Universal and DreamWorks Animation’s latest release, The Wild Robot, has made a remarkable impact on the global box office, amassing an impressive $300.5 million by the end of the week. Directed by Chris Sanders, this animated feature has captivated audiences, garnering both critical acclaim and commercial success. With $134.4 million earned domestically and $166.1 million from international markets, The Wild Robot stands out as the top non-sequel animated film of 2024 and solidifies its place among the year’s biggest animated studio successes.
In a year packed with animated offerings, The Wild Robot has emerged as a formidable contender. Currently, it ranks as the second-highest non-sequel studio film of 2024, trailing only behind the romantic film It Ends with Us. Moreover, it holds the distinction of being the number one non-sequel animated title thus far. In terms of global rankings, it is the fourth highest-grossing animated studio film, following major titles like Inside Out 2, Despicable Me 4, and Kung Fu Panda 4. The film’s ability to outshine numerous successful franchises speaks volumes about its unique storytelling and artistry.
Since its premiere at the Toronto Film Festival in September 2024, The Wild Robot has seen a staggered release strategy that has worked favorably in many territories. Its performance during school holiday periods in various countries has also contributed to its strong holdover numbers, proving that family-oriented content continues to resonate well with audiences across international markets. The film has not only outperformed other animated features like Elemental and Frozen in several regions, but it has also topped the lifetime box office of The Bad Guys in foreign markets last weekend.
Among the international markets, Mexico has emerged as the top performer for The Wild Robot, contributing $19.5 million to its overall gross. This figure not only showcases the appeal of the film in Latin America but also highlights its ability to transcend cultural boundaries, making it a favorite among audiences. Following Mexico, significant earnings have been registered in the UK ($16.5 million), France ($12.1 million), Australia ($11 million), and other regions including Spain, China, and Germany—each contributing to the film’s growing global footprint.
As The Wild Robot continues its impressive run, it awaits further international releases, including a significant launch in Japan set for February 7, 2025. The demand for original animation content is evident, signaling that The Wild Robot may have even more milestones to achieve. With its critical acclaim and box office success, it has established itself not only as a significant player in this year’s animation landscape but also as a poignant tale that resonates with a diverse audience worldwide. As it approaches its future releases, industry experts and fans alike are eager to see how far its success will extend.