‘Barbie’ is About to Become America’s Highest-Grossing Movie of 2023
In a cinematic showdown, “Barbie” is on the brink of securing the title of the highest-grossing movie at the domestic box office this year, potentially surpassing the reigning champ, “Super Mario Bros.”
Based on studio estimates, the box office receipts for “Barbie” have soared to an impressive $572.3 million in the United States as of Wednesday. This staggering sum brings the film tantalizingly close to the current record-holder, “Super Mario Bros.,” which sits at $574.2 million in domestic earnings.
Anticipation is building that “Barbie” will officially dethrone “Super Mario Bros.” in the coming days. As Wednesday’s box office figures are unveiled, it is highly likely that “Barbie” will claim the title on Thursday.
The rapid ascent of “Barbie” to the top spot is noteworthy. Industry experts project that the film will achieve this milestone in just 35 days from its initial release, a remarkable feat in comparison to the 138 days it took for “Super Mario Bros.” to achieve its benchmark.
“Barbie” has been on a triumphant trajectory since its premiere on July 21. The movie garnered a stunning $155 million during its opening weekend, emerging as both the largest opening weekend of the year and the most successful debut for a female director. Furthermore, it cemented its status as Warner Bros. Discovery’s highest-grossing domestic release, toppling the previous record holder, the 2008 blockbuster “The Dark Knight.”
The accolades for “Barbie” don’t end there. Last week, the film reached the global box office milestone of $1.2 billion, an accomplishment achieved by only around 50 films in history when adjusted for inflation. Greta Gerwig, the director of “Barbie,” also soared to the top of the charts as the highest-grossing woman movie director in history.
Although “Barbie” temporarily relinquished its box office throne to “Blue Beetle” last weekend, the DC superhero film securing an estimated $25.4 million, it is evident that “Barbie” remains a powerhouse contender. The film slid to second place with a respectable $21.5 million, according to studio estimates.
Both “Barbie” and “Blue Beetle” are distributed by Warner Bros. Discovery, the parent company of CNN. With the ever-increasing momentum of “Barbie,” the film’s meteoric rise to box office glory appears unstoppable.
