The film industry is experiencing a remarkable year, with a diverse range of movies captivating audiences worldwide. As we reach the midpoint of 2026, the box office landscape has been shaped by a mix of highly anticipated sequels, unexpected indie hits, and international sensations. The top 10 highest-grossing films of the year so far reflect the varied tastes of global moviegoers and the strategic releases of major studios.
This mid-year report highlights the films that have achieved significant box office success, from the record-breaking The Super Mario Galaxy Movie to the indie phenomenon Backrooms. The list includes a mix of animated features, live-action blockbusters, and international hits, demonstrating the global appeal of cinema in 2026.
The Top 10 Highest-Grossing Movies of 2026
The following list ranks the top 10 highest-grossing movies of 2026 based on worldwide box office figures through June 21. These films have not only entertained audiences but also set new records and redefined box office expectations.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
Topping the list is The Super Mario Galaxy Movie which has achieved the coveted $1 billion milestone. The animated sequel, a collaboration between Illumination and Nintendo, has grossed $1.005 billion worldwide. With $576.2 million from international markets and $429.6 million domestically, the film has spent three weekends at the top of the box office and maintained strong legs throughout its release.
Michael
In second place is Lionsgate’s Michael the Michael Jackson biopic that has grossed $959.6 million worldwide. The film has been particularly successful internationally, earning $591.7 million, with notable performances in the UK and France. Domestically, it opened with a record $97.2 million and has yet to experience a weekend drop greater than 50% after nine weeks in theaters.
Project Hail Mary
Amazon MGM’s Project Hail Mary stands at third place with $682.3 million in global earnings. Starring Ryan Gosling, the sci-fi movie has achieved nearly even splits between domestic ($343.9 million) and international ($338.3 million) box office figures. Its impressive legs have made it Amazon MGM’s highest-grossing movie to date.
The Devil Wears Prada 2
Disney’s revival of the hit Fox movie, The Devil Wears Prada 2 has grossed $677.4 million worldwide. The sequel, starring Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway, has been a significant hit internationally, earning $458.1 million. Domestically, it opened to $76.7 million and spent two weekends at the top of the box office.
Pegasus 3
Pegasus 3 the racing movie sequel, has earned $656.4 million worldwide, primarily driven by its success in China. The film made $653.9 million in China alone, making it the highest-grossing movie in the franchise and the biggest international total of any 2026 movie so far.
Hoppers
Disney and Pixar’s Hoppers has grossed $372 million worldwide, with $206 million coming from international audiences. The animated movie had one of Pixar’s best openings for an original movie in years and maintained strong legs, making $166 million domestically.
Obsession
Obsession the low-budget horror movie directed by Curry Barker, has become a modern phenomenon with $333.2 million in global earnings. Strong word of mouth has driven its success, with consecutive weekend increases and a domestic total of $215.8 million.
The Mandalorian and Grogu
Disney and Lucasfilm’s The Mandalorian and Grogu has grossed $321.7 million worldwide. The live-action Star Wars movie had a record-low opening weekend but has maintained a steady performance, earning $171.7 million domestically and $150 million internationally.
Toy Story 5
Pixar’s Toy Story 5 has launched a massive hit with a record-breaking opening weekend of $312 million worldwide. The film had the highest opening weekend for a 2026 movie and the largest launch for a Toy Story movie, with $160 million domestically and $152 million internationally.
Backrooms
A24’s Backrooms directed by Kane Parsons, has made $272.7 million in its first two weeks. The movie, based on Parsons’ original creepypasta YouTube videos, opened to $81.4 million domestically and has outgrossed Marty Supreme, Timothée Chalamet’s ping pong drama that was A24’s previous biggest box office performer.
The Impact of 2026’s Box Office Successes
The success of these films highlights the diverse tastes of global audiences and the strategic planning of major studios. From the record-breaking performance of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie to the unexpected triumph of Backrooms 2026 has been a year of box office surprises. These films have not only entertained audiences but also set new benchmarks for future releases.
As we move into the second half of the year, the film industry continues to evolve, with new releases from renowned directors and highly anticipated franchise installments. The box office landscape of 2026 is a testament to the enduring power of cinema and its ability to captivate audiences worldwide.
