Resistance.
Released: 14th December 2007
This science fiction horror film is based on the novel of the same name. It opened to the largest ever box office for a non-Christmas film released in America in December with $77.4 million. Set in New York, after a virus has wiped out the majority of mankind, Will Smith’s character is the last human in the city, and sets out to develop a cure whilst trying to survive against the mutants. Overall, the film garnered $585.3 million.
Released: 17th December 2003
This high fantasy adventure film garnered over $1.1 billion at the box office since its release in 2003 and was the third installment of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Receiving hugely widespread acclaim, it became one of the most critically and commercially successful films of all time and was the highest-grossing film of 2003.
Released: 13th December 2002
This romantic comedy film follows the love story of a hotel maid and a high-profile politician. Starring Jennifer Lopez, Ralph Fiennes and Natasha Richardson, it grossed over $154 million at the box office and reaching the number one film spot in its opening weekend with $18.7 million, out winning Star Trek: Nemesis.
Released: 10th December 1999
There are many films adapted from Stephen King novels, and The Green Mile is one of the most famous, garnering $290.7 million. Told through flashback formats, it tells the story of a death row corrections officer during the time of the US Great Depression, and the supernatural events he witnessed. Nominated for four academy awards, it is one of the most famous Tom Hanks films.
Released: 12th December 1997
Wes Craven was a legend in slasher horror films, most notably known for the Scream and A Nightmare on Elm Street franchise. Set two years after the first film, Scream 2 follows the lead character, Sydney, who has become the target of a copycat killer. Scream 2 earned $172 million at the box office, as well as receiving numerous awards and nominations.