‘Barbie’ Tops ‘Super Mario’ As Highest Grossing Film Of The Year

(Bloomberg) -- has become the highest grossing film of 2023 after generating $1.38 billion at the worldwide box office. 

The results passed the previous leader, from Comcast Corp.'s Universal Pictures, according to a statement on Sunday from Warner Bros Discovery Inc., which released  

With no other films this year likely to draw as big an audience, it's a record that will probably stand. The picture is already the highest grossing in Warner Bros. history.

Directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie, has become a cultural phenomenon with many fans dressing in pink to see the live-action take on Mattel Inc.'s famous fashion doll. It scored 88% approval on the review aggregator RottenTomatoes.com. Critic Brandon Collins, of Medium Popcorn, called a “hilarious and thought provoking film that made me examine my own biases.”

The movie came out on July 21, the same date as Universal's from director Christopher Nolan. The release schedule spurred a social media frenzy known as Barbenheimer that saw people race to theaters to see both pictures on the same day. The demand helped set box office records at chains including AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc. and Vue International. 

and were among the last big-budget films that actors could promote before their union, the Screen Actors Guild, went on strike in mid-July. Actors have since been barred from attending premieres and participating in press interviews to discuss projects from Hollywood's largest studios, a turn of events that could depress attendance for other films this year. 

Some big films, including Warner Bros.' upcoming , have had their debut dates pushed into next year.

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