Universal and DreamWorks Animation’s latest offering, *The Wild Robot*, is making waves in the animation sector, having recently crossed the impressive milestone of $300 million globally. Directed by Chris Sanders, the film has captivated both audiences and critics alike, boasting a total of $300.5 million through Friday reporting. This vibrant piece of storytelling has proven to be more than just a financial success; it is also a heartfelt narrative that resonates with viewers of all ages.
Breaking down its earnings, *The Wild Robot* has garnered approximately $134.4 million from domestic audiences and an impressive $166.1 million from international markets. This figures underscore its status as the leading non-sequel animated feature of 2024. It currently holds the position of the No. 4 animated studio film of 2024 worldwide, an accolade that places it behind notable titles like *Inside Out 2*, *Despicable Me 4*, and *Kung Fu Panda 4*.
The film premiered at the Toronto Film Festival in September 2024, which helped generate considerable buzz. Following the festival, *The Wild Robot* experienced a staggered international release schedule. This deliberate approach appears to be paying off, as it has maintained solid audience numbers while coinciding with school holiday periods in many regions. Its ability to sustain interest and draw audiences to theaters, despite varying competition, truly speaks to its appeal as a family-friendly film.
Focusing on international reception, Mexico has emerged as the leading overseas market, contributing roughly $19.5 million in earnings. In this region, the film has surpassed the lifetime earnings of several beloved animation classics, including *Elemental*, *Frozen*, and *Zootopia*. Other markets contributing significantly include the United Kingdom ($16.5 million), France ($12.1 million), and Australia ($11 million), showcasing a robust international appetite for this animation.
In terms of its broader impact within the animation genre, *The Wild Robot* stands as the 14th studio film to surpass the $300 million benchmark in 2024. Furthermore, it is noteworthy as the 10th highest-grossing Hollywood animated film since the pandemic began, and the third largest non-sequel animated film within that same timeframe, trailing only *The Super Mario Bros. Movie*. With Japan’s release still pending for February 2025, expectations remain high that this film could climb further up the rankings.
*The Wild Robot* solidly positions itself as a standout in the animated film landscape of 2024. With its critical acclaim and impressive box office performance, it sets a precedent for future animated endeavors. As it continues to break records and captivate audiences worldwide, the film exemplifies the potential of original animation to thrive in a market often dominated by sequels and franchises. The journey of *The Wild Robot* is far from over, and its legacy is sure to impact the animation industry for years to come.