Movie History - If You Thought Titanic Was the Largest Grossing Film in the US, Think Again

A lot of moviegoers think that "Titanic" is the largest grossing domestic film of all time, primarily because of its huge popularity as well as topping $600 million in revenue following its release in 1997.

In fact, Titanic was the largest grossing domestic film in actual dollars, with Star Wars a distant second at $460 million in 1977. Because money not only talks but sings and dances as well in our society, we remain impressed by large amounts of money. Not satisfied with this approach, I looked for a more accurate measure to compare and found it in adjusting for inflation. When adjusted for inflation, the actual moneymaking value of films takes on a new look.

Titanic, while No. 1 in actual dollars generated, is only No. 6 when adjusted for inflation.

The real No. 1 largest grossing domestic film in movie making history is none other than "Gone with the Wind", which grossed $198 million in 1939 but its inflation-adjusted value in today's money is $1.329 billion.

Here are the Top 25 moneymaking movies when inflation adjusted. Expect where noted, all dollar figures are in millions:

1) Gone with the Wind - $1.329 billion (actual gross of $198 in 1939).

2) Star Wars - $1.172 billion ($460 in 1977).

3) The Sound of Music - $937 ($158 in 1965).

4) E. T.: The Extra-Terrestrial - $933 million ($435 in 1982).

5) The Ten Commandments - $861 ($65 in 1956).

6) Titanic - $844 ($600 in 1997).

7) Jaws - $842 ($260 in 1975).

8) Doctor Zhivago - $816 ($111 in 1965).

9) The Exorcist - $727 ($232 in 1973).

10) Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - $717 ($184 in 1937).

11) 101 Dalmatians - $657 ($144 in 1961).

12) The Empire Strikes Back - $646 ($290 in 1980).

13) Ben-Hur - $644 ($74 in 1959).

14) Return of the Jedi - $618 ($309 in 1983).

15) The Sting - $586 ($156 in 1973).

16) Raiders of the Lost Ark - $579 ($242 in 1981).

17) Jurassic Park - $567 ($357 in 1993).

18) The Graduate - $563 ($104 in 1967).

19) Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace - $558 ($431 in 1999).

20) Fantasia - $546 ($76 in 1941).

21) The Godfather - $519 ($134 in 1972).

22) Forrest Gump - $516 ($329 in 1994).

23) Mary Poppins - $514 ($102 in 1964).

24) The Lion King - $508 ($328 in 1994).

25) Grease - $506 ($188 in 1978).

Here are 10 more eye-poppers among the Top 100 grossing films when inflation adjusted:

44) Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest - $423 ($423 in 2006).

46) Blazing Saddles - $416 ($119 in 1974).

55) The Passion of the Christ - $392 ($370 in 2004).

62) Smokey and the Bandit - $373 ($126 in 1977).

69) The Rocky Horror Picture Show - $362 ($112 in 1975).

70) Rocky - $362 ($117 in 1976).

80) M.A.S.H. - $353 ($81 in 1970).

81) Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom - $352 ($179 in 1984).

88) Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl - $333 ($305 in 2003).

96) Sergeant York - $316 ($16 in 1941).

All figures are adjusted to the estimated 2007 average ticket price of $6.58. Some of these films had multiple releases; the release date used reflects the year of initial release.

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Gift Giving - It's the Thought that Counts

Money may be the number one factor that divides us in life. When gift giving season rolls around each year and when it comes to gift giving, however, it is the thought that counts.

If you are tight on cash, it doesn't mean that you can't give your loved ones great gifts. Regardless of how much money you have, most people would rather get something personal. This means that it comes directly from your heart, and it shows how you truly feel. To many peoples surprise, most women would actually prefer a made by hand sentiment, rather than a store bought bouquet of roses or a custom designed ring. As long as you can show your appreciation, then that is all that matters.

The first thing you need to do is figure out what your loved one likes. If they collect vintage pieces similar to G.I. Joe action figures, you could easily find a great set at a yard sale or an online auction website like EBay. With such affordable ways to get the perfect gift, it is no surprise that people are rushing to these places. After all, to most gift receivers, a G.I. Joe collectible is rare and exceptionally classic.

If your loved one does not appreciate GI Joe collectibles, perhaps you could try David Clark headsets. These are lovely and inexpensive gifts. Still not impressed? Many affordable stores offer silver jewelry for a low price. After purchasing a piece of jewelry, there are local shops that will take it and turn it into an engraved gift. By giving your loved one an engraved personalized gift, they will feel like you thought extensively about what to get them.

No matter what type of idea you have, it is important to make sure that it is the thought that counts. If you take your time creating a personalized gift, chances are they will love it much more than an expensive over the top gadget. As a result, you will finally realize that spending hundreds of dollars is just unnecessary. For instance, if your loved one was just graduating, you could create a humorous award to show them how proud you are. Want to personalize it? Even if it is not an engraved crystal award, you can still find something unique and beautiful to engrave.

At some point in our lives, we will come to terms with gift giving. We will finally realize that gifts don't have to come from thousand dollar bank accounts, complete with engraved crystal rewards. Each personal is an individual, one of a kind, and special. When we customize or purchase an engraved gift, we show our affection and love. Even if it is a simple G.I Joe action figure or a David Clark headset, we are all about giving. Hopefully at the end of the day, we will be happy with the phrase, "it's the thought that counts."

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