Biggest box office surprises of 2013:
Gravity: While it seems like a no-brainer now, Gravity could very easily have been a flop: two actors, both over the age of 45, alone in space isn’t exactly a slam dunk at the box office. But director Alfonso Cuaron made a must-see movie, and Warner Bros. delivered a strong marketing campaign. With over $250 million at the domestic box office – and over $615 million worldwide -- Gravity is by far the most successful original movie of the year.
The Heat: In a summer packed with successful comedies, the biggest of them was June’s The Heat ($159.6 million). Starring Sandra Bullock (appearing twice on this list thanks to Gravity) and Melissa McCarthy, and directed by Bridesmaids helmer Paul Feig, The Heat wound up being a great option for under-served female moviegoers.
She truly slaughtered the competition this year.
