Universal and DreamWorks Animation’s recent release, The Wild Robot, has made a remarkable impact on the global box office, crossing the $300 million threshold with a total of $300.5 million as of Friday. Under the direction of Chris Sanders, this animated film has captivated both audiences and critics alike, earning it a reputation as one of the standout films of 2024. With domestic earnings of $134.4 million and international receipts of $166.1 million, The Wild Robot not only excels as a animated feature but also positions itself as a formidable contender among non-sequel films this year.
The film has successfully established itself as the second highest-grossing non-sequel studio film of 2024, trailing only behind It Ends with Us. Furthermore, it proudly holds the title of the highest-grossing non-sequel Hollywood animated film of the year. Competing against other animated giants released this year, such as Inside Out 2 and Despicable Me 4, The Wild Robot now ranks as the fourth largest animated studio film globally, domestically, and internationally. These achievements underscore not only the film’s success but also its appeal to a broad spectrum of viewers.
The Wild Robot had its premiere at the prestigious Toronto Film Festival in September, marking a strategic entry into the competitive animated film market. Its rollout across international markets has been carefully timed, coinciding with school holiday periods in various regions, which appears to have contributed significantly to its sustained box office performance. Particularly noteworthy is the film’s impressive hold in Mexico, where it has outperformed previous box office champions like Elemental and Frozen, amassing $19.5 million to become the leading overseas market for the film.
With Japan yet to witness the film’s release, scheduled for February 7, 2025, there remains potential for even greater financial success. Anticipation for The Wild Robot is palpable, and its reception in Japan—an important market for animated films—will be closely watched. Key international markets contributing to its success include the United Kingdom ($16.5 million), France ($12.1 million), and Australia ($11 million), all reflecting the film’s accessibility and cross-cultural appeal.
The Wild Robot is not only a financial triumph but also a testament to the potential of original storytelling in animation. It stands as the 14th studio film of 2024 to surpass the $300 million mark, reinforcing the resilience of Hollywood’s animated features in a post-pandemic landscape. As the third highest-grossing non-sequel Hollywood animated film since COVID-19, it signifies a hopeful return to theaters and a bright future for animated storytelling. As this film continues to define success in the current film industry landscape, its legacy will undoubtedly inspire future projects in the realm of animation.
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