Barbie Surpasses Harry Potter: Warner Bros.' Highest-Grossing Movie Ever

03.09.2023 - 15:13

In the glitzy world of Hollywood, where box office records are constantly shattered and new champions emerge, there's a new queen in town, and her name is Barbie. This iconic doll has transcended her plastic origins to become a global cinematic sensation, breaking records and redefining what it means to be a blockbuster. In a cinematic showdown that would make even the most seasoned moviegoers raise an eyebrow, Barbie has officially dethroned the mighty 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2' as Warner Bros. Discovery's highest-grossing movie ever.

With a staggering $1.34 billion in global box office revenue, Barbie sailed past the $1.32 billion record previously held by the final installment of the Harry Potter franchise. This remarkable achievement was announced by Warner Bros. Discovery, leaving the world in awe of Barbie's newfound dominance in the film industry.

Barbie's Meteoric Rise

Barbie's journey to the summit of box office glory has been nothing short of meteoric. Just 34 days after its theatrical debut, the Barbie movie surpassed Universal Pictures' 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' to become the highest-grossing domestic release of 2023. But the story doesn't end there. On August 15, it etched its name in history as the highest-grossing domestic film in Warner Bros. Discovery's 100-year history, amassing a jaw-dropping $594 million in domestic box office revenues.

Breaking records was becoming second nature to Barbie. At the onset of the month, this Mattel-backed masterpiece achieved a milestone that no other woman-directed film had ever reached before – it crossed the $1 billion mark in global box office sales. This feat not only solidified Barbie's position in the pantheon of Hollywood legends but also demonstrated the growing influence and demand for films directed by women.

A Select Few in the Elite Club

In the world of cinema, where franchises often reign supreme, Barbie stands out as a unique entity. Among the top 25 highest-grossing movies produced by Warner Bros. Discovery, only four stand alone as non-franchise films: 'Inception,' 'It,' 'Gravity,' and the newest member of the club, 'Barbie.' This underscores Barbie's distinct appeal and her ability to captivate audiences without the backing of a long-running series or established characters.

But the story doesn't end with Barbie's conquest of the domestic market. Its next target is to surpass 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' in worldwide box office revenues – a goal that seems well within reach given its remarkable trajectory. As of now, 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' has garnered $1.36 billion globally since its release in April, according to Box Office Mojo. With the pace at which Barbie is surging ahead, it seems poised to claim this title too.

Barbie's Record-Breaking Performance

In a mere five weeks since its release, Barbie has surpassed not just one but two major milestones. First, it left the eighth Harry Potter film in its dust, making it Warner Bros.' most successful worldwide release ever. The Greta Gerwig-directed feature, with Margot Robbie as the eponymous character, stormed to the top of box office charts worldwide upon its release and maintained its stranglehold on audiences.

As of August 29, Barbie had amassed a staggering $1.342 billion at the global box office. This figure puts it on par with 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2,' the previous champion. In the United States alone, Barbie raked in a remarkable $592.8 million by August 27, and its overseas earnings reached an impressive $745.5 million. What's even more astounding is that Barbie is projected to cross the coveted $600 million mark in the U.S., a feat only achieved by a select few movies in history.

Barbie's success story is further amplified by its North American performance. It not only sailed past Christopher Nolan's 'The Dark Knight' to become Warner Bros.' biggest release in North America but also claimed the title of the highest-grossing film of the year in North American cinemas, surpassing the earnings of 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie,' released in April.

The Power of a Woman-Directed Film

Barbie's journey is not just a tale of financial success but also a celebration of the power of women in filmmaking. Greta Gerwig, the director of this record-breaking film, has achieved what few have in the male-dominated industry. Barbie's rapid ascent to box office supremacy has made it the highest-grossing film ever by a single female director.

While it may not have eclipsed 'Frozen II,' co-directed by Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck, as the top-grossing film of all time by a female director, Barbie is undoubtedly closing in on that distinction, with a mere $88 million left to equal the record. This achievement is not just a personal victory for Gerwig but a testament to the enduring appeal of a character that has entertained audiences for decades.

Acknowledging Success and Future Prospects

The brains behind Barbie's success, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group co-CEOs Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy, expressed their gratitude to moviegoers who contributed to this extraordinary achievement. They also acknowledged the outstanding cast, including Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, and America Ferrara, as well as co-writer Noah Baumbach and producers David Heyman and Tom Ackerley. Their combined efforts, coupled with last-minute production decisions, distribution, and marketing strategies, have resulted in Barbie's unparalleled success.

Looking ahead, industry analysts are optimistic about Barbie's potential to reach the $1.5 billion mark globally, given its current trajectory. The film's captivating storyline, talented cast, and the enduring popularity of the Barbie brand have undoubtedly contributed to its box office triumph. Barbie's ability to resonate with audiences worldwide has cemented her status as a cultural phenomenon, transcending her toy origins to become an enduring symbol of empowerment and entertainment.

Barbie's Unstoppable Magic

In the world of cinema, where records are made and broken with every passing season, Barbie has emerged as a true cinematic phenomenon. Surpassing box office milestones and dethroning established champions, Barbie has etched her name in history as Warner Bros.' top-grossing film. Greta Gerwig's masterful direction and Margot Robbie's portrayal of the beloved doll have captivated audiences worldwide. As Barbie continues to break records and set new standards, it is evident that her magic is far from fading. With the potential to become the highest-grossing film ever directed by a woman, Barbie is not just a toy; she is an enduring symbol of empowerment and entertainment, a cinematic powerhouse who shows no signs of slowing down.