Updated

Updated · Variety · Jul 16

Hollywood Box Office Rises 10% in 2026 as Summer Tops $4 Billion for First Time Since 2023

Updated

Updated · Variety · Jul 16

Hollywood Box Office Rises 10% in 2026 as Summer Tops $4 Billion for First Time Since 2023

3 articles · Updated · Variety · Jul 16

Domestic ticket sales are running 10% above 2025 levels, putting Hollywood on track for its strongest post-COVID summer as the four-month season is expected to clear $4 billion.
Sleeper hits and sequels powered the rebound, with “Obsession” turning a $750,000 budget into $426 million and “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” and “Michael” each topping $1 billion globally.
That strength came despite several expensive misses, including “Supergirl” at $115 million on a $170 million budget and “The Mandalorian and Grogu” at $340 million, below 2018’s “Solo.”
Original films still showed mixed prospects: Pixar’s “Hoppers” reached $372 million, while “Disclosure Day” stalled at $228 million and “The Breadwinner” managed just $20 million.
The first-half results suggest younger audiences are returning for fresh horror and event films, while studios still lean on franchises ahead of releases such as “The Odyssey,” “Dune: Part Three” and “Avengers: Doomsday.”

Sources

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2026 Box Office Surges Past $10 Billion: Gen Z and Internet-Native Filmmakers Drive Hollywood’s Revival

Overview

The 2026 U.S. box office is experiencing a strong resurgence, with expectations of returning to pre-pandemic levels. This recovery is highlighted by the biopic 'Michael,' which became the first biopic to cross $1 billion in global ticket sales and set a new benchmark for musical biopics with its impressive $97 million domestic and $217 million global opening. The film's exceptional performance has significantly contributed to the overall box office strength, signaling a revitalized market and renewed audience enthusiasm for theatrical releases.

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