3. Star Wars: The Last Jedi ($1331 million)
Few were expecting The Last Jedi to surpass The Force Awakens, but this is what director Rian Johnson achieved in his stellar debut as a Star Wars director. By subverting franchise tropes –who says the Sith must always wear a mask? Why should the protagonist have a special parentage? – he made one of the best Star Wars movies of all time. So while some may be surprised to see Luke Skywalker throw his lightsaber away in his first meeting with Rey, he eventually trains her in the ways of the Force, and this is as riveting as Luke’s own training under Yoda in The Empire Strikes Back.
Rey’s connection to baddie Kylo Ren is also a highlight, as is their stunning duel in the film. John Boyega as Finn and newcomer Kelly Marie Tran as Rose also have a special chemistry and visit wondrous places such as a casino in Canto Bight as they search for a mysterious character known as the “code breaker”, played to perfection by Benicio del Toro. Other characters, like Laura Dern’s regal admiral Holdo, also stand out in what undoubtedly is one of the top Star Wars films and the second biggest box office hit of the franchise too.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi (Lucasfilm)