#1 of 31 #1 movie of 1952
The Greatest Show on Earth (1952)
1952 · Drama, Romance
$36M worldwide · 93% of the chart's total
$36M US & Canada · 100% elsewhere · 0%
Box office · 1952
1952 Box Office: The Highest-Grossing Movies of 1952
The Greatest Show on Earth (1952) is the highest-grossing movie released in 1952, with $36M worldwide, ahead of Singin' in the Rain (1952) at $2.1M and Les Miserables (1952) at $280.5K. 31 films released in 1952 report a worldwide gross, $38.8M in all, 98% of it from the US & Canada. That is 8.1 times the total of 1951, whose releases took $4.8M. By genre, Romance leads with $38.5M across 14 releases.
- 1952 releases with a gross
- 31
- combined worldwide
- $38.8M
- The Greatest Show on Earth (1952), the #1
- $36M
- vs 1951
- ×8.1
#1 of 31 Top 5
What Were the Biggest Hits of 1952?
The Greatest Show on Earth (1952) leads with $36M, 93% of the total. The top 5 together took $38.5M, 99% of what all 31 films earned. Each bar splits a film's gross into the US & Canada and the rest of the world.
- Number 1
-
Number 2 -
Number 3 -
Number 4 -
Number 5
US & Canada (domestic) Rest of the world
The chart
Every Release of 1952, 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 1952.
- 1 May 1, 1952 US and Canada: $36M Rest of the world: Worldwide: $36M
- 2 Apr 11, 1952 US and Canada: $1.9M Rest of the world: $211.9K Worldwide: $2.1M
- 3 Aug 14, 1952 US and Canada: – Rest of the world: – Worldwide: $280.5K
- 4 Jan 20, 1952 US and Canada: $71.8K Rest of the world: $617 Worldwide: $72.4K
- 5 Sep 6, 1952 US and Canada: $50.9K Rest of the world: $19.8K Worldwide: $70.7K
- 6
Mar 21, 1952 US and Canada: – Rest of the world: – Worldwide: $46.3K - 7
May 9, 1952 US and Canada: $33.3K Rest of the world: $613 Worldwide: $33.9K - 8
Aug 7, 1952 US and Canada: $24.5K Rest of the world: $283 Worldwide: $24.8K - 9
Sep 17, 1952 US and Canada: – Rest of the world: – Worldwide: $16.6K - 10
Nov 15, 1952 US and Canada: $14.8K Rest of the world: Worldwide: $14.8K - 11
Sep 20, 1952 US and Canada: $14.8K Rest of the world: Worldwide: $14.8K - 12
Apr 19, 1952 US and Canada: $14.8K Rest of the world: Worldwide: $14.8K - 13
Feb 2, 1952 US and Canada: $14.8K Rest of the world: Worldwide: $14.8K - 14
Jun 13, 1952 US and Canada: – Rest of the world: – Worldwide: $11.9K - 15
Sep 12, 1952 US and Canada: – Rest of the world: – Worldwide: $9.4K - 16
Oct 23, 1952 US and Canada: – Rest of the world: – Worldwide: $9.3K - 17
Apr 17, 1952 US and Canada: – Rest of the world: – Worldwide: $6.9K - 18
Mar 14, 1952 US and Canada: – Rest of the world: – Worldwide: $5.2K - 19
Jan 23, 1952 US and Canada: – Rest of the world: – Worldwide: $5.2K - 20
Apr 2, 1952 US and Canada: – Rest of the world: – Worldwide: $3.5K - 21
Sep 19, 1952 US and Canada: – Rest of the world: – Worldwide: $3.5K - 22
Dec 23, 1952 US and Canada: – Rest of the world: – Worldwide: $3.2K - 23
Jul 30, 1952 US and Canada: – Rest of the world: – Worldwide: $2.2K - 24
Feb 29, 1952 US and Canada: – Rest of the world: – Worldwide: $2.1K - 25
Aug 18, 1952 US and Canada: – Rest of the world: – Worldwide: $953 - 26
Dec 5, 1952 US and Canada: – Rest of the world: – Worldwide: $439 - 27
Sep 2, 1952 US and Canada: – Rest of the world: – Worldwide: $265 - 28
Jul 30, 1952 US and Canada: – Rest of the world: – Worldwide: $217 - 29
Dec 29, 1952 US and Canada: – Rest of the world: – Worldwide: $118 - 30
Mar 6, 1952 US and Canada: – Rest of the world: – Worldwide: $63 - 31
Jul 29, 1952 US and Canada: – Rest of the world: – Worldwide: $47
US & Canada vs the world
Where Did the Money Come From in 1952?
Of the top 10, The Greatest Show on Earth (1952) earned the biggest share at home (100% in the US & Canada), while The White Sheik (1952) made 28% of its gross abroad. Across all 31 films, $38.1M (98%) came from the US & Canada. 3 films of the top 10 report no US & Canada figure.
- 1 The Greatest Show on Earth (1952) $36M $36M US & Canada · 100% elsewhere · 0%
- 2 Singin' in the Rain (1952) $2.1M $1.9M US & Canada · 90% $211.9K elsewhere · 10%
- 3 Les Miserables (1952) $280.5K No US & Canada figure reported
- 4 Umberto D. (1952) $72.4K $71.8K US & Canada · 99% $617 elsewhere · <1%
- 5 The White Sheik (1952) $70.7K $50.9K US & Canada · 72% $19.8K elsewhere · 28%
- 6 The African Queen (1952) $46.3K No US & Canada figure reported
- 7 Forbidden Games (1952) $33.9K $33.3K US & Canada · 98% $613 elsewhere · 2%
- 8 Sudden Fear (1952) $24.8K $24.5K US & Canada · 99% $283 elsewhere · 1%
- 9 The Snows of Kilimanjaro (1952) $16.6K No US & Canada figure reported
- 10 Rabbit’s Kin (1952) $14.8K $14.8K US & Canada · 100% elsewhere · 0%
Gross bands
How Many 1952 Releases Crossed $100 Million?
None of the 31 films reached $100M. 30 films, 97% of the list, earned under $10M. Each band shows its films and its share of the $38.8M total.
93%
- $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 1 film, 3% of the list $36M · 93% of the gross
- Under $10M 30 films, 97% of the list $2.8M · 7% of the gross
By release month
Which Month of 1952 Earned the Most?
May releases took the most, $36M from 2 films, led by The Greatest Show on Earth (1952). July was the quietest month ($2.4K). Each column is a release month and links to that month's chart.
- January Jan Umberto D. (1952) $77.6K Umberto D. (1952)
- February Feb Feed the Kitty (1952) $16.9K Feed the Kitty (1952)
- March Mar The African Queen (1952) $51.6K The African Queen (1952)
- April Apr Singin' in the Rain (1952) $2.1M Singin' in the Rain (1952)
- May May The Greatest Show on Earth (1952) $36M The Greatest Show on Earth (1952)
- June Jun Pat and Mike (1952) $11.9K Pat and Mike (1952)
- July Jul A Woman Without Love (1952) $2.4K A Woman Without Love (1952)
- August Aug Les Miserables (1952) $306.3K Les Miserables (1952)
- September Sep The White Sheik (1952) $115.2K The White Sheik (1952)
- October Oct Limelight (1952) $9.3K Limelight (1952)
- November Nov Rabbit’s Kin (1952) $14.8K Rabbit’s Kin (1952)
- December Dec Moulin Rouge (1952) $3.7K Moulin Rouge (1952)
Last 10 years
How Does 1952 Compare With Previous Years?
Of these 10 years, 1950 earned the most: $97.2M from 22 films, led by Cinderella (1950). 1952 took $38.8M.
| Year | Films | Worldwide | Change | Biggest film |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 8 films | 8 | $6.2M | – | Casablanca (1943) $4.7M |
| 1944 15 films · −98% | 15 | $132K | −98% | Henry V (1944) $62.6K |
| 1945 16 films · +16649% | 16 | $22.1M | +16649% | The Bells of St. Mary’s (1945) $21.3M |
| 1946 23 films · +317% | 23 | $92.2M | +317% | Song of the South (1946) $37.5M |
| 1947 20 films · −87% | 20 | $12.1M | −87% | It's a Wonderful Life (1947) $10.6M |
| 1948 22 films · −48% | 22 | $6.2M | −48% | The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948) $5M |
| 1949 19 films · −71% | 19 | $1.8M | −71% | The Third Man (1949) $1.4M |
| 1950 22 films · +5288% | 22 | $97.2M | +5288% | Cinderella (1950) $96.4M |
| 1951 22 films · −95% | 22 | $4.8M | −95% | Ace in the Hole (1951) $2.3M |
| 1952 31 films · +714% | 31 | $38.8M | +714% | The Greatest Show on Earth (1952) $36M |
Genres & languages
Which Genres and Languages Earned the Most in 1952?
Romance took $38.5M across 14 films, 99% of the total, ahead of Drama ($36.5M) and Family ($36M). A film counts once for each of its genres. English-language films took $38.6M across 21 films, 99% of the total, ahead of Italian-language films ($152.5K) and French-language films ($36K).
1952 Box Office by Genre
-
Romance $38.5M14 films · #1 The Greatest Show on Earth (1952) -
Drama $36.5M20 films · #1 The Greatest Show on Earth (1952) -
Family $36M2 films · #1 The Greatest Show on Earth (1952) -
Comedy $2.2M10 films · #1 Singin' in the Rain (1952) -
Musical $2.1M1 film · #1 Singin' in the Rain (1952) -
Adventure $352.2K5 films · #1 Les Miserables (1952) -
History $280.5K1 film · #1 Les Miserables (1952) -
War $101.2K5 films · #1 The African Queen (1952) -
Animation $59K4 films · #1 Rabbit’s Kin (1952) -
Thriller $26K4 films · #1 Sudden Fear (1952)
Archive
Box Office Year by Year
Every year from 1918 to 2026 with its total and its biggest film. 2019 leads with $37.1B, led by Avengers: Endgame (2019).
2020s 7 years · $134.1B
2010s 10 years · $325.6B
- 2019 $37.1B #1 Avengers: Endgame (2019)
- 2018 $37.1B #1 Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
- 2017 $36.6B #1 Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017)
- 2016 $34.2B #1 Captain America: Civil War (2016)
- 2015 $34B #1 Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015)
- 2014 $30.1B #1 Transformers: Age Of Extinction (2014)
- 2013 $31.3B #1 Frozen (2013)
- 2012 $30.6B #1 The Avengers (2012)
- 2011 $28.1B #1 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011)
- 2010 $26.5B #1 Toy Story 3 (2010)
2000s 10 years · $201.3B
- 2009 $27.2B #1 Avatar (2009)
- 2008 $23.9B #1 The Dark Knight (2008)
- 2007 $24B #1 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)
- 2006 $21.2B #1 Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006)
- 2005 $20.2B #1 Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005)
- 2004 $19.7B #1 Shrek 2 (2004)
- 2003 $19.2B #1 The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
- 2002 $15.8B #1 Spider-Man (2002)
- 2001 $16B #1 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)
- 2000 $14B #1 Mission: Impossible II (2000)
1990s 10 years · $91.9B
- 1999 $13.7B #1 Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)
- 1998 $11.3B #1 Armageddon (1998)
- 1997 $12.7B #1 Titanic (1997)
- 1996 $9.9B #1 Independence Day (1996)
- 1995 $9.5B #1 Toy Story (1995)
- 1994 $8.5B #1 The Lion King (1994)
- 1993 $7.1B #1 Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
- 1992 $6.3B #1 The Bodyguard (1992)
- 1991 $6.2B #1 Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
- 1990 $6.7B #1 Ghost (1990)
1980s 10 years · $36B
- 1989 $6.1B #1 Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
- 1988 $4.9B #1 Rain Man (1988)
- 1987 $4B #1 Fatal Attraction (1987)
- 1986 $3.7B #1 Top Gun (1986)
- 1985 $3.7B #1 Back to the Future (1985)
- 1984 $3.6B #1 Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
- 1983 $2.8B #1 Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983)
- 1982 $2.5B #1 Tootsie (1982)
- 1981 $2.1B #1 Superman II (1981)
- 1980 $2.5B #1 Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
1970s 10 years · $11.1B
- 1979 $2.2B #1 Moonraker (1979)
- 1978 $2B #1 Grease (1978)
- 1977 $2.2B #1 Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)
- 1976 $784.1M #1 Rocky (1976)
- 1975 $1.1B #1 Jaws (1975)
- 1974 $803.9M #1 Blazing Saddles (1974)
- 1973 $989.4M #1 The Exorcist (1973)
- 1972 $371.4M #1 The Godfather (1972)
- 1971 $206M #1 The French Connection (1971)
- 1970 $450M #1 The Aristocats (1970)
1960s 10 years · $1.8B
- 1969 $247.4M #1 Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
- 1968 $144M #1 Funny Girl (1968)
- 1967 $441.4M #1 The Jungle Book (1967)
- 1966 $29.9M #1 Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966)
- 1965 $387.9M #1 The Sound of Music (1965)
- 1964 $240.7M #1 Mary Poppins (1964)
- 1963 $138.3M #1 Cleopatra (1963)
- 1962 $52M #1 Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
- 1961 $12.9M #1 The Taste of Violence (1961)
- 1960 $94.9M #1 Swiss Family Robinson (1960)
1950s 10 years · $801.3M
- 1959 $127.1M #1 Ben-Hur (1959)
- 1958 $13.9M #1 Vertigo (1958)
- 1957 $32.7M #1 The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)
- 1956 $162.1M #1 The Ten Commandments (1956)
- 1955 $96.9M #1 Lady and the Tramp (1955)
- 1954 $74.4M #1 Rear Window (1954)
- 1953 $153.5M #1 Peter Pan (1953)
- 1952 $38.8M #1 The Greatest Show on Earth (1952)
- 1951 $4.8M #1 Ace in the Hole (1951)
- 1950 $97.2M #1 Cinderella (1950)
1940s 10 years · $936.9M
- 1949 $1.8M #1 The Third Man (1949)
- 1948 $6.2M #1 The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)
- 1947 $12.1M #1 It's a Wonderful Life (1947)
- 1946 $92.2M #1 Song of the South (1946)
- 1945 $22.1M #1 The Bells of St. Mary’s (1945)
- 1944 $132K #1 Henry V (1944)
- 1943 $6.2M #1 Casablanca (1943)
- 1942 $268.3M #1 Bambi (1942)
- 1941 $1.9M #1 Citizen Kane (1941)
- 1940 $525.9M #1 Gone with the Wind (1940)
1930s 10 years · $214M
- 1939 $26.7M #1 The Wizard of Oz (1939)
- 1938 $185.2M #1 Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1938)
- 1937 $32.8K #1 Stage Door (1937)
- 1936 $1.5M #1 Born to Dance (1936)
- 1935 $105.9K #1 The 39 Steps (1935)
- 1934 $47.3K #1 It Happened One Night (1934)
- 1933 $164.8K #1 Duck Soup (1933)
- 1932 $51.1K #1 The Old Dark House (1932)
- 1931 $135.8K #1 Drácula (1931)
- 1930 $6.1K #1 The Blue Angel (1930)
1920s 9 years · $10M
- 1929 $89.2K #1 Pandora’s Box (1929)
- 1928 $41.6K #1 The Air Circus (1928)
- 1927 $245K #1 Sunrise (1927)
- 1926 $67.1K #1 Battleship Potemkin (1926)
- 1925 $87.5K #1 The Gold Rush (1925)
- 1924 $198.9K #1 The Epic of Everest (1924)
- 1923 $13.2K #1 A Woman of Paris: A Drama of Fate (1923)
- 1921 $9.2M #1 The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (1921)
- 1920 $9.3K #1 The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920)
1910s 2 years · $9.8K
FAQ
Box Office 1952: 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 31 films as the chart.
What is the highest-grossing movie in 1952?
The Greatest Show on Earth (1952) leads with $36M worldwide, $36M of it in the US & Canada. Next come Singin' in the Rain (1952) at $2.1M and Les Miserables (1952) at $280.5K.
How much did movies released in 1952 earn?
31 films released in 1952 report a worldwide gross, $38.8M in all, or $1.3M per film on average. 1951 releases took $4.8M.
How many movies released in 1952 made $1 billion?
None. The biggest, The Greatest Show on Earth (1952), earned $36M.
How is the 1952 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 1952. 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.
How often is the 1952 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.