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 → |
1
| Kissing Jessica Stein |
| Initial Theatrical Release: March 13, 2002 (Wide) by Fox Searchlight |
| Keywords: LGBTQ+, Romance |
| Classification: Based on Play, Romantic Comedy, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $7,025,722 |
|
International BO: $2,319,339 |
2
| My Big Fat Greek Wedding |
| Director: Joel Zwick |
| Lead Roles: Nia Vardalos as Fotoula “Toula” Portokalos, John Corbett as Ian Miller |
| Initial Theatrical Release: April 19, 2002 (Wide) by IFC Films |
| Keywords: Romance, Romantic Comedy |
| Classification: Based on Play, Romantic Comedy, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $241,438,208 |
|
International BO: $133,451,826 |
Synopsis
A young Greek-American woman, Toula Portokalos, falls in love and plans to marry outside of Greek tradition. As her loving, yet overbearing, family struggles to accept her non-Greek fiancé, Ian Miller, she gradually comes to terms with her heritage and cultural identity.
3
| Adaptation |
| Director: Spike Jonze |
| Lead Roles: Nicolas Cage as Charlie Kaufman |
| Initial Theatrical Release: December 6, 2002 (Limited) by Sony Pictures |
| Keywords: Same Actor, Multiple Roles, Writing and Writers, Movie Business, Writer's Block, Death of a Sibling, Comedy Drama, Romance, Twins, Death of a Twin, Autobiographical, Inspired by a True Story, Voiceover/Narration, Car Accident, Relationships Gone Wrong, Dysfunctional Family, Narcotics |
| Classification: Based on Fiction Book/Short Story, Comedy, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $22,498,520 |
|
International BO: $10,033,236 |
4
| 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: $345,115,396 |
|
International BO: $576,599,780 |
5
| Sorority Boys |
| Director: Wally Wolodarsky |
| Initial Theatrical Release: March 22, 2002 (Wide) by Walt Disney |
| Keywords: Cross-Dressing, College, Fraternity/Sorority, Farcical / Slapstick Comedy |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Comedy, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $10,198,766 |
|
International BO: $2,317,456 |
6
| Slackers |
| Director: Dewey Nicks |
| Initial Theatrical Release: February 1, 2002 (Wide) by Sony Pictures |
| Keywords: Slackers, College, Romance, Relationships Gone Wrong, Cheating, Romantic Comedy, Stalker |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Romantic Comedy, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $4,814,244 |
|
International BO: $1,127,974 |
7
| Stealing Harvard |
| Director: Bruce McCulloch |
| Initial Theatrical Release: September 13, 2002 (Wide) by Sony Pictures |
| Keywords: Crime Comedy, Money Troubles, Heist |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Comedy, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $13,973,532 |
8
| Charly |
| Director: Adam Thomas Anderegg |
| Lead Roles: Heather Beers, Jeremy Elliott |
| Initial Theatrical Release: September 27, 2002 (Limited) by Excel Entertainment |
| Keywords: Romance, Interfaith Romance, Mormons, Faith-Based Film |
| Classification: Based on Fiction Book/Short Story, Comedy, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $814,666 |
9
| Bowling for Columbine |
| Director: Michael Moore |
| Initial Theatrical Release: October 11, 2002 (Limited) by MGM |
| Keywords: Political Documentary, Oscars Best Documentary Winner, Mass Shooting, Agitprop, Political, Voiceover/Narration, Directing Yourself |
| Classification: Based on Real Life Events, Documentary, Live Action, Factual |
|
Domestic BO: $21,576,018 |
|
International BO: $36,664,469 |
10
| Undisputed |
| Director: Walter Hill |
| Lead Roles: Wesley Snipes as Monroe Hutchen |
| Initial Theatrical Release: August 23, 2002 (Wide) by Miramax |
| Keywords: Boxing, Sports Drama, Sex Crimes, Prison, Killing a Romantic Rival, Mafia, Terminal Illness, Inheritance |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Drama, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $12,398,628 |
11
| Empire |
| Director: Franc. Reyes |
| Initial Theatrical Release: December 6, 2002 (Wide) by Universal |
| Keywords: Hood Film, Crime Drama, Crime Boss, Organized Crime, Set in New York City, Set in New York, Set in The Bronx, Drug Dealer, White Collar Crime, Going Legit, Gang Warfare, Fugitive / On the Run |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Drama, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $17,504,595 |
|
International BO: $990,849 |
12
| The Master of Disguise |
| Director: Perry Andelin Blake |
| Lead Roles: Dana Carvey as Pistachio Disguisey |
| Initial Theatrical Release: August 2, 2002 (Wide) by Sony Pictures |
| Keywords: Crime Comedy, Famously Bad, Prologue, 1970s, Set in Italy, Organized Crime, Kidnap, Father’s Footsteps, Screenplay Written By the Star |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Comedy, Live Action, Kids Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $40,363,530 |
13
| The Quiet American |
| Director: Phillip Noyce |
| Initial Theatrical Release: November 22, 2002 (Limited) by Miramax |
| Keywords: Vietnam War, War, Political Thriller, Romance, Love Triangle, Relationships Gone Wrong, Killing a Romantic Rival, Terrorism |
| Classification: Based on Fiction Book/Short Story, Drama, Live Action, Historical Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $12,987,647 |
|
International BO: $13,360,556 |
14
| Frailty |
| Director: Bill Paxton |
| Initial Theatrical Release: April 12, 2002 (Wide) by Lionsgate |
| Keywords: Demons, Psychological Thriller, Non-Chronological, Religious, Surprise Twist, Dysfunctional Family, False Identity, Directing Yourself |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Thriller/Suspense, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $13,110,448 |
|
International BO: $6,836,832 |
15
| Secretary |
| Director: Steven Shainberg |
| Initial Theatrical Release: September 20, 2002 (Wide) by Lionsgate |
| Keywords: Voiceover/Narration, Mental Illness, Sexual Fetishism, Non-Chronological, Dysfunctional Family, Boss From Hell, Delayed Adulthood, Erotic Drama |
| Classification: Based on Fiction Book/Short Story, Drama, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $4,046,737 |
|
International BO: $5,365,278 |
16
| Auto Focus |
| Director: Paul Schrader |
| Initial Theatrical Release: October 18, 2002 (Limited) by Sony Pictures Classics |
| Keywords: Biography, TV Industry, Amateur Porn |
| Classification: Based on Fiction Book/Short Story, Drama, Live Action, Dramatization |
|
Domestic BO: $2,062,066 |
|
International BO: $641,755 |
17
| The Banger Sisters |
| Director: Bob Dolman |
| Lead Roles: Susan Sarandon as Lavinia, Goldie Hawn as Suzette |
| Initial Theatrical Release: September 20, 2002 (Wide) by 20th Century Fox |
| Keywords: Comedy Drama, The Past Catching up with You, Politicians, Dysfunctional Family, Writing and Writers, Adult Child Dealing with the Death of a Parent, Narcotics, Fired, Mid-Life Crisis |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Comedy, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $30,306,281 |
|
International BO: $7,760,937 |
18
| Equilibrium |
| Director: Kurt Wimmer |
| Lead Roles: Christian Bale as Clerick John Preston |
| Initial Theatrical Release: December 6, 2002 (Limited) by Miramax/Dimension |
| Keywords: Prologue, Voiceover/Narration, Post Apocalypse, Cyberpunk, Surprise Twist, False Identity, Death of a Spouse or Fiancée / Fiancé, Young Child Dealing with the Death of a Parent, Dream Sequence, Martial Arts |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Action, Live Action, Science Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $1,190,018 |
|
International BO: $4,155,851 |
19
| Swept Away |
| Director: Guy Ritchie |
| Lead Roles: Madonna as Amber, Adriano Giannini as Giuseppe, a mariner |
| Initial Theatrical Release: October 11, 2002 (Limited) by Sony Pictures |
| Keywords: Marooned, Romance |
| Classification: Remake, Romantic Comedy, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $598,645 |
|
International BO: $12,387 |
20
| The Singles Ward |
| Initial Theatrical Release: February 1, 2002 (Wide) by Halestorm Entertainment |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Comedy, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $1,250,798 |
21
| Windtalkers |
| Director: John Woo |
| Lead Roles: Nicolas Cage as Sergeant Joe Enders, Adam Beach as Private Ben Yahzee |
| Initial Theatrical Release: June 14, 2002 (Wide) by MGM |
| Keywords: World War II, Disrupted by 2001 September 11 Attacks |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Action, Live Action, Historical Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $40,914,068 |
|
International BO: $36,714,197 |
Synopsis
Joe Ender feels guilty for losing his entire platoon in an ambush, and gets a chance to prove himself by protecting Navajo soldier Ben Yahzee, who is a critical asset.
22
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| Metropolis |
| Director: Rintaro |
| Video Release Date: January 1, 2002 by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment |
| Keywords: Anime, Robot |
| Classification: Based on Comic/Graphic Novel, Adventure, Hand Animation, Science Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $673,414 |
|
International BO: $731,618 |
Synopsis
A Japanese detective and his young nephew go on the trail of a dangerous scientist, who they discover has created the beautiful Tima, destined to control humanity’s future.
23
| 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 |
24
| Y Tu Mamá También |
| Director: Alfonso Cuarón |
| Initial Theatrical Release: March 15, 2002 (Wide) by IFC Films, released as Y Tu Mama Tambien (And Your Mother Too) |
| Keywords: Road Trip, Coming of Age, Life Drama, Sexual Awakening, LGBTQ+, Love Triangle, Set in Mexico, Set in Mexico City |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Drama, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $13,649,881 |
|
International BO: $20,000,000 |
25
| Love Liza |
| Initial Theatrical Release: December 30, 2002 (Limited) |
| Classification: Drama, Live Action |
|
Domestic BO: $213,137 |