Universal Pictures has become the first Hollywood studio to surpass $4 billion at the global box office in 2026, driven by the continued success of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey and a string of major theatrical hits, writes Deadline.
According to the studio, Universal crossed the milestone after reaching $1.53 billion at the domestic box office and $2.48 billion internationally.
It is the first time since 2023 that the studio has exceeded the $4 billion mark and the fifth time in its history.
While Disney became the first studio to surpass $3 billion worldwide earlier this year, Universal has now taken the lead by becoming the first to cross the $4 billion threshold in 2026.
A major contributor to Universal’s impressive run is Christopher Nolan’s epic The Odyssey, which has now amassed $911 million worldwide after three weekends in theatres.
The film collected $136.2 million globally in its third weekend, including $68 million from IMAX screenings, marking IMAX’s second-biggest weekend ever.
The premium format’s strong performance was boosted by The Odyssey occupying nearly all IMAX screens worldwide, except in China, Japan and South Korea, where the film has yet to open.
Universal has enjoyed one of its strongest years in recent memory, with several major milestones already achieved.
Of the three films to cross the $1 billion mark globally in 2026, Universal distributed two—The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and Michael.
The studio has also led the worldwide weekend box office on 10 occasions this year.
Universal and Focus Features currently account for five of the year’s 10 highest-grossing films worldwide, including three of the top five:
Michael (No. 2)
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (No. 3)
The Odyssey (No. 4)
Obsession (No. 9)
Minions & Monsters (No. 10)
Internationally, Universal also distributes three of the year’s five biggest global releases: The Odyssey, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and Michael.
Meanwhile, Obsession has become Focus Features’ highest-grossing film of all time, with a worldwide total of $475 million.
The film has also set a new box office record for Blumhouse and Atomic Monster.
With several high-profile releases still scheduled for the remainder of the year, Universal is well-positioned to extend its lead at the global box office.
