It’s an understatement to say Will Smith has starred in some of the biggest films of the past two decades — Bad Boys in 1995, I, Robot in 2004, Suicide Squad in 2016 and of course his apocalypse-thwarting lead role in Independence Day from 1996 all come to mind. However, after 23 years of being his highest-grossing film ever, the latter film has now been knocked down a notch by the success of his latest blockbuster smash with Disney’s live-action remake of Aladdin.
Going by the numbers, the box office sales for Aladdin ($874.2 million USD) ousted that of Independence Day ($817.4 million USD) by a cool $56.8 million USD, which is only expected to rise as the film has only been in theaters for a little over a month. Even if there was, to say, a special re-release of ID4 for the Fourth of July in a few days, we doubt it would be able to top the juggernaut success that Disney has currently been having with all of its live-action remakes of those classic 2D cartoon films of the ’90s. Smith plays the coveted role as The Genie, which originally garnered critiscism for his “Smurf-like” appearance. Haters, you all can fall back now!
Here’s a look at Will’s top five highest grossing films so far, via Box Office Mojo:
1. Aladdin (2019) – $874.2m USD
2. Independence Day (1996) – $817.4m USD
3. Suicide Squad (2016) – $746.8m USD
4. Hancock (2008) – $624.4m USD
5. Men In Black 3 (2012) – $624m USD
Aladdin is only behind Avengers: Endgame and Captain Marvel as biggest movies of 2019 across the globe. While that may change in a few weeks when The Lion King hits theaters — one word: BEYONCÉ! — Big Willie will have another chance to top himself later this year when Gemini Man hits theaters on October 11.
Congratualtions on the continued success, Will Smith! Let us know some of your favorite roles by the Fresh Prince of Hollywood by hitting us on Facebook on Twitter.
