1989 Top-Grossing Movies (Inflation-Adjusted Dollars)

Note: This chart ranks movies by the amount they earned during 1989. It includes movies released in previous years that earned money during 1989. For example, a movie released over Thanksgiving in 1988 will most likely earn money in 1988 and 1989.

To see the top movies released in 1989 (ranked by their total cumulative gross across all years), click the “Released in 1989” button below.

Inflation-adjusted figures are based on ticket sale estimates.

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Show ActualsReleased in 1989
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RankMovieRelease DateDistributorGenre1989 Gross
Infl. adj.		Tickets Sold
1BatmanJun 23, 1989Warner Bros.Action$752,937,22663,263,185
2Indiana Jones and the Last Cr…May 24, 1989Paramount PicturesAdventure$591,021,25349,416,492
3Lethal Weapon 2Jul 7, 1989Warner Bros.Action$441,392,90036,905,760
4Honey, I Shrunk the KidsJun 23, 1989Walt DisneyAdventure$391,844,88632,762,950
5Rain ManDec 16, 1988MGMComedy$376,633,76931,491,117
6Look Who’s TalkingOct 13, 1989Sony PicturesComedy$360,926,65030,177,813
7Ghostbusters IIJun 16, 1989Sony PicturesComedy$337,202,27228,194,169
8Back to the Future Part IINov 22, 1989UniversalAdventure$310,137,61125,931,238
9ParenthoodAug 2, 1989UniversalComedy$299,892,74425,074,644
10Dead Poets SocietyJun 2, 1989Walt DisneyDrama$287,340,09724,025,091
11When Harry Met Sally…Jul 14, 1989ColumbiaRomantic Comedy$276,646,52623,130,980
12Turner & HoochJul 28, 1989Walt DisneyComedy$213,061,60017,814,515
13Uncle BuckAug 16, 1989UniversalComedy$200,108,29916,731,463
14Field of DreamsApr 21, 1989UniversalDrama$193,133,39216,148,276
15National Lampoon’s Christmas …Dec 1, 1989Warner Bros.Comedy$178,345,83514,911,859
16Sea of LoveSep 15, 1989UniversalThriller/Suspense$175,567,74314,679,577
17Pet SemataryApr 21, 1989Paramount PicturesHorror$172,263,50414,403,303
18Harlem NightsNov 17, 1989Paramount PicturesComedy$167,089,29013,970,676
19BeachesDec 21, 1988Drama$164,409,85513,746,643
20The AbyssAug 9, 198920th Century FoxAdventure$162,593,42713,594,768
21To the LimitNov 15, 1989Documentary$158,867,16813,283,208
22Star Trek V: The Final Fronti…Jun 9, 1989Paramount PicturesAction$156,499,29513,085,225
23The Little MermaidNov 15, 1989Walt DisneyMusical$153,129,64112,803,481
24Steel MagnoliasNov 15, 1989Sony PicturesComedy$152,239,60112,729,063
25Major LeagueApr 7, 1989Paramount PicturesComedy$149,254,36712,479,462
26See No Evil, Hear No EvilMay 12, 1989Sony PicturesComedy$140,582,45611,754,385
27Black RainSep 22, 1989Paramount PicturesThriller/Suspense$137,561,61811,501,807
28Working GirlDec 20, 198820th Century FoxComedy$134,812,77811,271,971
29The War of the RosesDec 8, 198920th Century FoxBlack Comedy$131,308,41410,978,964
30Three FugitivesJan 27, 1989Walt DisneyComedy$121,668,27110,172,932
31Bill & Ted’s Excellent Advent…Feb 17, 1989Orion PicturesAdventure$121,353,65110,146,626
32K-9Apr 28, 1989UniversalComedy$116,480,1769,739,145
33TwinsDec 9, 1988UniversalComedy$116,414,3549,733,641
34The Karate Kid, Part IIIJun 30, 1989Sony PicturesAction$116,282,6089,722,626
35The ‘BurbsFeb 17, 1989UniversalBlack Comedy$106,058,0618,867,730
36Licence to KillJul 14, 1989MGMAction$103,914,1608,688,474
37Fletch LivesMar 17, 1989UniversalComedy$99,717,2018,337,558
38Dangerous LiaisonsDec 21, 1988Drama$97,909,6358,186,424
39Weekend at Bernie’sJul 5, 198920th Century FoxComedy$90,579,4267,573,530
40Road HouseMay 19, 1989United ArtistsAction$90,074,7717,531,335
41Lean on MeMar 3, 1989Warner Bros.Drama$89,394,6757,474,471
42L'OursOct 25, 1989Sony/TriStarAdventure$88,619,3177,409,641
43The Dream TeamApr 7, 1989UniversalComedy$80,313,7986,715,200
44All Dogs Go To HeavenNov 17, 1989MGMAdventure$78,596,9156,571,648
45Do the Right ThingJun 30, 1989UniversalDrama$77,946,9056,517,299
46Sex, Lies, and VideotapeAug 4, 1989MiramaxDrama$74,162,9926,200,919
47The Accidental TouristDec 23, 1988Drama$71,993,3436,019,510
48Tango & CashDec 22, 1989Warner Bros.Action$70,287,7905,876,905
49The Naked Gun: From the Files…Dec 2, 1988Paramount PicturesComedy$69,099,2275,777,527
50A Nightmare On Elm Street: Th…Aug 11, 1989New LineHorror$66,449,5175,555,979
51Lock UpAug 4, 1989Sony PicturesAction$66,244,1535,538,808
52AlwaysDec 22, 1989UniversalDrama$65,976,4415,516,424
53CousinsFeb 10, 1989Paramount PicturesRomantic Comedy$65,067,3045,440,410
54Say Anything…Apr 14, 198920th Century FoxDrama$60,059,9945,021,738
55DadOct 27, 1989UniversalComedy$59,164,5764,946,870
56The Fly IIFeb 10, 198920th Century FoxHorror$58,275,8584,872,563
57An Innocent ManOct 6, 1989Walt DisneyDrama$58,144,9254,861,615
58Skin DeepMar 3, 198920th Century FoxComedy$56,952,3814,761,904
59Casualties of WarAug 18, 1989Sony PicturesDrama$55,359,8544,628,750
60Mississippi BurningDec 9, 1988Drama$54,719,1254,575,177
61Crimes and MisdemeanorsOct 13, 1989Orion PicturesComedy$54,718,3554,575,113
62The Fabulous Baker BoysOct 13, 198920th Century FoxComedy$54,318,4744,541,678
63Her AlibiFeb 3, 1989Warner Bros.Comedy$51,542,0554,309,536
64ShockerOct 27, 1989UniversalHorror$49,622,6074,149,047
65PrancerNov 17, 1989Orion PicturesDrama$48,305,8054,038,946
66No Holds BarredJun 2, 1989New LineAction$48,240,6184,033,496
67Next of KinOct 20, 1989Warner Bros.Action$47,787,9283,995,646
68Chances AreMar 10, 1989Sony PicturesRomantic Comedy$47,779,0403,994,903
69BlazeDec 13, 1989Walt DisneyDrama$47,645,1783,983,710
70LeviathanMar 17, 1989MGMHorror$46,052,1753,850,516
71She-DevilDec 8, 198920th Century FoxBlack Comedy$46,015,7883,847,473
72KickboxerSep 8, 1989CannonAction$43,564,6183,642,526
73Friday the 13th Part VIII: Ja…Jul 28, 1989Paramount PicturesHorror$42,995,9783,594,981
74The WizardDec 15, 1989UniversalAdventure$42,800,9133,578,671
75Dirty Rotten ScoundrelsDec 14, 1988Orion PicturesComedy$42,417,3633,546,602
76Great Balls of Fire!Jun 30, 1989Orion PicturesDrama$41,040,3353,431,466
77Peter PanFeb 5, 1953RKO Radio PicturesAdventure$40,351,2533,373,850
78Pink CadillacMay 26, 1989Warner Bros.Comedy$36,400,0173,043,479
79She's Out of ControlApr 14, 1989Sony PicturesComedy$36,167,4363,024,033
80Physical EvidenceJan 27, 1989Sony PicturesThriller/Suspense$35,969,9253,007,518
81Halloween 5: The Revenge of M…Oct 13, 1989Galaxy Internatio…Horror$34,897,5832,917,858
82Police Academy 6: City Under …Mar 10, 1989Warner Bros.Comedy$34,672,0102,898,997
83Young EinsteinAug 4, 1989Warner Bros.Comedy$34,580,8832,891,378
84Gross AnatomyOct 20, 1989Walt DisneyDrama$34,010,1212,843,655
85Family BusinessDec 15, 1989Sony PicturesComedy$33,133,8012,770,384
86Who's Harry Crumb?Feb 3, 1989Sony/TriStarComedy$32,919,5672,752,472
87New York StoriesMar 1, 1989Walt DisneyDrama$32,263,4312,697,611
88The PackageAug 25, 1989Orion PicturesAction$31,914,9722,668,475
89We're No AngelsDec 15, 1989Paramount PicturesComedy$31,639,5892,645,450
90Koneko monogatariAug 25, 1989Sony PicturesAdventure$30,478,4112,548,362
91CyborgApr 7, 1989CannonAction$30,067,4852,514,003
92Tequila SunriseDec 2, 1988Warner Bros.Thriller/Suspense$28,417,1282,376,014
93Criminal LawApr 28, 1989HemdaleThriller/Suspense$28,306,9822,366,804
94Oliver & CompanyNov 18, 1988Walt DisneyAdventure$27,602,5052,307,901
95TapFeb 10, 1989Sony PicturesDrama$27,321,2622,284,386
96RenegadesJun 2, 1989UniversalAction$27,022,8982,259,439
97ScandalApr 28, 1989MiramaxDrama$26,377,9452,205,513
98True BelieverFeb 17, 1989Sony PicturesDrama$26,204,0902,190,977
99My Stepmother Is an AlienDec 9, 1988Sony PicturesComedy$26,004,2142,174,265
100The Land Before TimeNov 18, 1988UniversalAdventure$24,132,2532,017,746
101The Adventures of Baron Munch…Mar 10, 1989Sony PicturesComedy$24,099,8742,015,039
102CheetahAug 18, 1989Walt DisneyAdventure$23,626,9951,975,501
103Deepstar SixJan 13, 1989Sony PicturesHorror$23,155,1801,936,051
104Disorganized CrimeApr 14, 1989Walt DisneyComedy$21,612,3761,807,054
105Troop Beverly HillsMar 22, 1989Sony PicturesComedy$21,553,4941,802,131
106I'm Gonna Git You SuckaDec 14, 1988Comedy$21,332,0961,783,620
107Dead CalmApr 7, 1989Warner Bros.Thriller/Suspense$21,081,1191,762,635
108RelentlessAug 29, 1989New LineThriller/Suspense$20,940,4881,750,876
109ShagJul 1, 1989$20,856,4861,743,853
110Dead BangMar 24, 1989Warner Bros.Action$20,788,2671,738,149
111Johnny HandsomeSep 29, 1989Sony PicturesThriller/Suspense$19,850,7971,659,765
112Die HardJul 15, 198820th Century FoxAction$19,485,4871,629,221
113Music BoxDec 25, 1989Sony/TriStarThriller/Suspense$18,775,9501,569,895
114UHFJul 21, 1989Comedy$18,456,0401,543,147
115Cocoon: The ReturnNov 23, 198820th Century FoxAdventure$17,994,9261,504,592
116Immediate FamilyOct 27, 1989Sony PicturesDrama$17,509,2181,463,981
117MillenniumAug 25, 198920th Century FoxThriller/Suspense$17,161,7101,434,925
118Dream a Little DreamMar 3, 1989VestronRomantic Comedy$15,501,3261,296,097
119Second SightNov 3, 1989Warner Bros.Black Comedy$14,987,4691,253,132
120Let it RideAug 18, 1989Paramount PicturesComedy$14,900,8051,245,886
121See You in the MorningApr 21, 1989Warner Bros.Drama$14,373,0091,201,756
122Born on the Fourth of JulyDec 20, 1989UniversalDrama$14,330,5771,198,208
123Drugstore CowboyOct 6, 1989Avenue Pictures P…Drama$14,176,2031,185,301
124January ManJan 13, 1989MGMComedy$13,821,6291,155,654
125Driving Miss DaisyDec 13, 1989Warner Bros.Drama$13,745,3671,149,278
126Crossing DelanceyAug 24, 1988Warner Bros.Romantic Comedy$13,616,7271,138,522
127ScroogedNov 23, 1988Paramount PicturesComedy$13,589,9351,136,282
128Henry VNov 8, 1989Goldwyn Entertain…Drama$13,574,4351,134,986
129Child’s PlayNov 9, 1988United ArtistsHorror$13,508,0531,129,435
130The RescuersJun 22, 1977Walt DisneyAdventure$13,241,9441,107,185
131Staying TogetherNov 10, 1989HemdaleComedy$13,033,1781,089,730
132Lawrence of ArabiaDec 16, 1962Adventure$12,992,7301,086,348
133My Left Foot: The Story of Ch…Nov 10, 1989MiramaxDrama$12,976,0211,084,951
134Red ScorpionApr 19, 1989Action$12,565,4941,050,626
135Hellbound: Hellraiser IIDec 23, 1988New WorldHorror$12,558,2671,050,022
136Listen to MeMay 5, 1989Sony PicturesDrama$12,521,8741,046,979
137The Mighty QuinnFeb 16, 1989MGMThriller/Suspense$11,967,2541,000,606
138The Phantom of the OperaNov 3, 1989Sony PicturesHorror$11,851,326990,913
139Earth Girls are EasyMay 12, 1989VestronRomantic Comedy$11,739,094981,529
140LoverboyApr 28, 1989Sony PicturesRomantic Comedy$11,653,812974,398
141PumpkinheadOct 14, 1988Horror$11,411,665954,152
142Worth WinningOct 27, 198920th Century FoxRomantic Comedy$11,061,735924,894
143Old GringoOct 6, 1989Adventure$10,713,810895,803
144Fat Man and Little BoyOct 20, 1989Paramount PicturesDrama$10,673,901892,466
145In CountrySep 15, 1989Warner Bros.Drama$10,587,061885,205
146A Dry White SeasonSep 20, 1989MGMThriller/Suspense$9,840,442822,779
147Rude AwakeningAug 16, 1989$9,501,213794,415
148KinjiteFeb 3, 1989CannonAction$9,256,518773,956
149Speed Zone!Apr 21, 1989Orion PicturesComedy$9,223,471771,193
150Talk RadioDec 1, 1988Thriller/Suspense$9,006,983753,092
151976-EvilMar 22, 1989New LineHorror$8,860,343740,831
152Mystic PizzaOct 21, 1988Samuel Goldwyn Fi…Comedy$8,780,582734,162
153Night of the DemonsOct 14, 1988Paragon PicturesHorror$8,536,583713,761
154Mujeres al borde de un ataque…Nov 11, 1988Black Comedy$7,981,379667,339
155Gleaming the CubeJan 13, 198920th Century FoxAction$7,357,618615,185
156Who Framed Roger Rabbit?Jun 22, 1988Walt DisneyComedy$7,325,050612,462
157BigJun 3, 198820th Century FoxComedy$7,234,763604,913
158Farewell to the KingMar 3, 1989Orion Pictures$7,077,478591,762
159Fright Night Part 2May 19, 1989New Century Vista…Horror$7,044,977589,044
160SingMar 31, 1989$6,776,182566,570
161Torch Song TrilogyDec 14, 1988Comedy$6,593,134551,265
162Scenes from the Class Struggl…Jan 1, 1989Comedy$6,464,008540,468
163JacknifeMar 10, 1989$6,144,170513,726
164RooftopsJan 1, 1989$6,126,544512,252
165Winter PeopleApr 14, 1989Sony Pictures$6,064,775507,088
166Erik the VikingSep 22, 1989Comedy$5,793,082484,371
167CommunionJan 1, 1989Horror$5,752,190480,952
168Miss FirecrackerApr 28, 1989CorsairComedy$5,553,322464,324
169Breaking InOct 13, 1989Goldwyn Entertain…Comedy$5,428,719453,906
170BloodfistSep 22, 1989ConcordeAction$5,305,810443,629
171CookieAug 23, 1989Warner Bros.Comedy$5,262,040439,969
172The Horror ShowJan 1, 1989$5,212,333435,813
173Best of the BestNov 10, 198920th Century FoxAction$5,095,739426,065
174The Stepfather 2Nov 3, 1989Millimeter FilmsThriller/Suspense$4,555,579380,901
175Camille ClaudelDec 21, 1989Orion ClassicsDrama$4,373,211365,653
176The Navigator: A Medieval Ody…Mar 3, 1989$3,996,795334,180
177Babar The MovieJul 28, 1989New LineAdventure$3,912,290327,115
178Gone with the WindDec 15, 1939MGMDrama$3,728,780311,771
179High HopesFeb 24, 1989SkourasComedy$3,573,978298,827
180ValmontNov 1, 1989Orion PicturesDrama$3,393,163283,709
181Heart of DixieAug 25, 1989Orion PicturesDrama$3,276,294273,937
182Miracle MileMay 19, 1989Sony PicturesThriller/Suspense$3,275,727273,890
183Welcome HomeSep 29, 1989Sony PicturesDrama$3,086,885258,100
184Lost AngelsMay 5, 1989Orion PicturesDrama$3,038,317254,039
185WiredJan 1, 1989$2,997,494250,626
186HeathersMar 31, 1989New WorldComedy$2,779,018232,359
187Queen of HeartsSep 20, 1989CinecomComedy$2,751,160230,030
188American Ninja 3: Blood HuntFeb 24, 1989CannonAction$2,703,739226,065
189ParentsJan 27, 1989VestronBlack Comedy$2,609,414218,178
190Vampire's KissJun 2, 1989HemdaleHorror$2,173,576181,737
191How I Got Into CollegeMay 19, 198920th Century FoxComedy$1,953,916163,370
192CageSep 1, 1989New Century Vista…Action$1,852,985154,931
193Rosalie Goes ShoppingJan 1, 1989$1,720,801143,879
194The Time GuardianAug 4, 1989Action$1,642,627137,343
195Little MonstersAug 25, 1989MGMComedy$1,627,456136,074
196Eddie and the Cruisers IIAug 18, 1989Musical$1,618,647135,338
197Crack HouseNov 10, 1989CannonAction$1,458,946121,985
198Fast FoodJan 1, 1989$1,415,836118,380
199Slaves of New YorkMar 17, 1989Sony PicturesDrama$1,390,753116,283
200Pelle erobrerenDec 21, 1988Drama$1,357,859113,533
201Enemies: A Love StoryDec 13, 198920th Century FoxComedy$1,346,432112,577
202Out of the DarkMay 5, 1989CinetelHorror$1,257,233105,119
203GloryDec 13, 1989Sony PicturesDrama$1,196,680100,056
204Mystery TrainNov 17, 1989Orion ClassicsComedy$1,102,71592,200
205Roger & MeDec 20, 1989Warner Bros.Documentary$1,093,36691,418
206Night GameSep 15, 1989Thriller/Suspense$1,012,58984,664
207CrusoeMar 31, 1989$945,47279,052
208Out ColdMar 3, 1989$882,06073,750
209Cold FeetMay 19, 1989Avenue Pictures P…Comedy$869,19872,675
210Kill Me AgainOct 27, 1989MGMThriller/Suspense$850,37171,101
211Eat a Bowl of TeaJul 21, 1989Sony PicturesRomantic Comedy$693,68958,000
212Fist FighterMay 12, 1989TaurusAction$662,93555,429
213A Chorus of DisapprovalAug 18, 1989Comedy$647,45954,135
214The Return of Swamp ThingMay 12, 1989Millimeter FilmsHorror$577,96548,324
215For Queen & CountryMay 19, 1989AtlanticAction$572,67447,882
216The ExpertsJan 13, 1989Paramount PicturesComedy$507,18542,406
21784C MoPicApr 7, 1989New Century Vista…Drama$462,40538,662
218Triumph of the SpiritDec 8, 1989Drama$381,75531,919
219The Big PictureSep 15, 1989Sony PicturesComedy$352,09529,439
220Heart of MidnightMar 3, 1989Horror$338,71728,320
221The Thin Blue LineAug 25, 1988MiramaxDocumentary$331,42427,711
222No Retreat, No Surrender 2Jan 27, 1989Action$324,19127,106
223Edge of SanityJan 1, 1989Millimeter FilmsHorror$306,40125,618
224Race for GloryAug 11, 1989New Century Vista…Action$300,72725,144
225Signs of LifeMay 5, 1989Drama$287,75924,060
226Full Moon in Blue WaterNov 18, 1988Trans World Enter…Comedy$163,90613,704
227Warm Nights on a Slow Moving …Mar 31, 1989MiramaxDrama$163,22613,647
228Bloodhounds of BroadwayNov 3, 1989Sony PicturesComedy$131,89011,027
229Checking OutApr 21, 1989Warner Bros.Comedy$92,9227,769
230To Kill a PriestOct 13, 1989ColumbiaDrama$89,9257,518
231Bye Bye BabyMay 19, 1989Prism Entertainme…Comedy$88,6217,409
232The Toxic Avenger Part IIFeb 24, 1989Troma Entertainme…Black Comedy$86,7777,255
233On the Black HillJul 21, 1989Roxie ReleasingDrama$55,7234,659
234Valentino ReturnsJul 21, 1989SkourasDrama$47,8223,998
235Far From HomeJun 30, 1989VestronThriller/Suspense$35,9703,007
236Haunted SummerJul 5, 1989CannonDrama$29,9752,506
237Ich und erAug 4, 1989ColumbiaComedy$24,7742,071
238Heaven Becomes HellMar 30, 1989TaurusHorror$22,1961,855
239Fear, Anxiety and DepressionDec 8, 1989Samuel Goldwyn Fi…Comedy$12,6251,055