Most Popular Movies 2008
This chart shows the 2008 movie releases that have attracted the most interest on The Numbers web site over the past 24 hours. A share of 100 corresponds to 1 percent of the total views for all 2008 releases.
See also: Domestic Release Schedule for 2008 - Top 2008 Worldwide
1
| Iron Man |
| Director: Jon Favreau |
| Lead Roles: Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark/Iron Man, Terrence Howard as Rhodey, Jeff Bridges as Obadiah Stane, Gwyneth Paltrow as Virginia "Pepper" Potts |
| Initial Theatrical Release: May 2, 2008 (Wide) by Paramount Pictures |
| Keywords: Marvel Comics, Corporate Malfeasance, Surprise Twist, Kidnap, Terrorism, Afghanistan War, Scene in End Credits, Arms Dealer, Inventor, Voiceover/Narration, Non-Chronological, Intertitle, Gratuitous Cameos, Origin Story, Motion Capture Performance, IMAX: DMR, Heroic Adventure |
| Classification: Based on Comic/Graphic Novel, Adventure, Live Action, Super Hero |
|
Domestic BO: $318,604,126 |
|
International BO: $266,567,421 |
Synopsis
Tony Stark, a billionaire industrialist and genius inventor is kidnapped and forced to build a devastating weapon. Instead, using his intelligence and ingenuity, Tony builds a high-tech suit of armor and escapes captivity. When he uncovers a nefarious plot with global implications, he dons his powerful armor and vows to protect the world as Iron Man.
2
| Insidious |
| Initial Theatrical Release: May 23, 2008 (Exclusive) by Romantic Troubadour Entertainment |
| Keywords: Organized Crime, Directing Yourself, Screenplay Written By the Star |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Thriller/Suspense, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $5,508 |
|
International BO: $551,003 |
3
| The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas |
| Director: Mark Herman |
| Lead Roles: Vera Farmiga as Mother, David Thewlis as Father, Rupert Friend as Lt. Kotler, David Hayman as Pavel, Asa Butterfield as Bruno, Jack Scanlon as Shmuel |
| Initial Theatrical Release: November 7, 2008 (Limited) by Miramax, released as The Boy in the Striped Pajamas |
| Keywords: World War II, Holocaust, Historical Drama, Coming of Age, POW, Death of a Son or Daughter, Nazis, Jewish, War Crimes, 1940s |
| Classification: Based on Fiction Book/Short Story, Drama, Live Action, Historical Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $9,046,156 |
|
International BO: $35,037,247 |
4
| Che, Part 1: The Argentine |
| Director: Steven Soderbergh |
| Lead Roles: Benicio del Toro as Che Guevara |
| Initial Theatrical Release: December 12, 2008 (Limited) by IFC Films, released as Che Part 1 The Argentine |
| Classification: Based on Real Life Events, Drama, Live Action, Dramatization |
|
Domestic BO: $1,802,521 |
|
International BO: $29,824,849 |
5
| Punisher: War Zone |
| Director: Lexi Alexander |
| Lead Roles: Ray Stevenson as Frank Castle / The Punisher |
| Initial Theatrical Release: December 5, 2008 (Wide) by Lionsgate |
| Keywords: Action Thriller, Revenge, Gangs, Death of a Spouse or Fiancée / Fiancé, Death of a Son or Daughter, Organized Crime, Cannibalism, FBI, Marvel Comics, Surprise Twist, Non-Chronological |
| Classification: Based on Comic/Graphic Novel, Action, Live Action, Super Hero |
|
Domestic BO: $8,050,977 |
|
International BO: $2,106,557 |
6
| Mamma Mia! |
| Director: Phyllida Lloyd |
| Lead Roles: Meryl Streep as Donna, Pierce Brosnan as Sam Carmichael, Colin Firth as Harry Bright, Stellan Skarsgård as Bill Austin, Julie Walters as Rosie, Dominic Cooper as Sky, Amanda Seyfried as Sophie Sheridan, Christine Baranski as Tanya |
| Initial Theatrical Release: July 2, 2008 (Wide) (Netherlands) |
| Keywords: Unexpected Families, Jukebox Musical, Wedding Day, Dysfunctional Family, Relationships Gone Wrong |
| Classification: Based on Musical or Opera, Musical, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $144,540,088 |
|
International BO: $441,725,109 |
Synopsis
Donna, an independent hotelier in the Greek islands, is preparing for her daughter’s wedding with the help of two old friends. Meanwhile Sophie, the spirited bride, has a plan. She secretly invites three men from her mother’s past in hope of meeting her real father and having him escort her down the aisle on her big day.
7
| Slumdog Millionaire |
| Director: Danny Boyle |
| Lead Roles: Dev Patel as Jamal Malik (older), Freida Pinto as Latika (older), Madhur Mittal as Salim Malik (older) |
| Initial Theatrical Release: November 12, 2008 (Limited) by Fox Searchlight |
| Keywords: Romance, Non Professional Actor, Poverty, Homeless, Tortured for Information, Oscars Best Picture Winner, Life Drama, 2009 Oscars Best Picture Nominee |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Drama, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $141,330,703 |
|
International BO: $242,494,724 |
8
| Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull |
| Director: Steven Spielberg |
| Lead Roles: Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones, Cate Blanchett as Irina Spalko, Karen Allen as Marion Ravenwood, Ray Winstone as George "Mac" McHale, Shia LaBeouf as Mutt Williams |
| Initial Theatrical Release: May 22, 2008 (Wide) by Paramount Pictures |
| Keywords: Treasure Hunters, Delayed Sequel, Archaeology, Sequels With Returning Stars, Surprise Twist, Dysfunctional Family, Cold War, Double Agent, Psychics, Friendly Alien on Earth, Character's Journey Shown on Map, Mental Illness, Dead Language, Chase Adventure |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Adventure, Live Action, Historical Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $317,101,119 |
|
International BO: $469,534,294 |
Synopsis
It’s the height of the Cold War, and famous archaeologist Indiana Jones, returning from his latest adventure, finds out his job at Marshall College is in jeopardy. He meets Mutt, a young man who wants Indy to help him find the legendary Crystal Skull of Akator, and the pair set out for Peru. However, deadly agent Irina Spalko is searching for the powerful artifact, too, because the Soviets believe it can help them conquer the world.
9
| Saw V |
| Initial Theatrical Release: October 24, 2008 (Wide) by Lionsgate |
| Keywords: Serial Killer, Slasher Horror |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Horror, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $56,746,769 |
|
International BO: $61,463,009 |
10
| Rogue |
| Director: Greg McLean |
| Lead Roles: Radha Mitchell as Kate, Michael Vartan as Pete |
| Initial Theatrical Release: April 25, 2008 (Limited) by Weinstein Co. |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Horror, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $10,452 |
|
International BO: $4,662,925 |
11
| Kabluey |
| Initial Theatrical Release: June 25, 2007 (Festival Screening) by Regent Releasing |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Comedy, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $83,506 |
12
| Leatherheads |
| Director: George Clooney |
| Lead Roles: George Clooney as Jimmy 'Dodge' Connelly, Renée Zellweger as Lexi |
| Initial Theatrical Release: April 4, 2008 (Wide) by Universal |
| Keywords: Football, News, World War I, Romance |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Romantic Comedy, Live Action, Historical Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $31,373,938 |
|
International BO: $9,974,690 |
13
|
Domestic BO: $534,235,491 |
|
International BO: $473,460,281 |
14
| The Spiderwick Chronicles |
| Director: Mark Waters |
| Lead Roles: Freddie Highmore as Jared/Simon |
| Initial Theatrical Release: February 14, 2008 (Wide) by Paramount Pictures |
| Keywords: Secret Magic, Talking Animals, Sword & Sorcerer, IMAX: DMR, Family Adventure, Twins, Same Actor, Multiple Roles, Alternative Dimensions / Parallel universe, Fairies |
| Classification: Based on Fiction Book/Short Story, Adventure, Live Action, Fantasy |
|
Domestic BO: $71,195,053 |
|
International BO: $91,644,614 |
15
| The Cottage |
| Lead Roles: Andy Serkis as David, Jennifer Ellison as Tracey |
| Keywords: Kidnap, Dysfunctional Family, Relatives Playing Relatives, Organized Crime, Slasher Horror, Crime Caper, Mutants |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Horror, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
International BO: $1,504,960 |
16
| Tropic Thunder |
| Director: Ben Stiller |
| Lead Roles: Ben Stiller as Speedman, Jack Black as Jeff 'Fats' Portnoy, Robert Downey, Jr. as Kirk Lazarus |
| Initial Theatrical Release: August 13, 2008 (Wide) by Paramount Pictures |
| Keywords: Movie Business, War, Gratuitous Cameos, Farcical / Slapstick Comedy, LGBTQ+, Coming Out, Singers, Comeback |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Comedy, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $110,515,313 |
|
International BO: $80,629,943 |
17
| Changeling |
| Director: Clint Eastwood |
| Lead Roles: Angelina Jolie as Christine Collins |
| Initial Theatrical Release: October 24, 2008 (Limited) by Universal |
| Keywords: Crime Thriller, 1920s, Set in Los Angeles, Missing Child, LAPD, Corrupt Cops, False Identity, Falsely Accused, Mental Hospital, Media Circus, Serial Killer, 1930s, Epilogue |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Thriller/Suspense, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $35,739,802 |
|
International BO: $78,065,778 |
18
| Transporter 3 |
| Director: Camille Delamarre |
| Lead Roles: Jason Statham as Frank Martin, Natalya Rudakova as Valentina Tomilenko |
| Initial Theatrical Release: November 26, 2008 (Wide) by Lionsgate |
| Keywords: Action Thriller, Corporate Malfeasance, Kidnap, Ransom, Romance |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Action, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $31,715,062 |
|
International BO: $81,215,895 |
Synopsis
Mob courier Frank Martin’s latest assignment pairs him with Valentina, the cynical daughter of a Ukrainian official. While her father ponders what to do with three boatloads of toxic waste, Frank must guard the problematic woman and prevent her from wandering too far from his vehicle, or risk triggering the explosive shackles they both wear.
19
| Milk |
| Director: Gus Van Sant |
| Lead Roles: Sean Penn as Harvey Milk |
| Initial Theatrical Release: November 26, 2008 (Limited) by Focus Features |
| Keywords: Set in San Francisco, Biography, LGBTQ+, Biographical Drama, Political, 2009 Oscars Best Picture Nominee |
| Classification: Based on Real Life Events, Drama, Live Action, Dramatization |
|
Domestic BO: $31,841,299 |
|
International BO: $25,452,072 |
20
| War, Inc. |
| Lead Roles: John Cusack as Brand Hauser |
| Initial Theatrical Release: May 23, 2008 (Exclusive) by First Look |
| Keywords: Hitmen, Political, Musicians, War, News, Revenge, Surprise Twist |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Black Comedy, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $580,862 |
|
International BO: $718,993 |
21
| Yes Man |
| Director: Peyton Reed |
| Lead Roles: Jim Carrey as Carl Allen |
| Initial Theatrical Release: December 19, 2008 (Wide) by Warner Bros. |
| Classification: Based on Fiction Book/Short Story, Comedy, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $97,690,976 |
|
International BO: $128,300,000 |
22
| Space Chimps |
| Director: Kirk DeMicco |
| Initial Theatrical Release: July 18, 2008 (Wide) by 20th Century Fox |
| Keywords: Animal Lead, Talking Animals, Family Adventure, Space Program, Set in Outer Space, Scene in End Credits |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Adventure, Digital Animation, Kids Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $30,105,968 |
|
International BO: $36,923,988 |
23
| Wanted |
| Director: Timur Bekmambetov |
| Lead Roles: James McAvoy as Wesley Gibson |
| Initial Theatrical Release: June 27, 2008 (Wide) by Universal |
| Keywords: Hitmen, Revenge |
| Classification: Based on Comic/Graphic Novel, Action, Live Action, Science Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $134,508,551 |
|
International BO: $207,907,909 |
24
| Drillbit Taylor |
| Director: Steven Brill |
| Lead Roles: Owen Wilson as Drillbit Taylor |
| Initial Theatrical Release: March 21, 2008 (Wide) by Paramount Pictures |
| Keywords: Undercover, New Guy/Girl in School, Judd Apatow Buddy Comedy, Farcical / Slapstick Comedy, Coming of Age, Bullies, Romance, False Identity, Homeless, Scene in End Credits |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Comedy, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $32,862,104 |
|
International BO: $16,824,159 |
25
| Step Brothers |
| Director: Adam McKay |
| Lead Roles: Will Ferrell as Brennan Huff, John C. Reilly as Dale Doback |
| Initial Theatrical Release: July 25, 2008 (Wide) by Sony Pictures |
| Keywords: Unexpected Families, Dysfunctional Family, Delayed Adulthood, Judd Apatow Buddy Comedy |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Comedy, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $100,468,793 |
|
International BO: $27,638,849 |