Most Popular Movies 2002
This chart shows the 2002 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 2002 releases.
See also: Domestic Release Schedule for 2002 - Top 2002 Worldwide
| ← 2001 | Most Popular Overall | 2003 → |
| The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers |
| Director: Peter Jackson |
| Lead Roles: Elijah Wood as Frodo Baggins, Ian McKellen as Gandalf the White, Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn |
| Initial Theatrical Release: December 18, 2002 (Wide) by New Line |
| Keywords: Lord of the Rings, Visual Effects, Exorcism, Motion Capture Performance, Heroic Adventure, 2003 Oscars Best Picture Nominee |
| Classification: Based on Fiction Book/Short Story, Adventure, Animation/Live Action, Fantasy |
|
Domestic BO: $344,456,114 |
|
International BO: $576,599,780 |
| xXx |
| Director: Rob Cohen |
| Lead Roles: Vin Diesel as Xander Cage, Asia Argento as Yelena |
| Initial Theatrical Release: August 9, 2002 (Wide) by Sony Pictures |
| Keywords: Secret Agent, Extreme Sports, Car Chase, Hostage, False Identity, Weapons of Mass Destruction, Slow Motion Scene, 2000s, Undercover, Faked Death, Redemption, Action Thriller |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Action, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $141,930,000 |
|
International BO: $125,270,000 |
| Star Wars Ep. II: Attack of the Clones |
| Director: George Lucas |
| Lead Roles: Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi, Natalie Portman as Senator Padme Amidala, Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker |
| Initial Theatrical Release: May 16, 2002 (Wide) by 20th Century Fox |
| Keywords: Visual Effects, Cloning, IMAX: DMR, Good vs. Evil, Space Opera, Civil War, Assassination, Political Assassination, Political, Heroic Adventure |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Adventure, Animation/Live Action, Science Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $310,676,740 |
|
International BO: $346,018,875 |
Synopsis
Ten years after the invasion of Naboo, the galaxy is on the brink of civil war. Under the leadership of a renegade Jedi named Count Dooku, thousands of solar systems threaten to break away from the Galactic Republic. When an assassination attempt is made on Senator Padmé Amidala, the former Queen of Naboo, twenty-year-old Jedi apprentice Anakin Skywalker is assigned to protect her. In the course of his mission, Anakin discovers his love for Padmé as well as his own darker side. Soon, Anakin, Padmé, and Obi-Wan Kenobi are drawn into the heart of the Separatist movement and the beginning of the Clone Wars.
|
Domestic BO: $404,652,858 |
|
International BO: $418,000,000 |
Synopsis
Peter Parker who, after being bitten by a genetically-altered spider, gains superhuman strength and the spider-like ability to cling to any surface. He vows to use his abilities to fight crime, coming to understand the words of his beloved Uncle Ben: “With great power comes great responsibility.”
| Barbershop |
| Director: Tim Story |
| Lead Roles: Ice Cube as Calvin, Anthony Anderson as J.D., Sean Patrick Thomas as Jimmy, Eve as Terri, Cedric the Entertainer as Eddie, Michael Ealy as Ricky Nash, Leonard Howze as Dinka, Keith David as Lester Wallace |
| Initial Theatrical Release: September 13, 2002 (Wide) by MGM |
| Keywords: Beauty Industry, African Americans, Hood Film, Comedy Drama |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Comedy, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $75,781,642 |
|
International BO: $1,281,819 |
Synopsis
Calvin, who inherited the struggling business from his deceased father, views the shop as nothing but a burden and waste of his time. After selling the shop to a local loan shark, Calvin slowly begins to see his father’s vision and legacy and struggles with the notion that he just sold it out. Calvin’s barbershop is filled with an eclectic and hilarious cast of characters that share their stories, jokes, trials and tribulations. In the shop we find Eddie, an old barber with strong opinions and no customers. Jimmy is a highly educated barber with a superiority complex who can’t stand Isaac, the new, white barber who just wants a shot at cutting some hair. Ricky is an ex-con with two strikes against him and is desperately trying to stay straight. Terri is a hard-edged woman who can't seem to leave her two-timing boyfriend. And lastly there’s Dinka, a fellow barber who is madly in love with Terri but doesn’t get the time of day.
| Ice Age |
| Director: Chris Wedge |
| Lead Roles: Ray Romano as Manfred the Mammoth, John Leguizamo as Sid the Sloth, Denis Leary as Diego the Sabertooth |
| Initial Theatrical Release: March 15, 2002 (Wide) by 20th Century Fox |
| Keywords: Road Trip, Talking Animals, Animal Lead, Cavemen, Betrayal, Family Adventure, Unexpected Families |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Adventure, Digital Animation, Kids Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $176,387,405 |
|
International BO: $209,728,938 |
| The Bourne Identity |
| Director: Doug Liman |
| Lead Roles: Matt Damon as Jason Bourne, Franka Potente as Marie St. Jaques |
| Initial Theatrical Release: June 14, 2002 (Wide) by Universal |
| Keywords: Secret Agent, Faulty Memory, Fugitive / On the Run |
| Classification: Based on Fiction Book/Short Story, Thriller/Suspense, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $121,468,960 |
|
International BO: $92,888,411 |
| K-19: The Widowmaker |
| Director: Kathryn Bigelow |
| Lead Roles: Harrison Ford as Captain Alexi Vostrikov |
| Initial Theatrical Release: July 19, 2002 (Wide) by Paramount Pictures |
| Keywords: Historical Drama, Underwater, 1960s, Set in Soviet Union, Submarine, Military Life, F-Rated |
| Classification: Based on Fiction Book/Short Story, Action, Live Action, Dramatization |
|
Domestic BO: $35,168,966 |
|
International BO: $30,547,160 |
| Scooby-Doo |
| Director: Raja Gosnell |
| Lead Roles: Freddie Prinze, Jr. as Fred Jones, Sarah Michelle Gellar as Daphne, Matthew Lillard as Shaggy, Linda Cardellini as Velma Dinkley |
| Initial Theatrical Release: June 14, 2002 (Wide) by Warner Bros. |
| Keywords: Live Action Cartoon, Animal Lead, Kids Horror, Amatuer Slueth, Surprise Twist |
| Classification: Based on TV, Adventure, Live Action, Kids Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $153,294,164 |
|
International BO: $123,000,000 |
Synopsis
Zoinks! Two years after a clash of egos forced Mystery Inc. to close its doors, Scooby-Doo and his clever crime-solving cohorts Fred, Daphne, Shaggy and Velma are individually summoned to Spooky Island to investigate a series of paranormal incidents at the ultra-hip Spring Break hot spot.
| White Oleander |
| Director: Peter Kosminsky |
| Lead Roles: Michelle Pfeiffer as Ingrid Magnussen, Renée Zellweger as Claire Richards |
| Initial Theatrical Release: October 11, 2002 (Wide) by Warner Bros. |
| Keywords: Family Drama, Dysfunctional Family, Single Parent, Death of a Girlfriend / Boyfriend, Foster Family, Romance, Prison, Addiction, Suicide |
| Classification: Based on Fiction Book/Short Story, Drama, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $16,357,770 |
|
International BO: $5,300,000 |
| Serving Sara |
| Director: Reginald Hudlin |
| Lead Roles: Matthew Perry as Joe Tyler, Elizabeth Hurley as Sara Moore |
| Initial Theatrical Release: August 23, 2002 (Wide) by Paramount Pictures |
| Keywords: Romance |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Romantic Comedy, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $16,930,185 |
|
International BO: $3,215,965 |
Synopsis
When Sara is served divorce papers while she is in New York, she is stunned. Not about to lose the fortune she amassed with her self-serving Texan husband, she makes an offer to her process server, Joe, that sets them off on a wild trip across the country.
| The Powerpuff Girls |
| Director: Craig McCracken |
| Initial Theatrical Release: July 3, 2002 (Wide) by Warner Bros. |
| Keywords: Family Adventure, Good vs. Evil, Inventor, Unexpected Families, Mad Scientist, Exile |
| Classification: Based on TV, Adventure, Hand Animation, Super Hero |
|
Domestic BO: $11,411,644 |
|
International BO: $5,014,057 |
| 8 Mile |
| Director: Curtis Hanson |
| Lead Roles: Eminem as Jimmy Smith, Jr. |
| Initial Theatrical Release: November 8, 2002 (Wide) by Universal |
| Keywords: Musicians, Hood Film, Inspired by a True Story, Biographical Drama, Biography, Autobiographical, Hip Hop and Rap |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Drama, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $116,724,075 |
|
International BO: $129,044,309 |
| Catch Me if You Can |
| Director: Steven Spielberg |
| Lead Roles: Leonardo DiCaprio as Frank W. Abagnale, Tom Hanks as Joe Shaye |
| Initial Theatrical Release: December 25, 2002 (Wide) by Dreamworks SKG |
| Keywords: Biography, Confidence Men, Fugitive / On the Run, Non-Chronological, Intertitle, Dysfunctional Family, Infidelity, Police Procedural, Voiceover/Narration, Runaway, Homeless, Lawyers, Doctors, Romance, Relationships Gone Wrong, Prostitution, Epilogue, Biographical Drama |
| Classification: Based on Factual Book/Article, Drama, Live Action, Dramatization |
|
Domestic BO: $164,606,800 |
|
International BO: $191,005,491 |
| Chicago |
| Director: Rob Marshall |
| Lead Roles: Catherine Zeta-Jones as Velma Kelly, Renée Zellweger as Roxie Hart, Richard Gere as Billy Flynn |
| Initial Theatrical Release: December 27, 2002 (Wide) by Buena Vista Intl. (United Kingdom) |
| Keywords: Performing Arts, Singers, Lawyers, News, Infidelity, Relationships Gone Wrong, Faked Pregnancies, Paparazzi, Cruel Wardens or Prison Guards, Media Circus, Oscars Best Picture Winner, 2003 Oscars Best Picture Nominee, Comedy Musical |
| Classification: Based on Musical or Opera, Musical, Live Action, Historical Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $170,687,518 |
|
International BO: $136,083,027 |
Synopsis
Nightclub sensation Velma murders her philandering husband, and Chicago’s slickest lawyer, Billy Flynn, is set to defend her. But when Roxie also winds up in prison, Billy takes on her case as well — turning her into a media circus of headlines. Neither woman will be outdone in their fight against each other and the public for fame and celebrity.
| Undercover Brother |
| Director: Malcolm D. Lee |
| Lead Roles: Eddie Griffin as Anton Jackson, Denise Richards as Penelope Snow, Aunjanue Ellis as Sistah Girl |
| Initial Theatrical Release: May 31, 2002 (Wide) by Universal |
| Keywords: Spoof, Undercover, African Americans, Action Comedy, Interracial Romance, Romance, Conspiracy Theory, Secret Societies |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Comedy, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $38,230,435 |
|
International BO: $2,565,710 |
| Mr. Deeds |
| Director: Steven Brill |
| Lead Roles: Adam Sandler as Longfellow Deeds, Winona Ryder as Babe Bennett |
| Initial Theatrical Release: June 28, 2002 (Wide) by Sony Pictures |
| Keywords: Inheritance, Country Mouse, City Mouse, News, Newspaper Industry, Romance, Rags to Riches |
| Classification: Based on Fiction Book/Short Story, Comedy, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $126,293,452 |
|
International BO: $44,976,083 |
| Signs |
| Director: M. Night Shyamalan |
| Lead Roles: Mel Gibson as Graham Hess |
| Initial Theatrical Release: August 2, 2002 (Wide) by Walt Disney |
| Keywords: Alien Invasion, Psychological Thriller, Religious, Losing Your Faith, Death of a Spouse or Fiancée / Fiancé, Young Child Dealing with the Death of a Parent |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Thriller/Suspense, Live Action, Science Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $227,969,295 |
|
International BO: $180,281,283 |
Synopsis
A 500-foot crop circle mysteriously appears on the Bucks County, PA farm of reverend Graham Hess. As Hess and his family try to take stock of what the sign means, and how its message incorporates into their faith, they start to get the feeling they are not alone in the fields behind their house.
| Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets |
| Director: Chris Columbus |
| Lead Roles: Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter, Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley, Emma Watson as Hermione Granger, Kenneth Branagh as Gilderoy Lockhart |
| Initial Theatrical Release: November 15, 2002 (Wide) by Warner Bros. |
| Keywords: Boarding School, IMAX: DMR, Family Adventure |
| Classification: Based on Fiction Book/Short Story, Adventure, Animation/Live Action, Fantasy |
|
Domestic BO: $262,233,381 |
|
International BO: $612,720,847 |
| We Were Soldiers |
| Director: Randall Wallace |
| Lead Roles: Mel Gibson as Lt. Col. Hal Moore |
| Initial Theatrical Release: March 1, 2002 (Wide) by Paramount Pictures |
| Keywords: Historical Battles, Vietnam War, War, War Drama |
| Classification: Based on Fiction Book/Short Story, Drama, Live Action, Dramatization |
|
Domestic BO: $78,120,196 |
|
International BO: $36,538,066 |
| Men with Brooms |
| Director: Paul Gross |
| Lead Roles: Paul Gross as Chris Cutter |
| Initial Theatrical Release: March 8, 2002 (Wide) by Artisan |
| Keywords: Miscellaneous Sports, Funeral Reunions, Curling, Winter Sports, Directing Yourself, Screenplay Written By the Star, Comeback, Sports Comedy, Cult Movie |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Comedy, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $4,239,767 |
| Big Fat Liar |
| Director: Shawn Levy |
| Lead Roles: Frankie Muniz as Jason Shepherd, Paul Giamatti as Marty Wolf, Amanda Bynes as Kaylee |
| Initial Theatrical Release: February 8, 2002 (Wide) by Universal |
| Keywords: Movie Business, Revenge, Summer School, Boss From Hell, Directing Yourself, Family Adventure, Director Cameo, Gratuitous Cameos |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Adventure, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $47,811,275 |
|
International BO: $4,649,742 |
| The Scorpion King |
| Director: Chuck Russell |
| Lead Roles: Dwayne Johnson as Mathayus (The Scorpion King), Steven Brand as Memnon, Kelly Hu as Cassandra, Michael Clarke Duncan as Balthazar |
| Initial Theatrical Release: April 18, 2002 (Wide) (Australia) |
| Classification: Spin-Off, Action, Live Action, Fantasy |
|
Domestic BO: $90,580,000 |
|
International BO: $75,310,634 |
Synopsis
Inspired by the legendary Egyptian warrior, “The Scorpion King” is set 5000 years ago in the notorious city of Gomorrah, where an evil ruler is determined to lay waste to all the nomadic peoples of the desert. The few remaining tribes, never natural allies, have to unite or perish. Knowing their enemy relies on the visions of a sorcerer, they hire a skilled assassin, Mathayus, to eliminate the visionary.
| Narc |
| Director: Joe Carnahan |
| Initial Theatrical Release: December 20, 2002 (Limited) by Paramount Pictures |
| Keywords: Film Noir, Hood Film, Crime Thriller, Crime, Narcotics, Undercover, Child Abuse, Child Prostitution, Corrupt Cops, Surprise Twist, Addiction, Police Brutality |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Thriller/Suspense, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $10,465,659 |
|
International BO: $1,377,601 |
| Kung Pow: Enter the Fist |
| Director: Steve Oedekerk |
| Initial Theatrical Release: January 25, 2002 (Wide) by 20th Century Fox |
| Keywords: Cut from Older Movies, Dubbed with New Dialogue, Martial Arts, Martial Arts Master, Farcical / Slapstick Comedy, Directing Yourself, Screenplay Written By the Star, Cult Movie |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Comedy, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $16,033,556 |
|
International BO: $1,000,000 |