Entertainment
Times of India

'Spider-Man' beats 'Star Wars' to become highest-grossing film in North America

Source Entity

TOI ENTERTAINMENT DESK

September 18, 2026
'Spider-Man' beats 'Star Wars' to become highest-grossing film in North America

Spider-Man: Brand New Day has officially surpassed Star Wars: The Force Awakens to become the highest-grossing film in North American history. The movie has achieved a domestic total of USD 936.773 million, with global earnings reaching USD 2.45 billion.

A New King of the Domestic Box Office

The cinematic landscape has shifted significantly as Spider-Man: Brand New Day officially dethroned Star Wars: The Force Awakens to become the highest-grossing film in North American history. This historic milestone marks a pivotal moment for the superhero genre, as the film reached a domestic gross of approximately USD 936.773 million. For years, the Star Wars franchise held the top spot, symbolizing the cultural dominance of space operas, but this new achievement signals a robust transition toward comic book adaptations as the primary driver of modern box office revenue.

Analyzing the Financial Scale

The financial success of Spider-Man: Brand New Day is not limited to its domestic performance; its global footprint is equally staggering. With total worldwide earnings currently sitting at approximately USD 2.45 billion, the film has cemented itself as a massive commercial juggernaut. This level of revenue reflects both high audience demand and the effectiveness of modern distribution strategies implemented by Marvel Studios and Sony, which have successfully maximized the film's exposure across international markets.

The Shift in Franchise Dominance

Historically, the Star Wars franchise has been the benchmark for cinematic success, often setting the standard for sequels and blockbusters. By surpassing The Force Awakens, Spider-Man has effectively demonstrated that the Marvel-Sony partnership is currently the most formidable force in Hollywood. This shift is not merely about numbers; it represents a change in audience preference and the successful integration of interconnected cinematic universes that keep viewers engaged across multiple installments.

Strategic Implications for Studios

Following this record-breaking performance, Marvel Studios and Sony have confirmed plans for future releases within the franchise. This announcement is a clear indication that both studios intend to capitalize on the current momentum. By maintaining the quality and narrative appeal that led to this record, the studios are aiming to sustain the brand's dominance and potentially reach even higher financial milestones in the coming years, including the psychological barrier of the USD 1 billion mark domestically.

Future Trends and Market Outlook

The success of Spider-Man: Brand New Day points toward a future where franchise loyalty remains the primary driver of cinema attendance. As studios refine their release schedules, the focus will likely remain on high-stakes, event-level filmmaking. Given the current trajectory and the established fan base, it is highly probable that future installments will continue to challenge existing box office records, further solidifying the superhero genre's place at the pinnacle of global entertainment.

Verification Required?

Read the full report from the primary source

Go to Times of India