Universal and DreamWorks Animation’s latest creation, *The Wild Robot*, has achieved a remarkable feat by surpassing the $300 million mark worldwide, accumulating $300.5 million as of this past Friday. The film, directed by Chris Sanders, has not only received critical acclaim but is also demonstrating incredible commercial performance. With $134.4 million from the domestic market and $166.1 million in international sales, *The Wild Robot* has firmly positioned itself as a significant player in 2024’s animation landscape.
The film stands out as the second-biggest non-sequel studio film of the year, trailing only behind *It Ends with Us*. More impressively, it claims the title of the highest-grossing non-sequel animated feature from Hollywood. Among animated studio releases this year, it ranks as the fourth highest globally, internationally, and domestically, following titles like *Inside Out 2*, *Despicable Me 4*, and *Kung Fu Panda 4*.
*The Wild Robot* made its world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival in September, sparking interest among audiences and critics alike. Following its debut, the film observed a staggered release across international markets, which has proven beneficial. It has maintained strong box office holds while coinciding with school holidays in several regions, providing ample opportunities for families to see the film.
A notable achievement includes the film overtaking the total box office revenue of *The Bad Guys*. Japan remains a significant market yet to open, with its release slated for February 7, 2025. This delay could further augment the film’s international totals upon release in one of the world’s largest movie markets.
In Mexico, the film has truly shined, surpassing the lifetime earnings of high-profile animated features like *Elemental*, *Frozen*, both *Sing* films, *Zootopia*, *Moana*, *Migration*, and *Trolls*. As of now, Mexico holds the top position as the leading overseas market for *The Wild Robot*, contributing $19.5 million to its global tally. Other countries enriching its international success include the UK at $16.5 million, France at $12.1 million, and Australia at $11 million, among others.
The film’s notable traction in various markets reflects the growing appetite for animated storytelling that resonates emotionally and offers engaging narratives, showcasing the effectiveness of Universal and DreamWorks Animation’s strategic releases and marketing approaches.
In 2024, *The Wild Robot* has become the 14th studio film to cross the $300 million threshold. It ranks as the tenth largest Hollywood animated film since the pandemic and is the third highest-grossing non-sequel animated title during this same period, behind *The Super Mario Bros. Movie*. This trajectory demonstrates that *The Wild Robot* is not merely a box office success, but also a testament to how innovative storytelling in animation can captivate diverse audiences.
As the film continues its rollout and receives accolades, it raises the bar for future animated projects and underscores the importance of compelling narratives in achieving commercial success. The potential for *The Wild Robot* to further extend its reach remains strong, engaging audiences and contributing positively to the rich tapestry of modern animation.
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