Disney has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first film studio to surpass the $6 billion mark at the global box office in 2023. This achievement was confirmed as of March 2023, with the studio generating approximately $2.3 billion from domestic markets and $3.7 billion from international revenue.
A major contributor to this success is the release of Avatar: Fire and Ash, which has garnered an impressive $450 million worldwide within its first week. The film’s strong opening reflects Disney’s ability to attract audiences with compelling content. This year marks a notable recovery for the studio, which had its most profitable year in 2019, when it reached an all-time high of $13.1 billion.
Disney previously surpassed the $6 billion threshold in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019, establishing a pattern of strong box office performance. This year’s achievements are bolstered by two standout films: Zootopia 2 and Lilo & Stitch, both crossing the $1 billion mark, with Zootopia 2 earning $1.3 billion and Lilo & Stitch achieving $1.03 billion.
The studio’s success is further highlighted by its three Marvel film releases, which collectively contributed approximately $1.3 billion to the total. Other notable performances include Predator: Badlands with $184 million, Elio at $154 million, and Freakier Friday with $153 million.
In comparison, the nearest competitor, Warner Bros. Pictures, has earned $4.3 billion this year. Warner Bros. was the first to cross the $4 billion mark in 2023, but its revenue has since been limited following the release of its last major film, One Battle After Another.
Disney’s remarkable performance this year underscores its strong position in the film industry and suggests a robust recovery following the challenges faced during the pandemic. As audiences return to theaters, the studio’s ability to deliver captivating stories continues to drive its financial success.
