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
| ← 2007 | Most Popular Overall | 2009 → |
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Domestic BO: $534,235,491 |
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International BO: $473,460,281 |
| Twilight |
| Director: Catherine Hardwicke |
| Lead Roles: Kristen Stewart as Bella Swan, Robert Pattinson as Edward Cullen, Taylor Lautner as Jacob Black |
| Initial Theatrical Release: November 21, 2008 (Wide) by Summit Entertainment |
| Keywords: Vampire, Romance, Werewolf, First Love, Voiceover/Narration, Young Adult Book Adaptation, Romantic Drama |
| Classification: Based on Fiction Book/Short Story, Drama, Live Action, Fantasy |
|
Domestic BO: $192,769,854 |
|
International BO: $209,508,710 |
Synopsis
The story of the passionate and unexpected romance between a teenage girl and a mysterious and irresistible vampire.
| Meet the Spartans |
| Director: Aaron Seltzer, Jason Friedberg |
| Lead Roles: Sean Maguire as King Leonidas, Carmen Electra as Queen Gorgo, Ken Davitian as Xerxes, Kevin Sorbo as Captain |
| Initial Theatrical Release: January 25, 2008 (Wide) by 20th Century Fox |
| Keywords: Spoof, Voiceover/Narration, Farcical / Slapstick Comedy, Famously Bad |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Comedy, Live Action, Historical Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $38,233,676 |
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International BO: $46,413,155 |
Synopsis
When Xerxes, the evil god king of Persia, sends his massive army to Sparta, King Leonidas and 13 strapping warriors rise up to defend their homeland. Leonidas, Captain and the rest face down dancing Persians, bad punch-lines and celebrity look-alikes.
| 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 |
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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.
| You Don't Mess With the Zohan |
| Director: Dennis Dugan |
| Lead Roles: Adam Sandler as Zohan |
| Initial Theatrical Release: June 6, 2008 (Wide) by Sony Pictures |
| Keywords: Secret Agent, Beauty Industry, Mistaken Identity, Judd Apatow Buddy Comedy |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Comedy, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
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Domestic BO: $100,018,837 |
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International BO: $102,892,154 |
| 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 |
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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.
| The Little Mermaid 2: Return to the Sea |
| Director: Jim Kammerud, Brian Smith |
| Video Release Date: December 16, 2008 by Walt Disney Home Entertainment |
| Keywords: Direct-to-Video |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Adventure, Digital Animation, Kids Fiction |
| Hancock |
| Director: Peter Berg |
| Lead Roles: Will Smith as John Hancock |
| Initial Theatrical Release: July 1, 2008 (Wide) by Sony Pictures |
| Keywords: Set in Brooklyn, Martial Arts, Trains, Car Accident, Heist, Police Standoff, Faulty Memory, Hostage, Action Comedy |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Action, Live Action, Super Hero |
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Domestic BO: $227,946,274 |
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International BO: $396,287,998 |
| Goal! 2: Living the Dream... |
| Initial Theatrical Release: August 29, 2008 (Limited) by Walt Disney |
| Keywords: Soccer |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Drama, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $225,067 |
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International BO: $4,034,000 |
| The Tale of Despereaux |
| Director: Rob Stevenhagen, Sam Fell |
| Lead Roles: Matthew Broderick as Despereaux |
| Initial Theatrical Release: December 19, 2008 (Wide) by Universal |
| Keywords: Talking Animals, Animal Lead, Family Adventure, Medieval, Slow Motion Scene, Rescue |
| Classification: Based on Fiction Book/Short Story, Adventure, Digital Animation, Kids Fiction |
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Domestic BO: $50,877,145 |
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International BO: $39,605,172 |
| In Bruges |
| Director: Martin McDonagh |
| Lead Roles: Colin Farrell as Ray, Brendan Gleeson as Ken, Ralph Fiennes as Harry |
| Initial Theatrical Release: February 8, 2008 (Limited) by Focus Features |
| Keywords: Hitmen, Hitman Killing an Innocent Bystander |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Black Comedy, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $7,800,825 |
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International BO: $26,726,270 |
Synopsis
Bruges, the most well-preserved medieval city in the whole of Belgium, is a welcoming destination for travelers from all over the world. But, for hit men Ray and Ken, it could be their final destination. A difficult job has resulted in the pair being ordered right before Christmas by their London boss Harry to go and cool their heels in the storybook Flemish city for a couple of weeks. Very much out of place amidst the gothic architecture, canals, and cobbled streets, the two hit men fill their days living the lives of tourists. Ray, still haunted by the bloodshed in London, hates the place, while Ken, even as he keeps a fatherly eye on Ray’s often profanely funny exploits, finds his mind and soul being expanded by the beauty and serenity of the city. But, the longer they stay waiting for Harry’s call, the more surreal their experience becomes, as they find themselves in weird encounters with locals, tourists, violent medieval art, a dwarf American actor shooting a European art film, Dutch prostitutes, and a potential romance for Ray in the form of Chloë, who may have some dark secrets of her own. And, when the call from Harry does finally come, Ken and Ray’s vacation becomes a life-and-death struggle of darkly comic proportions and surprisingly emotional consequences.
| Taken |
| Director: Pierre Morel |
| Lead Roles: Liam Neeson as Bryan, Maggie Grace as Kim |
| Initial Theatrical Release: April 9, 2008 (Wide) (South Korea) |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Thriller/Suspense, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
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Domestic BO: $145,000,989 |
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International BO: $81,940,596 |
| 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 |
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Domestic BO: $97,690,976 |
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International BO: $128,300,000 |
| Role Models |
| Director: David Wain |
| Lead Roles: Seann William Scott as Wheeler, Paul Rudd as Danny, Christopher Mintz-Plasse as Augie |
| Initial Theatrical Release: November 7, 2008 (Wide) by Universal |
| Keywords: Bad Role Models, LARP, Buddy Comedy |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Comedy, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
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Domestic BO: $67,300,955 |
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International BO: $27,199,871 |
| 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 |
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Domestic BO: $110,515,313 |
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International BO: $80,629,943 |
| The Curious Case of Benjamin Button |
| Director: David Fincher |
| Lead Roles: Brad Pitt as Benjamin Button, Cate Blanchett as Daisy |
| Initial Theatrical Release: December 25, 2008 (Wide) by Paramount Pictures |
| Keywords: Supernatural, Romantic Drama, 2009 Oscars Best Picture Nominee |
| Classification: Based on Fiction Book/Short Story, Drama, Live Action, Historical Fiction |
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Domestic BO: $127,509,326 |
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International BO: $202,122,632 |
| Kung Fu Panda |
| Director: Mark Osborne, John Stevenson |
| Lead Roles: Jack Black as Po |
| Initial Theatrical Release: June 6, 2008 (Wide) by Paramount Pictures |
| Keywords: Animal Lead, Talking Animals, Martial Arts, Prison Break, IMAX: DMR, Training Montage, Family Adventure |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Adventure, Digital Animation, Kids Fiction |
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Domestic BO: $215,434,591 |
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International BO: $416,475,940 |
| Body of Lies |
| Director: Ridley Scott |
| Lead Roles: Leonardo DiCaprio as Roger Ferris, Russell Crowe as Ed Hoffman |
| Initial Theatrical Release: October 10, 2008 (Wide) by Warner Bros. |
| Keywords: Action Thriller, C.I.A., Terrorism, Set in Iraq, Kidnap, Double-Crossed, Rescue, Surprise Twist |
| Classification: Based on Fiction Book/Short Story, Thriller/Suspense, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
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Domestic BO: $39,394,666 |
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International BO: $79,161,864 |
| High School Musical 3: Senior Year |
| Lead Roles: Zac Efron as Troy Bolton, Vanessa Hudgens as Gabriella Montez, Ashley Tisdale as Sharpay Evans, Lucas Grabeel as Ryan Evans, Corbin Bleu as Chad Danforth, Monique Coleman as Taylor McKessie |
| Initial Theatrical Release: October 24, 2008 (Wide) by Walt Disney |
| Keywords: Tween, Family Musical, High School, Romance |
| Classification: Based on TV, Musical, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
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Domestic BO: $90,559,416 |
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International BO: $183,833,464 |
| The Spirit |
| Director: Frank Miller |
| Lead Roles: Gabriel Macht as The Spirit |
| Initial Theatrical Release: December 25, 2008 (Wide) by Lionsgate |
| Keywords: Action Thriller, Crime, Film Noir, Directing Yourself |
| Classification: Based on Comic/Graphic Novel, Action, Live Action, Super Hero |
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Domestic BO: $19,806,188 |
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International BO: $19,200,000 |
| Max Payne |
| Director: John Moore |
| Lead Roles: Mark Wahlberg as Max Payne |
| Initial Theatrical Release: October 17, 2008 (Wide) by 20th Century Fox |
| Classification: Based on Game, Action, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
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Domestic BO: $40,689,393 |
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International BO: $47,085,657 |
| Appurushido Ex Machina |
| Video Release Date: March 11, 2008 by Warner Home Video |
| Keywords: Anime, Foreign Language, Independent/Other Comics |
| Classification: Based on Comic/Graphic Novel, Action |
| The X-Files: I Want to Believe |
| Director: Chris Carter |
| Lead Roles: David Duchovny as Special Agent Fox Mulder, Gillian Anderson as Special Agent Dana Scully |
| Initial Theatrical Release: July 25, 2008 (Wide) by 20th Century Fox |
| Keywords: Action Horror, Supernatural, FBI, Priest, Kidnap, Child Abuse, Sex Crimes, Scene in End Credits, Human Experimentation |
| Classification: Based on TV, Action, Live Action, Science Fiction |
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Domestic BO: $20,982,478 |
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International BO: $47,188,314 |
| The Strangers |
| Director: Bryan Bertino |
| Lead Roles: Liv Tyler as Kristen McKay, Scott Speedman as James Hoyt |
| Initial Theatrical Release: May 30, 2008 (Wide) by Focus Features |
| Keywords: Slasher Horror |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Thriller/Suspense, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
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Domestic BO: $52,597,610 |
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International BO: $30,454,066 |
| 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 |
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Domestic BO: $31,715,062 |
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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.