Universal Becomes First Studio to Reach $4 Billion at the Global Box Office in 2026
With blockbuster hits 'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,' 'Michael,' 'Obsession,' 'Disclosure Day,' 'Minions & Monsters,' and 'The Odyssey,' the studio group has had a year for the ages.
August 03, 2026
Universal Film has become the first studio to hit $4 billion at the global box office in 2026, reaching the mark through Sunday. This is the first time since 2023 that the studio has reached this milestone and the fifth time it has crossed this threshold in the studio's history.
With $1.53 billion domestically and $2.48 billion internationally, the studio's success this year has been fueled by the strength of its broad portfolio of franchise films and bold, original storytelling.
This milestone reflects the incredible creativity of the studio's filmmakers, the dedication of our extraordinary partners around the world and the continued enthusiasm of audiences who choose to experience these films in theaters.
Key 2026 achievements for Universal, thus far
- Only three films have crossed the $1 billion mark worldwide to date in 2026, with Universal Filmed Entertainment Group releases representing two of them (The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and Michael).
- Universal Pictures has led the global weekend box office for 10 weekends in 2026.
- Universal Pictures and Focus Features account for five of the top 10 highest-grossing films worldwide in 2026, including three of the top five (Michael at No. 2, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie at No. 3, The Odyssey at No. 4, Obsession at No. 9 and Minions & Monsters at No. 10).
- Three of the top five highest-grossing films worldwide in 2026 are distributed internationally by Universal Pictures (The Odyssey, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and Michael).
- Obsession is officially Focus Features' highest-grossing movie ever worldwide, as well as Blumhouse Atomic Monster's highest-grossing film, with $475 Million.
Six groundbreaking 2026 titles have reinforced Universal's position as a premier destination for Hollywood's top filmmakers and moviegoers alike.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
Leading the charge was Illumination and Nintendo's The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, which surpassed $1 billion worldwide, becoming the first film to reach that milestone in 2026 and pushing the franchise past $2 billion globally. The film debuted at No. 1 globally and held the top spot for three consecutive weekends both worldwide and internationally, emerging as one of the year's biggest theatrical successes. The film's $1 billion milestone further demonstrates the strength of the partnership between Universal, Illumination and Nintendo.
Watch The Super Mario Galaxy Movie on Peacock>>
Michael
Universal also scored a major success with Michael, which surpassed $1 billion worldwide, including $566 million from Universal, who acted as the film’s international distributor, making it the studio's second billion-dollar global hit of the year.
Obsession
Meanwhile, Focus Features scored a historic breakthrough with Obsession, which surpassed $400 million worldwide to become the distributor's highest-grossing film ever and Universal’s highest grossing horror film ever. The film's remarkable staying power at the box office, becoming the first film since Steven Spielberg's Universal Pictures classic E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial in 1982 to increase in both its second and third weekends of release.
Disclosure Day
Universal continued its longstanding partnership with Steven Spielberg with the release of Disclosure Day. The film opened number 1 worldwide, becoming Steven Spielberg’s highest grossing opening weekend for an original film as a director, as well as Amblin’s highest grossing opening weekend for an original film.
Minions & Monsters
Continuing the blockbuster slate, Illumination's Minions & Monsters debuted at No. 1 and became the seventh consecutive No. 1 opening for the Despicable Me and Minions franchise. The film grossed over $400 million worldwide, pushing the franchise past $6 billion globally and extending its standing as the highest-grossing animated franchise of all time.
The Odyssey
Universal Pictures' The Odyssey got off to a historic start, becoming Christopher Nolan's biggest opening weekend ever while setting multiple studio, domestic and international box office records. The film debuted as the No. 1 movie worldwide earning $263.8 million in global ticket sales.
Critically and commercially, The Odyssey earned widespread acclaim. The film became the highest-rated release of Nolan's career, receiving an A CinemaScore, a 95% Certified Fresh critics score and a 97% Verified Hot audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. With strong audience momentum, the film is expected to remain a major force at the global box office, aiming to cross $1 billion in the days to come.
Together, these films showcase the breadth of Universal's theatrical slate, spanning animation, auteur-driven spectacle, prestige originals, and specialty filmmaking. Fueled by partnerships with world-class storytellers including Christopher Nolan, Steven Spielberg, and Illumination founder Chris Meledandri, Universal continues to deliver the kinds of cinematic experiences that inspire audiences to head to theaters.
As the summer draws to a close, the performance demonstrates the enduring strength of theatrical moviegoing and the studio's ability to create cultural moments across every genre. With more than $4 billion in global box office fueled by blockbuster franchises and acclaimed originals alike, the studio is having a record-setting 2026.
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