Universal/DreamWorks Animation has unveiled a notable success story in the realm of animated films with “The Wild Robot”, which has impressively grossed over $300 million worldwide as of last Friday. This accomplishment highlights the film’s popularity across diverse audiences, reinforcing its status as a surface of artistic excellence in animation. Directed by the acclaimed Chris Sanders, “The Wild Robot” has garnered critical acclaim, affirming its position as a standout piece in the 2024 cinematic landscape.
The film has earned a hefty $134.4 million in the domestic market while attracting $166.1 million from international audiences. Such numbers place “The Wild Robot” firmly among the top contenders in animated cinema this year. As the leading non-sequel animated feature from Hollywood for 2024, and the second largest non-sequel studio film, its performance has surpassed expectations. It trails only behind “It Ends with Us” to claim the No. 2 spot among non-sequel releases, demonstrating its broad appeal and entertainment value.
Since its premiere at the Toronto Film Festival in September, “The Wild Robot” has deployed a strategic staggered release internationally, which has contributed to its remarkable box office sustainability. The film’s grace under pressure was particularly evident during school holiday seasons in various key markets, where it maintained strong holding figures. Furthermore, last weekend marked a significant achievement as it eclipsed the lifetime earnings of “The Bad Guys” in offshore markets.
Adding to its accolades, the film has achieved historic milestones in multiple countries. In Mexico, it has surpassed the box office lifetimes of beloved animated features such as “Elemental,” “Frozen,” and the “Sing” films. It stands as the top performer in international markets, maintaining a dominant lead with a grossing of $19.5 million. Other strong markets include the UK ($16.5 million), France ($12.1 million), and Australia ($11 million), revealing the film’s broad appeal across cultures.
Excitement continues to build, particularly with Japan yet to release the film on February 7, 2025. Expectations are high for this market, which could further boost “The Wild Robot”’s global box office standings. As it stands, the film proudly holds its ground as the 14th studio film to cross the $300 million threshold in 2024 and claims the title of the 10th biggest Hollywood animated film since the pandemic. Additionally, among non-sequel titles released post-pandemic, it ranks third in terms of box office earnings, showcasing a significant achievement for the DreamWorks franchise.
“The Wild Robot” exemplifies the power of quality storytelling in animation and its ability to resonate with audiences globally. Its impressive box office performance not only solidifies its commercial success, but also sets a benchmark for future animated films in a rapidly evolving industry. With such a promising trajectory, the film is well on its way to becoming an enduring classic in animated cinema.