Disney Becomes First Film Studio in the World to Earn $10 Billion in a Year. 2019 has been one of the best year in movies, at least for Disney, Pixar, Marvel Studios, and soon to be Lucasfilm! Disney has become the first ever film studio to gross over $10 billion in a year, and they still have one more major film premiere, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker on December 20th, which will likely launch the studio well past the $11 billion mark before the end of 2019.
So what has led to this wildly successful year? The theatrical line-up for 2019 was set up for success. With at least one major title being offered by each studio and with staggered release dates through out the year, many fans were able to enjoy most, if not all, of the releases in theaters, adding to their earnings.
Disney and associated studios have had 5 titles join the “Billion Dollar Club” so far in 2019, with expectation for Frozen II to join the club within the next week or two, and high expectations for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker to also join the Billion Dollar Club, possibly before the end of 2019.
Check out the titles that have joined the “Billion Dollar Club,” according to Box Office Mojo, in 2019:
1.) Captain Marvel
During its theatrical run, Captain Marvel, the first female led superhero film from Marvel Studios, grossed $ 1,128 billion, easily securing its spot in the Billion Dollar Club (BDC).
“Captain Marvel is an extraterrestrial Kree warrior who finds herself caught in the middle of an intergalactic battle between her people and the Skrulls. Living on Earth in 1995, she keeps having recurring memories of another life as U.S. Air Force pilot Carol Danvers. With help from Nick Fury, Captain Marvel tries to uncover the secrets of her past while harnessing her special superpowers to end the war with the evil Skrulls.”
2.) Avengers: Endgame
2019 not only saw the ushering a mega-hits in theaters, but a new #1 grossing film of all time with Avengers: Endgame. The cultivation of 23-films in the making, Avengers: Endgame earned an unprecedented $2.798 billion, surpassing James Cameron’s Avatar, which held the record for a decade.
“Adrift in space with no food or water, Tony Stark sends a message to Pepper Potts as his oxygen supply starts to dwindle. Meanwhile, the remaining Avengers — Thor, Black Widow, Captain America and Bruce Banner — must figure out a way to bring back their vanquished allies for an epic showdown with Thanos — the evil demigod who decimated the planet and the universe.”
3.) Aladdin (Live-Action)
In the age of Disney live-action remakes, it seems the films have been either extremely successful or complete flops at the box office. One success this year was Disney’s Live-Action Aladdin, which earned $1.05 billion at the global box office. The film looked to “fix” outdated references and topics discussed in the original animated film, and looked to provide the same story at its care, while ushering a new expectation for character usage and representation within filmmaking. Almost every live-action film by Disney has been wrought with controversy this year, but it appears Aladdin was successful at sharing “A Whole New World” of storytelling in 2019.
“Aladdin is a lovable street urchin who meets Princess Jasmine, the beautiful daughter of the sultan of Agrabah. While visiting her exotic palace, Aladdin stumbles upon a magic oil lamp that unleashes a powerful, wisecracking, larger-than-life genie. As Aladdin and the genie start to become friends, they must soon embark on a dangerous mission to stop the evil sorcerer Jafar from overthrowing young Jasmine’s kingdom.”
4.) Toy Story 4
The fourth installment of the Toy Story franchise from Pixar, Toy Story 4, was visually stunning and drew a huge summer crowd in 2019, earning $1.07 billion at the global box office.
“Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the rest of the gang embark on a road trip with Bonnie and a new toy named Forky. The adventurous journey turns into an unexpected reunion as Woody’s slight detour leads him to his long-lost friend Bo Peep. As Woody and Bo discuss the old days, they soon start to realize that they’re worlds apart when it comes to what they want from life as a toy.”
5.) The Lion King (Live-Action)
“Live-Action” The Lion King was met with the lions share of controversy over its entire production, from concept to finish, but still managed to earn $1.656 billion and the #2 spot for top grossing films of 2019, after Marvel Studios Avengers: Endgame.
“Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny on the plains of Africa. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother — and former heir to the throne — has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is soon ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile. Now, with help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba must figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his.”
Next: Frozen II
Frozen II currently sits around the $922 Million mark in global box office earnings according to Box Office Mojo, but is likely to pass the $1 billion mark within the following week or so, becoming the 6th title by Disney and related studios to earn over $1 billion at the. box office.
“Why was Elsa (Idina Menzel) born with magical powers? The answer is calling her and threatening her kingdom. Together with Anna (Kristen Bell), Kristoff (Jonathan Groff), Olaf (Josh Gad), and Sven, she’ll set out on a dangerous but remarkable journey. In “Frozen,” Elsa feared her powers were too much for the world. In “Frozen II,” she must hope they are enough.”
“It’s difficult to describe the momentousness [year] that Disney is enjoying,” says senior media analyst at Comscore, Paul Dergarabedian. “Disney has consistently put almost unfathomable numbers on the board by delivering a diverse and irresistible slate of films, while capitalizing on the goodwill and viewer loyalty that has been built up by years.”
Have you seen any of these titles in theaters? Which ones? Have you seen all the new titles in the Billion Dollar Club? What did you think of the films so far in 2019? Are you planning to see Frozen II again in theaters, or see Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker when it premieres Dec 20th? We would love to hear your thoughts and stories in the comments.
Be sure to check back here at Chip and Co. for all things Disney!
Featured Photo Credit: Disney/Marvel Studios
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