A plethora of stellar films were released this year, encompassing themes ranging from tragedy and sadness to hilarity and joy.

There were emotional historical dramas, such as "12 Years A Slave" and "The Butler." On the opposite end, there was more lighthearted fare, like "Despicable Me 2" and "Monsters University." 

Yet, what seemed to entrance audiences the most this year were movies that took viewers into worlds of science fiction drama and behemoth superheroes. While it is nearly impossible to get a consensus on what the most popular movies of the year were based on opinion, sales figures are telling as to what films were the most popular with audiences. 

Although 2013 is not yet over, the list of highest grossing movies of 2013, so far, has been compiled by Box Office Mojo. 

The top 13 most popular movies of 2013, according to gross dollar amount, are: 

13. "The Heat"- The hilarious FBI comedy about the unlikely duo of Sarah Ashburn (Sandra Bullock) and Shannon Mullins (Melissa McCarthy) was a big hit with audiences. The film opened on June 28 and grossed $159 million. 

12. "The Croods"- The 3-D animated feature film by DreamWorks about a prehistoric family who lost their home was enjoyed by kids and adults alike. The film opened on March 22 and raked in $187 million. 

11. "Thor: The Dark World"- Audiences flocked to see the Marvel comic book hero come to life. Thor, The Mighty Avenger, (Chris Hemsworth), battles to save Earth and the Nine Realms from a shadowy enemy. It opened on November 8 and grossed $193 million. 

10. "World War Z"- "World War Z" stands as the highest grossing zombie film of the year. It focuses on United Nations worker Gerry Lane (Brad Pitt), who tries to stop the global zombie epidemic that is destroying humanity. It opened on June 21 and earned $202 million. 

9. "Star Trek Into Darkness"- Audiences showed their love for sci-fi by flocking to see the latest installment of the series, which focuses on the crew of the Enterprise finding an enemy within their own organization. Captain Kirk (Chris Pine) then leads a manhunt to capture the enemy. It opened on May 16 and grossed $228 million. 

8. "Oz The Great and Powerful"- The new take on "The Wizard of Oz" focused on a small town magician (James Franco) who is taken to an enchanted land and is put in the middle of a power struggle between three witches. The movie opened on March 8 and grossed $234 million. 

7. "Fast & Furious 6"- The sixth installment of the franchise, which stars the late actor Paul Walker, focuses on the gang reassembling to take down a mastermind who commands an organization of mercenary drivers around the world. In return, the group gets a full pardon. It opened on May 24 and grossed $238 million. 

6. "Gravity"- Inarguably one of the most unique films of the year, it is about Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) and her struggle to get back to earth safely after an accident leaves her adrift--and alone--in the loneliness of space. The film opened on October 4 and has so far earned $251 million. 

5. "Monsters University"- The Disney/Pixar film looks at the relationship between Mike and Sulley during their time at Monsters U, when they weren't best friends. It opened on June 21 and grossed $268 million. 

4. "Man of Steel"- The newest iteration of the Superman story is about a young worker (Henry Cavill) who is forced to confront his secret identity when Earth is invaded by members of his own kind. The film opened on June 14 and grossed $291 million. 

3. "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire"- Although it was only released a few weeks ago, it is already topping the list as one of the most popular films of the year. The second installment of the hit book and movie series focuses on Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) after they become targets of the Capitol following a rebellion after their Hunger Games victory. It opened on November 22 and has so far earned $335 million. 

2. "Despicable Me 2"- The second installment of the series is about Gru being recruited by the Anti-Villain League to take down a new criminal mastermind. The movie opened on July 3 and earned $367 million. 

1. "Iron Man 3"- Unsurprisingly, another movie about a comic book hero tops the list. When a terrorist disrupts the world of Tony Stark, a.k.a Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), he goes on a mission to serve justice. The film opened on May 3 and grossed a whopping $409 million.