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Top 5 Australian feature films each year

Ranked by gross Australian box office earned that year, 1988–2017

2017 | 2016 |2015 |2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1996 | 1995 | 1994 | 1993 | 1992 | 1991 | 1990 | 1989 | 1988

Next update February 2019

2017

Rank Title Distributor Box office ($)
1 Lion Transmission 29,464,072
2 RED DOG: True Blue1 Roadshow 5,950,186
3 Jasper Jones Madman 2,703,451
4 Dance Academy StudioCanal 2,114,801
5 Mountain Madman 2,023,873

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA). Compiled by Screen Australia.

Notes:
Includes Australian productions and productions with overseas partners where creative control is shared (i.e. with a mix of Australians in key creative positions).
Earnings are in current dollars (i.e. not adjusted for inflation) and per calendar year so do not necessarily represent total earnings for a film. Box office data from 1 January to 31 December 2017, as reported in the MPDAA master report, January 2018.
1. Still screening in cinemas in 2017.

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2016

Rank Title Distributor Box office ($)
1 Hacksaw Ridge Icon 8,168,447
2 Gods of Egypt Entertainment One 2,530,929
3 The Daughter Roadshow 1,752,633
4 The Dressmaker1 Universal 1,720,199
5 RED DOG: True Blue Roadshow 1,591,898

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA). Compiled by Screen Australia.

Notes:
Includes Australian productions and productions with overseas partners where creative control is shared (i.e. with a mix of Australians in key creative positions).
Earnings are in current dollars (i.e. not adjusted for inflation) and per calendar year so do not necessarily represent total earnings for a film. Box office data from 1 January to 31 December 2016, as reported in the MPDAA master report, January 2017.
1. Still screening in cinemas in 2016.

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2015

Rank Title Distributor Box office ($)
1 Mad Max: Fury Road Roadshow 21,685,344
2 The Dressmaker Universal 18,557,934
3 Oddball Roadshow 11,043,604
4 The Water Diviner1 Universal 10,148,891
5 Paper Planes Roadshow 9,654,965

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA). Compiled by Screen Australia.

Notes:
Includes Australian productions and productions with overseas partners where creative control is shared (i.e. with a mix of Australians in key creative positions).
Earnings are in current dollars (i.e. not adjusted for inflation) and per calendar year so do not necessarily represent total earnings for a film. Box office data from 1 January to 31 December 2015, as reported in the MPDAA master report, January 2016.
1. Still screening in cinemas in 2015.

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2014

Rank Title Distributor Box office ($)
1 The Water Diviner1 Universal/eOne $5,689,820
2 The Railway Man (Australia/UK) Paramount/Transmission $5,537,410
3 Wolf Creek 2 Roadshow $4,732,168
4 Tracks Paramount/Transmission $2,443,817
5 Predestination Pinnacle Films $779,474

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA). Compiled by Screen Australia.

Notes:
Includes Australian productions and productions with overseas partners where creative control is shared (i.e. with a mix of Australians in key creative positions).
Earnings are in current dollars (i.e. not adjusted for inflation) and per calendar year so do not necessarily represent total earnings for a film. Box office data from 1 January to 31 December 2014, as reported in the MPDAA master report, January 2015.
1. Still screening in cinemas in 2015.

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2013

Rank Title Distributor Box office ($)
1 The Great Gatsby Roadshow $27,383,762
2 The Railway Man (Australia/UK)1 Transmission $1,747,999
3 Goddess Roadshow $1,636,201
4 The Turning1 Madman $1,248,511
5 Return to Nim’s Island Pinnacle $1,220,248

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA). Compiled by Screen Australia.

Notes:
Includes Australian productions and productions with overseas partners where creative control is shared (i.e. with a mix of Australians in key creative positions).
Earnings are in current dollars (i.e. not adjusted for inflation) and per calendar year so do not necessarily represent total earnings for a film. Box office data from 1 January to 31 December 2013, as reported in the MPDAA master report, January 2014.
1. Still screening in cinemas in 2014.

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2012

Rank Title Distributor Box office ($)
1 The Sapphires eOne/Hopscotch $14,465,831
2 Happy Feet Two Roadshow $8,233,118
3 Kath & Kimderella Roadshow $6,081,439
4 A Few Best Men Icon $5,296,692
5 Mental Universal $4,078,168

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA). Compiled by Screen Australia.

Notes:
Includes Australian productions and productions with overseas partners where creative control is shared (i.e. with a mix of Australians in key creative positions).
Earnings are in current dollars (i.e. not adjusted for inflation) and per calendar year so do not necessarily represent total earnings for a film. Box office data from 1 January to 31 December 2012, as reported in the MPDAA master report, January 2013.

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2011

Rank Title Distributor Box office ($)
1 Red Dog Roadshow $21,327,512
2 Sanctum Universal $3,871,962
3 Oranges and Sunshine Icon $3,848,486
4 The Cup Roadshow $2,740,661
5 Happy Feet Two1 Roadshow $2,461,799

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA). Compiled by Screen Australia.

Notes:
Includes Australian productions and productions with overseas partners where creative control is shared (i.e. with a mix of Australians in key creative positions).
Earnings are in current dollars (i.e. not adjusted for inflation) and per calendar year so do not necessarily represent total earnings for a film. Box office data from 1 January to 31 December 2011, as reported in the MPDAA master report, January 2012.
1. Still screening in cinemas as at 22 January 2012.

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2010

Rank Title Distributor Box office ($)
1 Tomorrow, When the War Began Paramount 13,480,012
2 Bran Nue Dae Roadshow 7,680,192
3 Animal Kingdom Madman 4,923,536
4 Kings of Mykonos: The Wog Boy 2 Paramount 4,900,524
5 Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole Roadshow 4,730,018

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA). Compiled by Screen Australia.

Notes:
Includes Australian productions and productions with overseas partners where creative control is shared (i.e. with a mix of Australians in key creative positions).
Earnings are in current dollars (i.e. not adjusted for inflation) and per calendar year so do not necessarily represent total earnings for a film. Box office data from 1 January to 31 December 2010, as reported in the MPDAA master report, January 2011.

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2009

Rank Title Distributor Box office ($)
1 Mao’s Last Dancer Hopscotch/Roadshow 14,991,787
2 Australia Fox 10,643,250
3 Knowing (Australia/US) Icon 7,588,162
4 Charlie & Boots Paramount 3,857,743
5 Samson & Delilah Paramount 3,188,931

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA). Compiled by Screen Australia.

Notes:
Includes Australian productions and productions with overseas partners where creative control is shared (i.e. with a mix of Australians in key creative positions).
Earnings are in current dollars (i.e. not adjusted for inflation) and per calendar year so do not necessarily represent total earnings for a film. Box office data from 1 January to 31 December 2009, as reported in the MPDAA master report, January 2010.

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2008

Rank Title Distributor Box office ($)
1 Australia1 Fox 26,915,773
2 The Black Balloon Icon 2,265,689
3 Children of the Silk Road (Australia/China/Germany) Fox 1,199,942
4 Unfinished Sky Palace 966,160
5 Hey Hey It’s Esther Blueburger Disney 843,029

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA). Compiled by Screen Australia.

Notes:
Includes Australian productions and productions with overseas partners where creative control is shared (i.e. with a mix of Australians in key creative positions).
Earnings are in current dollars (i.e. not adjusted for inflation) and per calendar year so do not necessarily represent total earnings for a film. Box office data from 1 January to 31 December 2008, as reported in the MPDAA master report, January 2009.
1. Screened in cinemas over two consecutive years.

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2007

Rank Title Distributor Box office ($)
1 Happy Feet1 Roadshow 20,700,559
2 Romulus, My Father Dendy 2,589,674
3 Rogue Roadshow 1,786,767
4 Bra Boys Hopscotch 1,698,976
5 Razzle Dazzle: A Journey into Dance Palace 1,640,644

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA). Compiled by the Australian Film Commission (AFC).

Notes:
Includes Australian productions and productions with overseas partners where creative control is shared (i.e. with a mix of Australians in key creative positions).
Earnings are in current dollars (i.e. not adjusted for inflation) and per calendar year so do not necessarily represent total earnings for a film. Box office data from 1 January to 31 December 2007, as reported in the MPDAA master report, January 2008.
1. Screened in cinemas over two consecutive years.

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2006

Rank Title Distributor Box office ($)
1 Happy Feet1 Roadshow 11,085,606
2 Kenny1 Madman 7,647,447
3 Jindabyne Roadshow 5,284,884
4 Ten Canoes Palace 3,271,928
5 Kokoda Palace 3,138,501

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA). Compiled by the Australian Film Commission (AFC).

Notes:
Includes Australian productions and productions with overseas partners where creative control is shared (i.e. with a mix of Australians in key creative positions).
Earnings are in current dollars (i.e. not adjusted for inflation) and per calendar year so do not necessarily represent total earnings for a film. Box office data from 1 January to 31 December 2006, as reported in the MPDAA master report, January 2007.
1. Screened in cinemas over two consecutive years.

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2005

Rank Title Distributor Box office ($)
1 Wolf Creek1 Roadshow 5,800,416
2 Little Fish Icon 3,744,921
3 Look Both Ways1 Dendy/Footprint 2,761,337
4 Oyster Farmer (Australia/UK) Becker/Sherman 2,365,497
5 The Proposition (Australia/UK) Sony 2,152,041

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA). Compiled by the Australian Film Commission (AFC).

Notes:
Includes Australian productions and productions with overseas partners where creative control is shared (i.e. with a mix of Australians in key creative positions).
Earnings are in current dollars (i.e. not adjusted for inflation) and per calendar year so do not necessarily represent total earnings for a film. Box office data from 1 January to 31 December 2005, as reported in the MPDAA master report, January 2006.
1. Screened in cinemas over two consecutive years.

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2004

Rank Title Distributor Box office ($)
1 Strange Bedfellows Becker 4,816,495
2 Somersault Hopscotch 2,089,241
3 One Perfect Day Roadshow 1,152,011
4 Love’s Brother Palace 977,106
5 Thunderstruck Icon 908,294

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA). Compiled by the Australian Film Commission (AFC).

Notes:
Includes Australian productions and productions with overseas partners where creative control is shared (i.e. with a mix of Australians in key creative positions).
Earnings are in current dollars (i.e. not adjusted for inflation) and per calendar year so do not necessarily represent total earnings for a film. Box office data from 1 January to 31 December 2004, as reported in the MPDAA master report, January 2005.

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2003

Rank Title Distributor Box office ($)
1 Ned Kelly (Australia/UK) UIP/Universal 8,364,811
2 Japanese Story Palace 3,964,062
3 Fat Pizza Roadshow 3,651,225
4 Bad Eggs Roadshow 2,312,939
5 Gettin’ Square Hoyts 2,137,749

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA). Compiled by the Australian Film Commission (AFC).

Notes:
Includes Australian productions and productions with overseas partners where creative control is shared (i.e. with a mix of Australians in key creative positions).
Earnings are in current dollars (i.e. not adjusted for inflation) and per calendar year so do not necessarily represent total earnings for a film. Box office data from 1 January to 31 December 2003, as reported in the MPDAA master report, January 2004.

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2002

Rank Title Distributor Box office ($)
1 Crackerjack1 Roadshow 7,703,151
2 Rabbit-Proof Fence Becker/Ocean 7,510,545
3 Dirty Deeds Hoyts 5,034,142
4 Charlotte Gray (Australia/UK) UIP/Universal 4,187,336
5 The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course Fox/MGM 3,872,222

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA). Compiled by the Australian Film Commission (AFC).

Notes:
Includes Australian productions and productions with overseas partners where creative control is shared (i.e. with a mix of Australians in key creative positions).
Earnings are in current dollars (i.e. not adjusted for inflation) and per calendar year so do not necessarily represent total earnings for a film. Box office data from 1 January to 31 December 2002, as reported in the MPDAA master report, January 2003.
1. Screened in cinemas over two consecutive years.

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2001

Rank Title Distributor Box office ($)
1 Moulin Rouge Fox 27,431,931
2 Lantana1 Palace 9,883,101
3 The Man Who Sued God BVI 8,108,300
4 Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles (Australia/US) UIP/Universal 7,759,103
5 The Bank Footprint 2,451,648

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA). Compiled by the Australian Film Commission (AFC).

Notes:
Includes Australian productions and productions with overseas partners where creative control is shared (i.e. with a mix of Australians in key creative positions).
Earnings are in current dollars (i.e. not adjusted for inflation) and per calendar year so do not necessarily represent total earnings for a film. Box office data from 1 January to 31 December 2001, as reported in the MPDAA master report, January 2002.
1. Screened in cinemas over two consecutive years.

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2000

Rank Title Distributor Box office ($)
1 The Dish1 Roadshow 16,880,862
2 The Wog Boy Fox 11,448,547
3 Looking for Alibrandi Roadshow 8,300,454
4 Chopper Palace 5,718,014
5 Me Myself I BVI 2,698,330

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA). Compiled by the Australian Film Commission (AFC).

Notes:
Includes Australian productions and productions with overseas partners where creative control is shared (i.e. with a mix of Australians in key creative positions).
Earnings are in current dollars (i.e. not adjusted for inflation) and per calendar year so do not necessarily represent total earnings for a film. Box office data from 1 January to 31 December 2000, as reported in the MPDAA master report, January 2001.
1. Screened in cinemas over two consecutive years.

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1999

Rank Title Distributor Box office ($)
1 Two Hands REP 5,441,578
2 The Craic Roadshow 5,265,935
3 Babe: Pig in the City1 UIP/Universal 3,443,240
4 Paperback Hero PolyGram 1,369,280
5 Sally Marshall Is Not an Alien (Australia/Canada) UIP 1,291,802

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA). Compiled by the Australian Film Commission (AFC).

Notes:
Includes Australian productions and productions with overseas partners where creative control is shared (i.e. with a mix of Australians in key creative positions).
Earnings are in current dollars (i.e. not adjusted for inflation) and per calendar year so do not necessarily represent total earnings for a film. Box office data from 1 January to 31 December 1999, as reported in the MPDAA master report, January 2000.
1. Screened in cinemas over two consecutive years.

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1998

Rank Title Distributor Box office ($)
1 Babe: Pig in the City1 UIP/Universal 4,328,511
2 Dark City Roadshow 3,348,994
3 Head On Palace 1,788,613
4 Oscar and Lucinda Fox 1,766,731
5 The Wiggles Movie1 Fox 1,549,845

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA). Compiled by the Australian Film Commission (AFC).

Notes:
Includes Australian productions and productions with overseas partners where creative control is shared (i.e. with a mix of Australians in key creative positions).
Earnings are in current dollars (i.e. not adjusted for inflation) and per calendar year so do not necessarily represent total earnings for a film. Box office data from 1 January to 31 December 1998, as reported in the MPDAA master report, January 1999.
1. Screened in cinemas over two consecutive years.

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1997

Rank Title Distributor Box office ($)
1 The Castle Roadshow 10,325,587
2 Shine1 Ronin 3,402,923
3 Paradise Road Roadshow 2,970,653
4 Napoleon Columbia 1,790,628
5 Blackrock PolyGram 1,136,983

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA). Compiled by the Australian Film Commission (AFC).

Notes:
Includes Australian productions and productions with overseas partners where creative control is shared (i.e. with a mix of Australians in key creative positions).
Earnings are in current dollars (i.e. not adjusted for inflation) and per calendar year so do not necessarily represent total earnings for a film. Box office data from 1 January to 31 December 1997, as reported in the MPDAA master report, January 1998.
1. Screened in cinemas over two consecutive years.

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1996

Rank Title Distributor Box office ($)
1 Babe1 UIP/Universal 25,804,554
2 Shine1 Ronin 6,764,493
3 Cosi Roadshow 2,896,980
4 Dating the Enemy Total/UIP 2,620,325
5 Love and Other Catastophes Newvision 1,647,929

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA). Compiled by the Australian Film Commission (AFC).

Notes:
Includes Australian productions and productions with overseas partners where creative control is shared (i.e. with a mix of Australians in key creative positions).
Earnings are in current dollars (i.e. not adjusted for inflation) and per calendar year so do not necessarily represent total earnings for a film. Box office data from 1 January to 31 December 1996, as reported in the MPDAA master report, January 1997.
1. Screened in cinemas over two consecutive years.

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1995

Rank Title Distributor Box office ($)
1 Babe1 UIP/Universal 10,972,358
2 Muriel’s Wedding1 Roadshow 1,696,341
3 The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert1 Roadshow 1,601,393
4 Dad and Dave: On Our Selection Roadshow 1,219,247
5 Hotel Sorrento Roadshow 1,213,153

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA). Compiled by the Australian Film Commission (AFC).

Notes:
Includes Australian productions and productions with overseas partners where creative control is shared (i.e. with a mix of Australians in key creative positions).
Earnings are in current dollars (i.e. not adjusted for inflation) and per calendar year so do not necessarily represent total earnings for a film. Box office data from 1 January to 31 December 1995, as reported in the MPDAA master report, January 1996.
1. Screened in cinemas over two consecutive years.

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1994

Rank Title Distributor Box office ($)
1 The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert1 Roadshow 14,845,895
2 Muriel’s Wedding1 Roadshow 14,070,963
3 Lightning Jack Roadshow 6,440,000
4 The Sum of Us UIP 3,285,000
5 Sirens (Australia/UK) Buena Vista 2,781,000

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA). Compiled by the Australian Film Commission (AFC).

Notes:
Includes Australian productions and productions with overseas partners where creative control is shared (i.e. with a mix of Australians in key creative positions).
Earnings are in current dollars (i.e. not adjusted for inflation) and per calendar year so do not necessarily represent total earnings for a film. Box office data from 1 January to 31 December 1994, as reported in the MPDAA master report, January 1995.
1. Screened in cinemas over two consecutive years.

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1993

Rank Title Distributor Box office ($)
1 The Piano1 Miramax 9,200,000
2 Reckless Kelly Roadshow 5,860,000
3 Strictly Ballroom1 Ronin 2,911,000
4 The Heartbreak Kid Roadshow 2,786,000
5 The Silver Brumby Roadshow 1,300,000

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA). Compiled by the Australian Film Commission (AFC).

Notes:
Includes Australian productions and productions with overseas partners where creative control is shared (i.e. with a mix of Australians in key creative positions).
Earnings are in current dollars (i.e. not adjusted for inflation) and per calendar year so do not necessarily represent total earnings for a film. Box office data from 1 January to 31 December 1993, as reported in the MPDAA master report, January 1994.
1. Screened in cinemas over two consecutive years.

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1992

Rank Title Distributor Box office ($)
1 Strictly Ballroom1 Ronin 18,849,000
2 Romper Stomper Roadshow 2,856,000
3 Black Robe (Australia/Canada) Hoyts 1,931,000
4 Blinky Bill Roadshow 1,665,000
5 Spotswood Hoyts 1,418,000

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA). Compiled by the Australian Film Commission (AFC).

Notes:
Includes Australian productions and productions with overseas partners where creative control is shared (i.e. with a mix of Australians in key creative positions).
Earnings are in current dollars (i.e. not adjusted for inflation) and per calendar year so do not necessarily represent total earnings for a film. Box office data from 1 January to 31 December 1992, as reported in the MPDAA master report, January 1993.
1. Screened in cinemas over two consecutive years.

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1991

Rank Title Distributor Box office ($)
1 Green Card (Australia/France) Roadshow 10,611,000
2 Death in Brunswick Roadshow 2,600,000
3 Proof Roadshow 1,900,000
4 Flirting Warner Bros 1,550,000
5 The Magic Riddle Roadshow 1,400,000

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA). Compiled by the Australian Film Commission (AFC).

Notes:
Includes Australian productions and productions with overseas partners where creative control is shared (i.e. with a mix of Australians in key creative positions).
Earnings are in current dollars (i.e. not adjusted for inflation) and per calendar year so do not necessarily represent total earnings for a film. Box office data from 1 January to 31 December 1991, as reported in the MPDAA master report, January 1992.

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1990

Rank Title Distributor Box office ($)
1 The Delinquents1 Roadshow 2,618,000
2 The Big Steal Hoyts 2,400,000
3 Blood Oath Roadshow 633,000
4 Bloodmoon Roadshow 400,000
5 Struck by Lightning Capricorn 253,000

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA). Compiled by the Australian Film Commission (AFC).

Notes:
Includes Australian productions and productions with overseas partners where creative control is shared (i.e. with a mix of Australians in key creative positions).
Earnings are in current dollars (i.e. not adjusted for inflation) and per calendar year so do not necessarily represent total earnings for a film. Box office data from 1 January to 31 December 1990, as reported in the MPDAA master report, January 1991.
1. Screened in cinemas over two consecutive years.

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1989

Rank Title Distributor Box office ($)
1 Young Einstein1 Roadshow 10,166,000
2 Dead Calm Roadshow 2,261,000
3 The Man from Snowy River II1 Hoyts 774,000
4 The Delinquents1 Roadshow 752,000
5 Evil Angels1 Warner Bros 591,000

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA). Compiled by the Australian Film Commission (AFC).

Notes:
Includes Australian productions and productions with overseas partners where creative control is shared (i.e. with a mix of Australians in key creative positions).
Earnings are in current dollars (i.e. not adjusted for inflation) and per calendar year so do not necessarily represent total earnings for a film. Box office data from 1 January to 31 December 1989, as reported in the MPDAA master report, January 1990.
1. Screened in cinemas over two consecutive years.

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1988

Rank Title Distributor Box office ($)
1 Crocodile Dundee II Hoyts 24,917,000
2 The Man from Snowy River II1 Hoyts 6,641,000
3 Young Einstein1 Roadshow 2,901,000
4 Evil Angels1 Warner Bros 2,416,000
5 Rikky and Pete UIP 1,071,000

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA). Compiled by the Australian Film Commission (AFC).

Notes:
Includes Australian productions and productions with overseas partners where creative control is shared (i.e. with a mix of Australians in key creative positions).
Earnings are in current dollars (i.e. not adjusted for inflation) and per calendar year so do not necessarily represent total earnings for a film. Box office data from 1 January to 31 December 1988, as reported in the MPDAA master report, January 1989.
1. Screened in cinemas over two consecutive years.

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