After what could be described as a moderately challenging (or totally disastrous) 2023 forThe Walt Disney Company, The (Disney) Empire Strikes Back to reclaimits crown as the King of the Box Office, officially becoming the #1 studio domestically and internationally in 2024, thanks to an astonishing $5.46 billion global box office haul (made up of $2.23 billion domestic and $3.23 billion international) In doing so, Disney has become the first studio to surpass $5 billion worldwide since 2019, which is another sign that box office totals are returning to pre-pandemic norms.
2024 was a banner year for “The House that Walt Built,” and it delivered three of the top four movies of the year, which also included two $1 billion-plus blockbusters. The number also helped make Disney the number one studio at the box office for the eighth time in nine years. The biggest win of the year wasPixar’sInside Out 2,which has rewritten the record booksas the #1 animated film of all time globally with $1.7 billion in box office earnings ($653 million domestic, $1.05 billion international). Not only did the sequel earn the highest-grossing PG rating ever, surpassingIncredibles 2, but it also became the eighth highest-grossing film of all time globally and the eleventh domestically.
Meanwhile,Marvel’sDeadpool & Wolverineshattered recordsas the #1 R-rated film of all time globally, grossing $1.34 billion ($637 million domestic, $701 million international). The movie, which starred the omnipresentRyan ReynoldsandHugh Jackman,also claimed the title for the highest domestic opening of 2024 with $211 million, making it the sixth-largest opening in history. Rounding out the year’s top releases was the studio’s animated sequel,Moana 2. Released at Thanksgiving, the hugely anticipated sequel achieved the highest-grossing five-day opening ever, with $225 million domestically, and has amassed $906 million globally so far. It also broke the record for the highest opening for Walt Disney Animation Studios, and it’s on track to cross the $1 billion mark.
Outside the blockbusters, there were other success stories.Mufasa: The Lion King, which has been in theaters for 2 weekshas just crossed $365 million globally.Timothée Chalamet’sA Complete Unknownhas earned $29 million since its late December release, while 20th Century Studios added hits likeKingdom of the Planet of the Apes($398 million),Alien: Romulus($351 million), andThe First Omen($54 million). Even smaller titles performed well, with limited releases likeKinds of Kindness($16.4 million) andA Real Pain($9.3 million) finding audiences in more niche marketplaces.
What’s Next for Disney in 2025?
On the face of it, Disney might actually have a bigger 2025 going by what’s next. Marvel’s slate is packed compared to 2024, withCaptain America: Brave New World,Thunderbolts, andThe Fantastic Four: First Stepsall due to open by July, while on the animated front there will be a sequel toZootopia, andEliofrom Pixar is also on the slate. Other major titles include live-action adaptations ofSnow WhiteandLilo & Stitch, as well as new installments in blockbuster franchises likeAvatar: Fire and Ash,Tron: Ares,Freakier Friday, andPredator: Badlands.
Stay tuned to Collider for more updates on the global box office. You can check out Disney’s big hitters on Disney+.
Inside Out 2
Inside Out 2 follows the emotional journey of a now-teenage Riley as she encounters new challenges and emotions. As her mind expands, so does the complexity of her inner world, where new emotions must collaborate with old ones to guide her through adolescence, creating dynamic and heartfelt experiences.
