“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” is the first installment in the next trilogy of “Star Wars” films. Here’s a look at how each of the previous episodes fared at the box office. (Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)
By Noelene Clark and Jevon Phillips | Source: Los Angeles Times, Box Office Mojo
Domestic box office: $928,842,219 | Worldwide box office: $2,052,842,219 | The force returned -- big time -- with the J.J. Abrams-directed film, which introduced a new generation of characters. It was the first film in the franchise released by Disney after purchasing the rights from the saga’s creator, George Lucas.