10 Hollywood Blockbusters That Were Saved By The Overseas Box Office

Worldwide Box Office: $240.2 million (82.4% Overseas)

Many U.S. moviegoers are perplexed by the continuing Resident Evil series. The Mila Jovovich-starring action/horror franchise has never been a huge hit in American theatres, where all five entries grossed between $40 million and $60 million each. None of the movies have been well-received by American critics, and even interest in the video game series it was adapted from has dwindled over time in the U.S.

However, outside the U.S. the Resident Evil film series has been a tremendous success, with 2010’s Resident Evil: Afterlife and 2012’s Resident Evil: Retribution grossing $296.2 million and $240.2 million worldwide respectively. About 80% of both movies’ box office grosses came from outside the U.S. Resident Evil: Afterlife grossed $21.6 million in China, $16.1 million in Germany, and an astounding $55.1 million in Japan. In fact, Resident Evil: Retribution actually grossed more in Japan than in the U.S. ($48.3 million versus $42.3 million), and the series’ popularity in Japan led to Resident Evil: Afterlife and Resident Evil: Retribution having their world premieres in Tokyo.

Though the sixth entry is tentatively titled Resident Evil: The Final Chapter and is scheduled for a 2017 release, it’s doubtful that the series will truly end if international demand remains so strong.

Which movie had the most surprising success internationally? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!