After a rough 2023, Disney has bounced back in spectacular fashion, becoming the only studio in 2024 to surpass $2 billion at the domestic box office. This remarkable feat comes on the heels of massive hits like Inside Out 2 ($652.9 million domestic), now the highest-grossing animated film worldwide, and Deadpool & Wolverine ($636.7 million), which has taken the crown as the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time.
The triumph is even sweeter considering the studio’s struggles last year, with high-profile flops like The Marvels, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, and Haunted Mansion collectively losing hundreds of millions.
What Changed for Disney in 2024?
Disney’s strategy shifted significantly in 2024, focusing on fewer, higher-quality releases. By giving their movies more breathing room and doubling down on strong intellectual properties (IP), the studio delivered hits across its brands. From Pixar’s Inside Out 2 to the nostalgic sequel Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes and even the enchanting Moana 2, Disney hit the sweet spot with audiences.
And 2024 isn’t over yet. Disney has more heavy hitters lined up, including Mufasa: The Lion King, a prequel to the 2019 remake that grossed $1.66 billion, and the Timothée Chalamet-led Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown.
A Look Ahead: Disney’s 2025 Slate
Disney’s momentum shows no signs of slowing. The studio has a stacked 2025 lineup featuring blockbusters like Captain America: Brave New World, Snow White, Pixar’s Elio, Thunderbolts, Zootopia 2, Avatar: Fire and Ash, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps. If the hits keep coming, Disney could dominate the box office for years to come, rivaling its golden run in the 2010s.
From box office blunders to breaking records, Disney has proven once again why it’s a powerhouse in entertainment. With a strategy laser-focused on quality and crowd-pleasers, they’ve turned 2024 into a cinematic fairytale.
