The 2024 holiday season brought a trifecta of blockbuster hits that continue to dominate cinemas well into 2025. Universal’s Wicked, Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King, and Paramount’s Sonic the Hedgehog 3have shattered expectations, reaching remarkable box office milestones and cementing their places as global hits.
Wicked Crosses $700 Million, Eyes Dune: Part Two’s Record
Wicked has cast a spell on audiences worldwide, raking in a stunning $709 million at the global box office. With its current pace, the musical adaptation is poised to surpass Dune: Part Two’s $714 million haul, making it one of 2024’s highest-grossing films. The film’s magical mix of breathtaking visuals and a star-studded cast has enchanted both fans and critics, ensuring its enduring success.
Mufasa Roars Toward $600 Million
Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King is closing in on an impressive $600 million global box office total, with its current earnings at $592 million. While it hasn’t matched the billion-dollar triumph of 2019’s The Lion King, the prequel has been a roaring success, continuing Disney’s streak of box office hits. This follows the massive success of Moana 2 crossing $1 billion and Inside Out 2 and Deadpool & Wolverinesetting new records for animated and R-rated films, respectively.
Sonic Speeds Past Franchise Records
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is electrifying audiences and breaking franchise records with a $422 million global box office take. This makes it the highest-grossing film in the Sonic series, surpassing the $319 million earned by the 2020 original and the $405 million grossed by its 2022 sequel. With its fast-paced action and fan-favorite characters, Sonic 3 has proven to be a winning bet for Paramount Pictures.
2025: A Year of Franchise Fever
The continued success of these blockbusters highlights the enduring appeal of franchise filmmaking. As these films set new benchmarks, audiences can look forward to a year packed with more record-breaking releases. With their stellar box office performances, Wicked, Mufasa, and Sonic 3 have proven that their magic, heart, and speed resonate deeply with fans around the globe.
