Barbie: The Box Office Sensation Approaches Billion-Dollar Mark

The Warner Bros. movie, “Barbie,” directed by Greta Gerwig, is proving to be an unstoppable force at the global box office. 

In its second weekend, the film grossed a remarkable $131.5 million worldwide, with $93 million earned domestically and $122.2 million from 70 international markets. With its worldwide earnings at $774.5 million after just 12 days in theaters, “Barbie” is on the verge of joining the exclusive billion-dollar club. This incredible feat will make it the first Hollywood film directed solely by a woman to achieve this milestone, surpassing even “Wonder Woman” directed by Patty Jenkins ($822 million) in unadjusted figures. Additionally, “Barbie” will be the second film of 2023 to cross the billion-dollar mark, following Universal’s “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” ($1.34 billion).

Contrary to detractors’ predictions, “Barbie” did not experience a sharp drop in its second weekend. It only fell by 43 percent in North America and an even lower 32 percent internationally. Notably, the movie’s popularity is soaring in China, where it has already accumulated $25 million in box office receipts, surpassing expectations and creating hope for a successful run in Japan when it opens next month.

“Barbie” has shattered records in various markets, becoming Warner Bros.’s second-highest-grossing film, trailing only “Joker.” In the UK, it leads with an impressive $61.6 million, surpassing the first ten days of the final Harry Potter film. Moreover, it has become Warner Bros.’ most successful movie ever in Brazil, grossing an early total of $33.5 million. “Barbie” has shown remarkable resilience in Europe, dropping only 22 percent.

The success of “Barbie” has been complemented by the performance of Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer,” resulting in a significant boost to the summer box office. In its second weekend, “Oppenheimer” dropped only 44 percent in North America, earning $46.2 million, making it the biggest second weekend ever for an R-rated film. Its domestic total now stands at $174.6 million. Internationally, the biographical drama grossed an additional $72.4 million, bringing its foreign tally to $226.3 million, and a global haul of $400.4 million, making it Nolan’s sixth-highest-grossing film.

“Barbie” is rewriting box office history, captivating audiences globally with its female-led storyline and spectacular direction by Greta Gerwig. The film’s unstoppable success, approaching the billion-dollar mark, solidifies its place as a groundbreaking cinematic achievement and a trailblazer for women in the film industry. As it continues its impressive run, “Barbie” is set to make an indelible mark on the annals of Hollywood’s blockbuster history.