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English box office · 1953

English Box Office 1953: Highest-Grossing English Movies

Peter Pan (1953) is the highest-grossing English-language movie released in 1953, with $87.4M worldwide, ahead of The Robe (1953) at $36M and House of Wax (1953) at $23.8M. 25 English-language films released in 1953 report a worldwide gross, $150.9M in all, 98% of it from the US & Canada. That is 3.9 times the total of 1952, whose releases took $38.6M. By genre, Family leads with $87.6M across 2 English releases.

1953 releases with a gross
25
combined worldwide
$150.9M
Peter Pan (1953), the #1
$87.4M
vs 1952
×3.9
Peter Pan (1953) movie poster #1 of 25
#1 English-language movie of 1953

Peter Pan (1953)

1953 · Adventure, Fantasy

$87.4M worldwide · 58% of the chart's total

$87.4M US & Canada · 100% $1.2K elsewhere · <1%
Top 5

What Were the Biggest English Hits of 1953?

Peter Pan (1953) leads with $87.4M, 58% of the total. The top 5 together took $150.6M, almost all of what the 25 films earned. Each bar splits a film's gross into the US & Canada and the rest of the world.

  1. Peter Pan (1953) movie poster Number 1
    $87.4M Peter Pan (1953)
    $87.4M US & Canada · 100% $1.2K elsewhere · <1%
  2. The Robe (1953) movie poster Number 2
    $36M The Robe (1953)
    $36M US & Canada · 100% $10.9K elsewhere · <1%
  3. House of Wax (1953) movie poster Number 3
    $23.8M House of Wax (1953)
    $23.8M US & Canada · 100% $319 elsewhere · <1%
  4. Dangerous When Wet (1953) movie poster Number 4
    $3.3M Dangerous When Wet (1953)
    No US & Canada figure reported
  5. Little Fugitive (1953) movie poster Number 5
    $162.4K Little Fugitive (1953)
    $29.5K US & Canada · 18% $132.9K elsewhere · 82%

US & Canada (domestic) Rest of the world

The chart

Every English Release of 1953, Ranked by Worldwide Gross

Lifetime worldwide grosses in US dollars, not adjusted for inflation; domestic means the US & Canada. Films are grouped by their release date in 1953.

  1. 1 Peter Pan (1953) movie poster
    Peter Pan (1953) Feb 5, 1953 · Adventure, Fantasy $87.4M worldwide
    Feb 5, 1953 US and Canada: $87.4M Rest of the world: $1.2K Worldwide: $87.4M
  2. 2 The Robe (1953) movie poster
    The Robe (1953) Sep 16, 1953 · History, Drama $36M worldwide
    Sep 16, 1953 US and Canada: $36M Rest of the world: $10.9K Worldwide: $36M
  3. 3 House of Wax (1953) movie poster
    House of Wax (1953) Apr 25, 1953 · Horror $23.8M worldwide
    Apr 25, 1953 US and Canada: $23.8M Rest of the world: $319 Worldwide: $23.8M
  4. 4 Dangerous When Wet (1953) movie poster
    Dangerous When Wet (1953) Jun 18, 1953 · Romance, Comedy $3.3M worldwide
    Jun 18, 1953 US and Canada: – Rest of the world: – Worldwide: $3.3M
  5. 5 Little Fugitive (1953) movie poster
    Little Fugitive (1953) Oct 1, 1953 · Family, Drama $162.4K worldwide
    Oct 1, 1953 US and Canada: $29.5K Rest of the world: $132.9K Worldwide: $162.4K
  6. 6 Roman Holiday (1953) movie poster
    Roman Holiday (1953) Aug 27, 1953 · Drama, Comedy $103.2K worldwide
    Aug 27, 1953 US and Canada: – Rest of the world: – Worldwide: $103.2K
  7. 7 From Here to Eternity (1953) movie poster
    From Here to Eternity (1953) Aug 28, 1953 · Drama, Romance $36.4K worldwide
    Aug 28, 1953 US and Canada: $36.4K Rest of the world: Worldwide: $36.4K
  8. 8 Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) movie poster
    Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) Jul 1, 1953 · Comedy, Romance $25K worldwide
    Jul 1, 1953 US and Canada: – Rest of the world: – Worldwide: $25K
  9. 9 Shane (1953) movie poster
    Shane (1953) Apr 23, 1953 · Drama, Western $21.4K worldwide
    Apr 23, 1953 US and Canada: – Rest of the world: – Worldwide: $21.4K
  10. 10 Ivanhoe (1953) movie poster
    Ivanhoe (1953) Feb 20, 1953 · Adventure, Drama $18.8K worldwide
    Feb 20, 1953 US and Canada: – Rest of the world: – Worldwide: $18.8K
  11. 11 Niagara (1953) movie poster
    Niagara (1953) Feb 1, 1953 · Thriller, Film-Noir $16.4K worldwide
    Feb 1, 1953 US and Canada: – Rest of the world: – Worldwide: $16.4K
  12. 12 The Band Wagon (1953) movie poster
    The Band Wagon (1953) Aug 7, 1953 · Comedy, Romance $15K worldwide
    Aug 7, 1953 US and Canada: – Rest of the world: – Worldwide: $15K
  13. 13 Duck Dodgers in the 24½th Century (1953) movie poster
    Duck Dodgers in the 24½th Century (1953) Jul 25, 1953 · Sci-Fi, Animation $14.8K worldwide
    Jul 25, 1953 US and Canada: $14.8K Rest of the world: Worldwide: $14.8K
  14. 14 Duck Amuck (1953) movie poster
    Duck Amuck (1953) Feb 28, 1953 · Comedy, Animation $14.8K worldwide
    Feb 28, 1953 US and Canada: $14.8K Rest of the world: Worldwide: $14.8K
  15. 15 Bully for Bugs (1953) movie poster
    Bully for Bugs (1953) Aug 8, 1953 · Comedy, Animation $14.8K worldwide
    Aug 8, 1953 US and Canada: $14.8K Rest of the world: Worldwide: $14.8K
  16. 16 Julius Caesar (1953) movie poster
    Julius Caesar (1953) May 8, 1953 · History, Drama $10.8K worldwide
    May 8, 1953 US and Canada: – Rest of the world: – Worldwide: $10.8K
  17. 17 Glen or Glenda (1953) movie poster
    Glen or Glenda (1953) Apr 1, 1953 · Drama, Comedy $10.2K worldwide
    Apr 1, 1953 US and Canada: $10.2K Rest of the world: Worldwide: $10.2K
  18. 18 All the Brothers Were Valiant (1953) movie poster
    All the Brothers Were Valiant (1953) Nov 13, 1953 · Adventure $8.2K worldwide
    Nov 13, 1953 US and Canada: – Rest of the world: – Worldwide: $8.2K
  19. 19 A Queen Is Crowned (1953) movie poster
    A Queen Is Crowned (1953) Jun 2, 1953 · Documentary $7.4K worldwide
    Jun 2, 1953 US and Canada: – Rest of the world: – Worldwide: $7.4K
  20. 20 The Big Heat (1953) movie poster
    The Big Heat (1953) Oct 14, 1953 · Crime, Thriller $7.1K worldwide
    Oct 14, 1953 US and Canada: – Rest of the world: – Worldwide: $7.1K
  21. 21 The Bad and the Beautiful (1953) movie poster
    The Bad and the Beautiful (1953) Jan 15, 1953 · Drama, Romance $2K worldwide
    Jan 15, 1953 US and Canada: – Rest of the world: – Worldwide: $2K
  22. 22 How to Marry a Millionaire (1953) movie poster
    How to Marry a Millionaire (1953) Oct 29, 1953 · Romance, Comedy $1.5K worldwide
    Oct 29, 1953 US and Canada: – Rest of the world: – Worldwide: $1.5K
  23. 23 I Confess (1953) movie poster
    I Confess (1953) Feb 28, 1953 · Drama, Thriller $372 worldwide
    Feb 28, 1953 US and Canada: – Rest of the world: – Worldwide: $372
  24. 24 It Came from Outer Space (1953) movie poster
    It Came from Outer Space (1953) May 27, 1953 · Sci-Fi, Horror $270 worldwide
    May 27, 1953 US and Canada: – Rest of the world: – Worldwide: $270
  25. 25 The Titfield Thunderbolt (1953) movie poster
    The Titfield Thunderbolt (1953) Mar 4, 1953 · Comedy $56 worldwide
    Mar 4, 1953 US and Canada: – Rest of the world: – Worldwide: $56
US & Canada vs the world

Where Did the Money Come From in 1953?

Of the top 10, From Here to Eternity (1953) earned the biggest share at home (100% in the US & Canada), while Little Fugitive (1953) made 82% of its gross abroad. Across all 25 films, $147.3M (98%) came from the US & Canada. 5 films of the top 10 report no US & Canada figure.

  1. 1 Peter Pan (1953) $87.4M
    $87.4M US & Canada · 100% $1.2K elsewhere · <1%
  2. 2 The Robe (1953) $36M
    $36M US & Canada · 100% $10.9K elsewhere · <1%
  3. 3 House of Wax (1953) $23.8M
    $23.8M US & Canada · 100% $319 elsewhere · <1%
  4. 4 Dangerous When Wet (1953) $3.3M
    No US & Canada figure reported
  5. 5 Little Fugitive (1953) $162.4K
    $29.5K US & Canada · 18% $132.9K elsewhere · 82%
  6. 6 Roman Holiday (1953) $103.2K
    No US & Canada figure reported
  7. 7 From Here to Eternity (1953) $36.4K
    $36.4K US & Canada · 100% elsewhere · 0%
  8. 8 Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) $25K
    No US & Canada figure reported
  9. 9 Shane (1953) $21.4K
    No US & Canada figure reported
  10. 10 Ivanhoe (1953) $18.8K
    No US & Canada figure reported
Gross bands

How Many 1953 Releases Crossed $100 Million?

None of the 25 films reached $100M. 22 films, 88% of the list, earned under $10M. Each band shows its films and its share of the $150.9M total.

  • $1B or more 0 films, 0% of the list No films
  • $500M to $1B 0 films, 0% of the list No films
  • $100M to $500M 0 films, 0% of the list No films
  • $10M to $100M 3 films, 12% of the list $147.2M · 98% of the gross
  • Under $10M 22 films, 88% of the list $3.7M · 2% of the gross
By release month

Which Month of 1953 Earned the Most?

February releases took the most, $87.5M from 5 films, led by Peter Pan (1953). March was the quietest month ($56). Each column is a release month and links to that month's chart.

  1. January Jan The Bad and the Beautiful (1953) $2K The Bad and the Beautiful (1953)
  2. February Feb Peter Pan (1953) $87.5M Peter Pan (1953)
  3. March Mar The Titfield Thunderbolt (1953) $56 The Titfield Thunderbolt (1953)
  4. April Apr House of Wax (1953) $23.8M House of Wax (1953)
  5. May May Julius Caesar (1953) $11.1K Julius Caesar (1953)
  6. June Jun Dangerous When Wet (1953) $3.3M Dangerous When Wet (1953)
  7. July Jul Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) $39.8K Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)
  8. August Aug Roman Holiday (1953) $169.4K Roman Holiday (1953)
  9. September Sep The Robe (1953) $36M The Robe (1953)
  10. October Oct Little Fugitive (1953) $170.9K Little Fugitive (1953)
  11. November Nov All the Brothers Were Valiant (1953) $8.2K All the Brothers Were Valiant (1953)
  12. December Dec No reported grosses – No reported grosses
Last 10 years

How Does 1953 Compare With Previous Years?

Of these 10 years, 1953 earned the most: $150.9M from 25 films, led by Peter Pan (1953).

Year Films Worldwide Change Biggest film
1944 13 films 13 $117.4K – Henry V (1944) $62.6K
1945 14 films · +18667% 14 $22M +18667% The Bells of St. Mary’s (1945) $21.3M
1946 20 films · +336% 20 $96.2M +336% Song of the South (1946) $37.5M
1947 16 films · −99% 16 $1.4M −99% The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (1947) $956.6K
1948 17 films · −49% 17 $707.7K −49% The Fallen Idol (1948) $373.2K
1949 16 films · +144% 16 $1.7M +144% The Third Man (1949) $1.4M
1950 16 films · +5549% 16 $97.5M +5549% Cinderella (1950) $96.4M
1951 15 films · −95% 15 $4.4M −95% Ace in the Hole (1951) $2.3M
1952 21 films · +770% 21 $38.6M +770% The Greatest Show on Earth (1952) $36M
1953 25 films · +291% 25 $150.9M +291% Peter Pan (1953) $87.4M
By genre

Which English Genres Earned the Most in 1953?

Family took $87.6M across 2 films, 58% of the total, ahead of Animation ($87.5M) and Adventure ($87.4M). A film counts once for each of its genres.

1953 English Box Office by Genre

  1. Family $87.6M
    2 films · #1 Peter Pan (1953)
  2. Animation $87.5M
    4 films · #1 Peter Pan (1953)
  3. Adventure $87.4M
    3 films · #1 Peter Pan (1953)
  4. Musical $87.4M
    2 films · #1 Peter Pan (1953)
  5. Fantasy $87.4M
    1 film · #1 Peter Pan (1953)
  6. Drama $36.4M
    10 films · #1 The Robe (1953)
  7. History $36M
    2 films · #1 The Robe (1953)
  8. Horror $23.8M
    2 films · #1 House of Wax (1953)
  9. Romance $3.5M
    8 films · #1 Dangerous When Wet (1953)
  10. Comedy $3.5M
    10 films · #1 Dangerous When Wet (1953)
Archive

English Box Office Year by Year

Every year from 1919 to 2026 with its total and its biggest film. 2019 leads with $28.7B, led by Avengers: Endgame (2019).

2020s 7 years · $105.1B
2010s 10 years · $261B
2000s 10 years · $170.2B
1990s 10 years · $84.5B
1980s 10 years · $33.4B
1970s 10 years · $9.6B
1960s 10 years · $1.4B
1950s 10 years · $770.2M
1940s 10 years · $662.1M
1930s 10 years · $217.4M
1920s 4 years · $718.5K
1910s 1 year · $160
FAQ

English Box Office 1953: Questions & Answers

The chart's numbers in short: the #1 film, the total, the billion-dollar hits and the US & Canada share, answered from the same 25 films as the chart.

What is the highest-grossing English-language movie in 1953?

Peter Pan (1953) leads with $87.4M worldwide, $87.4M of it in the US & Canada. Next come The Robe (1953) at $36M and House of Wax (1953) at $23.8M.

How much did English-language movies released in 1953 earn?

25 English-language films released in 1953 report a worldwide gross, $150.9M in all, or $6M per film on average. 1952 releases took $38.6M.

How many English-language movies released in 1953 made $1 billion?

None. The biggest, Peter Pan (1953), earned $87.4M.

How much of the 1953 English box office came from the US and Canada?

$147.3M of the $150.9M total, or 98%, was earned in the US & Canada (the domestic market); the rest came from other countries. 16 films of the 25 report no domestic figure.

How is the 1953 English box office chart ranked and where do the numbers come from?

Films are ranked by lifetime worldwide gross in US dollars, not adjusted for inflation, and grouped by their release date in 1953. The figures are the reported box office grosses in our database. A gross that looks misattributed, such as one figure shared by two unrelated films or a blockbuster total on an obscure title, is left out rather than shown as a fact, and so are films whose stored language is most likely wrong.

How often is the 1953 English box office chart updated?

Grosses change while films are in theaters and whenever a new figure is reported; this chart reads the latest numbers in our database, so an older film can still move after a re-release.