After 16 weeks in the box office, Pixar's "Finding Dory" has crossed the $1 billion mark worldwide to become the fifth highest grossing animated film of all time. The film about a forgetful blue tang proved to be unforgettable as it cruised to $484.8 million in domestic results plus $516.7 million from its international releases.
According to Variety, "Finding Dory" is the second film from Pixar to earn a billion dollar joining "Toy Story 3". The film is also the 12th release from Walt Disney to hit the mark and in 12 months, "Finding Dory" is the fourth film from Disney to gross over a billion joining "Captain America: Civil War," "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," and "Zootopia."
As of this writing, "Finding Dory" is also this year's highest grossing film in the US domestic box office. The film's success came 13 years after the original "Finding Nemo" film was released in 2003. It became the top film in markets like Japan, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
In a report from Deadline, it was said that the 13-year gap between "Dory" and "Nemo" has helped the former to gross higher than the latter. "Finding Dory" tapped on the nostalgia factor for many, especially the first film's fans. It also enjoyed new audience from kids who have watched the original "Nemo" film on DVD. This is the same thing that "Toy Story 3" have experienced which was released 11 years from "Toy Story 2"; as well as "Monsters University" which was released 12 years from "Monster Inc."
Of the film's international screenings, Japan proved to be the biggest market outside the US. Japan has grossed $65.9M, followed by the UK at $55M and China at $38.4M. The Chinese gross may not be the best for Disney, as its other animated and live action films have grossed better than "Dory", but it is so far the best numbers for a Pixar film. Rounding off the top 10 international markets are Australia ($36.2M), Brazil ($34.5M), Mexico ($24.8M), France ($21.8M), Spain ($20M), Germany ($19.4M) and Korea ($18.2M).
This latest box office success has contributed to this year's very impressive performance from Disney. The studio now boasts the biggest market share in the US, commanding nearly 25% of the annual film revenue. Disney not only owns Pixar, but it also control lucrative production units like Marvel and Lucasfilm, thus owning rights to film franchises like "Avengers" and "Star Wars".