In a surprising turn of events, Barbie has emerged as a dominating force at the box office, outshining even The Super Mario Bros. Movie to claim the title of 2023’s domestic box office champion. Helmed by director Greta Gerwig and headlined by Margot Robbie, the film, inspired by the iconic Mattel toy, has captivated both audiences and critics since its debut last month. Distributed by Warner Bros., this cinematic gem has transformed into a global phenomenon, crossing the impressive milestone of $1 billion in worldwide earnings earlier this month.
The latest report from TheWrap reveals that Barbie’s domestic box office revenue has now reached $575.4 million, solidifying its triumph over The Super Mario Bros. Movie in the domestic arena. Greta Gerwig’s creation continues to break records, with its global earnings soaring beyond $1.3 billion and inching ever closer to toppling The Super Mario Bros. Movie’s worldwide earnings of $1.359 billion. This impending accomplishment will thrust Barbie into the coveted position of the year’s highest-grossing film worldwide.
Anticipated to perform well from the start, Barbie has far exceeded expectations, captivating audiences worldwide. The movie currently ranks as the 14th highest-grossing film of all time domestically, with a path set to overtake other blockbusters like Incredibles 2, Star Wars: Episode VII – The Last Jedi, and The Avengers in the near future. Some estimates even predict that Barbie’s domestic earnings could surpass $700 million by the time its theatrical run concludes, positioning it among the top 5 highest-grossing films in the U.S. and Canada.
Adding to its successes, Barbie is scheduled for an IMAX release for a week beginning on September 22, expected to further bolster its performance as it enters its third month in theaters. However, with the film’s video-on-demand (VOD) release set for September 5, it remains uncertain whether audiences will opt for the big screen or the comfort of their homes.
While the film’s position in the global box office hierarchy is yet to be determined, its consistent performance and minimal week-to-week drops suggest it still possesses substantial potential. Undoubtedly, Barbie has emerged as a monumental triumph for Warner Bros. in theaters, a trend that is likely to extend to the VOD realm. Although an official sequel announcement for Barbie is pending, the remarkable numbers the film has achieved make a sequel all but inevitable.