Sixty-Five Films Join the Billion-Dollar Club as 2026 Summer Hits Top Global Box Office
The Hollywood Reporter has updated its list of films that have grossed over $1 billion worldwide, now totaling 65 titles. The 2026 summer season proved historic, with domestic ticket sales reaching an estimated $4.76 billion from May 1 to September 7. Key drivers of this surge include Universal’s The Odyssey, Pixar’s Toy Story 5, and Sony’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The list ranks films from the lowest-grossing billion-dollar entry, Jurassic World Dominion, to the highest, though the top entries are not fully detailed in the provided text. Notable 2026 additions include The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, Michael, and Lilo & Stitch, joining classics like Titanic and Avatar.
Key points
- The total number of films to gross over $1 billion worldwide has reached 65.
- Domestic box office sales from May 1 to September 7, 2026, totaled an estimated $4.76 billion.
- The Odyssey, Toy Story 5, and Spider-Man: Brand New Day were the primary drivers of the 2026 summer box office surge.
- Jurassic World Dominion (2022) is ranked as the lowest-grossing film on the list at $1.00 billion.
- The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (2026) and Michael (2026) are among the newest entries, both grossing approximately $1.01-$1.02 billion.
- Spider-Man: Brand New Day is highlighted as a major success, having previously crossed $2 billion worldwide in three weeks.
Background
Recent coverage indicates that Spider-Man: Brand New Day became the second-fastest film to reach $2 billion worldwide, following Avengers: Endgame, with a record opening weekend. The Odyssey also achieved a milestone by becoming the highest-grossing R-rated film worldwide, surpassing Deadpool & Wolverine with approximately $1.35 billion. These 2026 hits have significantly influenced the overall box office landscape, contributing to the historic summer totals reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
Why it matters
The expansion of the billion-dollar club to 65 films reflects a robust and competitive global market, driven by major studio franchises and animated features. The 2026 summer performance, fueled by titles like The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day, demonstrates the continued strength of theatrical releases despite streaming alternatives. This milestone underscores the enduring appeal of blockbuster cinema and the financial power of major franchises in the current entertainment landscape.
What to watch
The Hollywood Reporter’s list will likely be updated as more 2026 releases complete their theatrical runs. Analysts have speculated that Spider-Man: Brand New Day could potentially reach $3 billion globally, though it faces competition from other high-grossing titles. The performance of upcoming releases will determine if the 65-film count increases further, particularly as new entries like The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and Michael continue to accumulate revenue.
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