Universal and DreamWorks Animation’s latest release, *The Wild Robot*, has achieved remarkable success at the global box office, surpassing the $300 million mark, with a stunning total of $300.5 million as of this past Friday. Directed by Chris Sanders, this animated feature has garnered both critical acclaim and audience admiration, resulting in impressive earnings of $134.4 million in North America and $166.1 million from international markets. This positions it as the second highest-grossing non-sequel studio film of 2024, trailing only *It Ends with Us*. Among animated features, it proudly stands as the top non-sequel entry from Hollywood this year.
*The Wild Robot* premiered at the prestigious Toronto Film Festival in September, which undoubtedly helped to build anticipation ahead of its staggered international release. The film has experienced exceptional box office holds, particularly during school holidays across various regions, indicating strong word-of-mouth and favorable reviews that resonated with families and animation fans alike.
Lupita Nyong’o’s involvement as the voice of the lead character has further contributed to the film’s appeal. As a celebrated figure in Hollywood, her performance has drawn in audiences, and her star power cannot be underestimated in its impact on the film’s success.
Internationally, *The Wild Robot* has outperformed expectations, notably eclipsing the lifetime earnings of several popular animated films, including *Elemental* and *Frozen*. Its standout market opens in Mexico, where it has grossed $19.5 million, firmly establishing it as a leader among recent animated releases. Other key markets contributing to its success include the UK, Australia, and France, where earnings have reached $16.5 million, $11 million, and $12.1 million, respectively.
As the film continues its run, it still has yet to open in Japan, a market known for its ardent appreciation of animation, set to release on February 7, 2025. The anticipation surrounding this opening suggests that there may still be significant financial gains ahead for *The Wild Robot*.
In terms of historical context, this film has become the 14th studio film to cross the $300 million threshold in 2024, a notable feat considering the global entertainment landscape. It ranks as the tenth highest-grossing Hollywood animated film since the pandemic began, further highlighting the growing resurgence of theatrical releases post-lockdown. Additionally, it stands as the third highest-grossing non-sequel animated title in the same period, trailing only *The Super Mario Bros.* and other franchise giants.
Overall, *The Wild Robot* not only exemplifies artistic creativity and storytelling in animation but also reflects a significant trend in contemporary cinema where original stories can achieve remarkable commercial success. As audiences increasingly seek authentic narratives and emotional depth, films like *The Wild Robot* pave the way for the future of animated cinema.
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