Will Smith's 'Independence Day' no. 1 money-making movie of 1996

Jet, Jan 20, 1997

Independence Day, which starred Will Smith, pulled in a record $306.1 million in 1996 and was the No. 1 box office grosser of the year.

Superstar Eddie Murphy's hilarious comedy, The Nutty Professor, came in fifth place and grossed $128.8 million at the box office.

The survey was conducted by Exhibitor Relations, the movie box office tracking finn.

Among the top 10 money-making movies that featured Blacks in key roles was Mission: Impossible with actor Ving Rhames who starred opposite Tom Cruise. It grossed $180.9 million.

Delroy Lindo starred opposite Mel Gibson in the thriller Ransom, which came in No. 7, after raking in $120.3 million at the box office.

Versatile actor Samuel L. Jackson starred in the powerful drama A Time To Kill, which was No. 8 grossing $108.7 million.

Forest Whitaker teamed up with John Travolta in the heartwarming movie Phenomenon, which earned &101.4 million at the box office and came in 9th place.

Top 10 Films of 1996

Listed below are the top 10 films of 1996, with their domestic grosses, according to research by Exhibitor Relations Co. Inc.:

1. Independence Day, $306.1 million.

2. Twister, $241.7 million.

3. Mission., Impossible, $180.9 million.

4. The Rock, $134.1 million.

5. The Nutty Professor, $128.8 million.

6. The Birdcage, $124.0 million.

7. Ransom, $120.3 million.

8. A Time To Kill, $108.7 million.

9. Phenomenon, $104.4 million. 10. The First Wives Club, $102.1 million.