The list of films that have grossed more than $1 billion worldwide now stands at 65, and two of its newest members are helping define Hollywood’s 2026 box office story. A musical biopic and a video game sequel have both reached the milestone this year.
A Biopic Sets a New Mark
Lionsgate and Universal’s Michael has crossed the $1 billion line globally, making it the most commercially successful biopic ever released. The achievement is also a first for Lionsgate, a studio that had not previously had a title reach that level of ticket sales.
The film follows the life of the pop icon, and audience reaction appears to be a big part of its momentum. One viewer comment attached to the coverage came from someone who says they rarely watch movies in theaters but grew up on the music of Michael Jackson, the Bee Gees and ABBA. That person called it the best film they had ever seen. Such comments are anecdotal, but they point to the film’s draw among older audiences who do not usually turn out in large numbers.
Mario Returns to the Billion-Dollar Stage
The other 2026 arrival is The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, an animated sequel from Universal, Illumination and Nintendo. It reached $1 billion in early June. Its predecessor, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, had done the same in 2023, so the franchise has now produced two billion-dollar releases in a short span.
Together, the two 2026 titles extend a group that also includes 2021’s Spider-Man: No Way Home, which the report names among recent entries. The range of titles shows that audiences are paying for very different kinds of films, from music-driven drama to family animation to superhero spectacle.
What the Milestone Means
Only 65 films in cinema history have crossed the billion-dollar threshold, so each new entry stands out. Passing it signals broad international appeal as well as strong performance in the home market. Since it usually takes a global audience to get there, a biopic reaching the mark is especially unusual, as the genre is often seen as having a more limited reach.
For Lionsgate, the result is a landmark on its own terms. For Universal, it adds to a year in which two of its releases have joined the exclusive club. Illumination and Nintendo, meanwhile, have shown that their animated partnership remains a dependable draw.
With the film business still weighing theatrical against streaming, results like these give theater owners and studios fresh evidence that well-timed, widely appealing releases can still produce enormous returns on the big screen.
Source: Deadline
