Top 10 Highest Grossing Puppet Movies of All Time

Puppet movies, a unique and charming genre of filmmaking, have captivated audiences for decades with their intricate craftsmanship and whimsical storytelling. These films, featuring puppets as lead characters, rely on the artistry of puppeteers to bring lifelike expressions and emotions to their creations. While the genre may not dominate mainstream cinema, it has produced some memorable box-office successes. Leading the pack is Disney’s 2011 revival of The Muppets, which grossed over $171 million worldwide, showcasing the enduring appeal of Kermit, Miss Piggy, and their lovable crew. Other notable entries include the mischievous antics of Gremlins (1984), which earned $148 million, and Muppets Most Wanted (2014), further cementing the Muppets’ legacy as icons of puppet cinema.
The success of these films highlights the genre’s ability to blend humor, nostalgia, and creativity to attract audiences across generations. Productions like Team America: World Police (2004) and Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal (1982) demonstrate the versatility of puppet movies, ranging from satirical comedy to dark fantasy. While CGI dominates modern filmmaking, puppet movies retain a special place in cinema history for their tangible artistry and timeless charm. This article delves into the highest-grossing puppet films of all time, exploring how they achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success while enchanting viewers worldwide.
List of Highest Grossing Puppet Movies of All Time
Here is a list of the highest-grossing puppet films of all time. Puppet films feature puppets as lead characters. Stop-motion films are not included.
Rank | Film | Year | Worldwide Gross |
---|---|---|---|
1 | The Muppets | 2011 | $171,802,998 |
2 | Gremlins | 1984 | $148,168,459 |
3 | Muppets Most Wanted | 2014 | $80,383,290 |
4 | The Muppet Movie | 1979 | $65,810,475 |
5 | Team America: World Police | 2004 | $50,907,422 |
6 | The Dark Crystal | 1982 | $41,613,957 |
7 | Gremlins 2: The New Batch | 1990 | $41,482,207 |
8 | Muppet Treasure Island | 1996 | $34,327,391 |
9 | The Great Muppet Caper | 1981 | $31,206,251 |
10 | The Muppet Christmas Carol | 1992 | $29,192,434 |
11 | The Happytime Murders | 2018 | $27,506,452 |
12 | The Muppets Take Manhattan | 1984 | $25,534,703 |
13 | Being John Malkovich | 1999 | $22,863,596 |
14 | Muppets from Space | 1999 | $22,323,612 |
15 | Sesame Street Presents: Follow That Bird | 1985 | $13,961,370 |
16 | Labyrinth | 1986 | $13,723,253 |
17 | Barney’s Great Adventure | 1998 | $12,218,638 |
18 | The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland | 1999 | $11,683,047 |