10 Best Michael J. Fox Movies, Ranked By Their Box Office

Everyone loves Michael J. Fox’s famous movies, but which one earned the most money at the box office? Though he first became well-known for his role as Alex Keaton on the TV show Family Ties, it was his work in films that truly made him a pop culture icon.

Michael J. Fox became a major star in 1985 with the film Back to the Future, quickly establishing himself as a leading comedic actor. He continued to star in many successful movies throughout the 1980s and 1990s, and also took on more serious, dramatic roles. In the late 1990s, he revealed that he had been diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease, which led to him working less frequently.

Even though Michael J. Fox has largely retired from acting, he continues to appear in films and TV shows with memorable smaller roles. Thanks to a career filled with fantastic and popular movies, he remains a beloved figure. Many of his most famous films were both critically acclaimed and box office hits.

10. Casualties Of War (1989) – $18 Million

Despite Michael J. Fox’s popularity, Casualties of War wasn’t a commercial success, earning only $18 million at the box office – not enough to cover its costs. In the film, Fox plays Max Eriksson, a soldier in Vietnam who finds himself at odds with his superior officer after the unit abducts a woman. Director Brian De Palma’s powerful and direct anti-war movie revealed a more serious side of Fox than audiences were used to.

One of the best parts of the movie is the strong connection between Michael J. Fox and Sean Penn, showcasing Fox’s ability to take on serious roles beyond comedy. However, the powerful film about the Vietnam War came out at a time when many similar movies were being released. It didn’t receive as much attention as films like Born on the Fourth of July and was largely forgotten among the war movies of the 1980s.

9. The Frighteners (1996) – $29 Million

Peter Jackson’s initial attempt at directing an American film wasn’t a major success, but it was creatively interesting. The Frighteners tells the story of a man who lost his wife and can communicate with spirits. He uses this ability to investigate a string of murders in a quiet town. Actor Fox stars as the main character, and the film’s blend of horror and comedy allowed him to showcase both his dramatic and comedic talents.

Despite grossing $29 million, The Frighteners wasn’t profitable after all costs were considered. Still, it’s a fantastic, lesser-known film that perfectly showcases Peter Jackson’s quirky and darkly humorous style. Many consider it one of the most underrated movies of the 1990s and a highlight in Michael J. Fox’s career that doesn’t get enough attention.

8. Teen Wolf (1985) – $33 Million

Following the success of Back to the Future, Teen Wolf further cemented Michael J. Fox’s status as a teen star. The movie centers on a high school basketball player who unexpectedly starts transforming into a werewolf. While it’s not a cinematic triumph, this $33 million hit has a fun, nostalgic quality that perfectly captures the spirit of the 1980s.

Michael J. Fox’s captivating performance elevates what is otherwise a fairly standard story. The film features memorable scenes, like the famous car surfing sequence, and remains relevant as a subtle coming-of-age story. Teen Wolf is a defining role for Fox, and it’s hard to imagine anyone else playing the part as well.

7. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993) – $41 Million

During Disney’s successful period of animated films in the 1990s, the studio also made some live-action movies. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey tells the story of two dogs and a cat who bravely travel across the countryside to find their family. A unique feature of the film is that famous actors like Michael J. Fox and Sally Field provide the voices for the animals.

The delightful animal adventure earned $41 million at the box office. While its budget was around $24 million according to The Movie Database, it likely only broke even financially. However, the success of the sequel suggests it ultimately performed better. The film, Homeward Bound, holds a special place for millennials and highlighted the impressive voice acting skills of actor Fox, who continued to excel in voice roles throughout his career.

6. Doc Hollywood (1991) – $54 Million

Often overlooked among Michael J. Fox’s films, Doc Hollywood did reasonably well in theaters. The movie tells the story of a successful surgeon who gets stuck in a small South Carolina town after a car crash. While there, he finds himself helping the locals and unexpectedly falls in love with the simple, country life. The role gave Fox the chance to showcase his comedic talents.

Dr. Stone starts as an unlikeable character but develops into someone you root for, and Michael J. Fox’s charisma makes his transformation believable. Doc Hollywood remains funny throughout, and a sweet romance keeps the story moving. While critics pointed out it relied on familiar tropes, the film has become increasingly beloved over the years.

5. The American President (1995) – $107 Million

Rob Reiner, a beloved filmmaker known for his heartwarming and relatable stories, delivers another gem with The American President. The film centers on a widowed president who seems secure in his re-election bid, but a blossoming romance could jeopardize his chances. Annette Bening plays the role of a lobbyist who captures the president’s heart, while Martin Sheen appears as Lewis Rothschild, a key advisor to President Shepherd, played by Michael Douglas.

Political dramas were big in the 1990s, and the film The American President earned over $100 million, proving their appeal. It’s considered one of Fox’s strongest movies because it cleverly portrays how someone can adapt to new situations. While not the main character, Michael Rothschild delivers a memorable performance despite having limited screen time. Released in 1995, the film is touching and hopeful – qualities that were, and still are, greatly needed in the world of politics.

4. Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001) – $186 Million

Despite being a bold and ambitious film, Atlantis: The Lost Empire was a major letdown for Disney and is often seen as marking the end of the Disney Renaissance period. The story centers on a talented linguist who discovers a book he thinks holds the key to finding the legendary city of Atlantis. Unlike many classic Disney films, Atlantis took a different approach, focusing more on adventure than traditional fantasy.

Despite strong promotion featuring Milo’s voice, the movie wasn’t a financial success, earning $186 million but still losing money overall. However, over time, a dedicated fanbase has developed, praising the film’s classic animation style and smart storyline. Many now consider it to be the best voice acting work Fox has ever produced.

3. Back To The Future Part III (1990) – $245 Million

Despite being the lowest-earning film in the Back to the Future trilogy, it still made an impressive $245 million. In this final chapter, Marty travels to the Old West to save Doc Brown from a conflict with one of Biff’s family members. Part III offers a refreshing change of scenery and style from the previous two movies, fully embracing the Western genre.

I have to say, even though it didn’t quite have the same energy as the first two, Back to the Future Part III was a huge improvement over Part II. It was great seeing Michael J. Fox back as Marty McFly, and I really appreciated getting to see him play a more grown-up version of the character. It was a fantastic way to end the trilogy – all three movies were massive hits, and this one really capped things off well!

2. Back To The Future Part II (1989) – $332 Million

I was absolutely thrilled when Back to the Future Part II came out and proved everyone still loved the series, even after a four-year wait! It’s such a clever idea to have Marty travel to a future where Biff has become incredibly rich and powerful by exploiting information he learned from the sports almanac. While it’s a more ambitious film than the original, I’ve always felt Part II was a little bit messy and didn’t quite flow as smoothly as the other two movies.

Michael J. Fox shines in the hugely successful $332 million movie, delivering funny performances in every role. While the film tries to blend different styles and doesn’t always succeed, it features some fantastic action scenes. Although Back to the Future Part II isn’t a bad film, it faced the difficult challenge of following up one of the greatest time travel movies ever made.

1. Back To The Future (1985) – $392 Million

Michael J. Fox is rare among actors in that his most popular film is also his biggest box office success. That film, Back to the Future, tells the story of Marty McFly, a teenager who unexpectedly travels back to 1955. While there, he accidentally meddles with his parents’ first meeting, which threatens his very existence. The movie makes the idea of time travel exciting and easy to understand, making it a truly enjoyable and classic film.

Michael J. Fox became a movie star thanks to his role as Marty in Back to the Future, a part he played perfectly. The film has a lasting appeal and is still a favorite from the 1980s. It’s earned almost $400 million worldwide and remains Fox’s most successful movie by a wide margin.

2026-02-07 17:11