In a significant triumph for Universal and DreamWorks Animation, “The Wild Robot,” directed by Chris Sanders, has made waves by surpassing the $300 million mark at the global box office. As of Friday, the film has garnered an impressive $300.5 million, with a domestic take of $134.4 million and $166.1 million from international markets. This marks “The Wild Robot” as the second highest-grossing non-sequel studio film of 2024, only trailing behind “It Ends with Us.” Notable distinctions include being the top non-sequel animated feature from Hollywood for this year and securing its place within the top four highest-grossing animated studio films of 2024 internationally, domestically, and overall.
“The Wild Robot” had its premiere at the Toronto Film Festival in September before pursuing a staggered international rollout. Its success can largely be attributed to strong word-of-mouth and positive critical reception, which have allowed it to maintain solid box office performance, even during challenging school holiday periods in numerous regions. The film’s emotional depth and unique storytelling have clearly resonated with audiences, helping it to achieve significant height in international box office rankings.
Countries such as Mexico have shown exceptional enthusiasm, where it has outperformed beloved animated classics including “Elemental,” “Frozen,” and “Zootopia.” Mexico has emerged as the film’s top overseas market, accumulating $19.5 million. Other strong markets include the UK ($16.5 million), France ($12.1 million), and Australia ($11 million), showcasing the universal appeal of the film across various cultures.
Consumer preferences have shifted markedly in recent years, and “The Wild Robot” epitomizes this transformation. As the film resonates deeply with audiences, it not only entertains but also invokes strong emotional responses, setting a new benchmark for animated storytelling. It stands as the 14th studio film to surpass $300 million in 2024 and ranks as the 10th largest Hollywood animated movie since the pandemic began. Furthermore, it takes the title of the third highest-grossing non-sequel Hollywood animated film in this same span, only behind massive hits such as “The Super Mario Bros.” film.
However, not all is smooth sailing for “The Wild Robot.” While the film’s box office success is commendable, it still faces future challenges, particularly looking at its competition in Japan, where it is set to premiere on February 7, 2025. The anticipation surrounding this release could further influence the film’s overall earnings and market presence.
Despite potential competition, the current data positions “The Wild Robot” as a significant player in the animated film arena, showcasing the vibrant future of animated storytelling. It invites audiences into an adventure filled with creativity and emotional engagement, setting an inspirational template for future films within the genre. As the industry evolves, projects like “The Wild Robot” foster hope and excitement for what’s to come.
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