11 Years Later, Universal Sets Another Box Office Record, Powered by The Odyssey, Obsession & Michael

Universal Film has officially crossed $5 billion at the global box office, thanks to the success of movies like The Odyssey, Obsession, Michael, and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. On September 25, NBCUniversal announced in an official press release that Universal Film is the first studio to surpass the $5 billion mark this year. At the same time, it also marks the third time in the studio’s history to cross $5 billion in a single calendar year.

The first time Universal hit $5 billion in a single year was in 2015, ultimately finishing the year with $6.89 billion. The major films that contributed to that run were Jurassic World, which crossed $1.67 billion, Furious 7 with grossed $1.52 billion, and Minions, which earned $1.16 billion. The rest were brought by Fifty Shades of Grey and Pitch Perfect 2.

In 2017, the studio achieved the same for the second time, with box-office hits like Despicable Me 3, Sing, The Mummy, and Fifty Shades Darker contributing to the milestone. After 11 years, Universal once again managed to hit the $5 billion mark.

Which Films Helped Universal Hit $5 Billion at Box Office

Matt Damon in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey | Credit: Universal Pictures

Universal’s releases truly ruled the global box office this year, especially with hits like The Odyssey. The Nolan epic almost single-handedly contributed to the $5 billion run. The movie surpassed $1.7 billion worldwide, while continuing its theatrical run to accumulate more. Meanwhile, releases like Michael and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie also joined the big billion club. Unexpected theater hits, such as Curry Baker’s Obsession starring Inde Navarrette, added to the success.

Apart from crossing the $5 billion mark, Universal has managed to achieve more box office milestones. Three of the five films that grossed $1 billion this year come from the studio: The Odyssey, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, and Michael. The other two are Marvel’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day and Pixar’s Toy Story 5.

According to the press release, “Universal International and Focus Features films represent five of the 10 highest-grossing films worldwide in 2026.” These are The Odyssey, Michael, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, Minions & Monsters, and Obsession. The studio has also topped the global box office for 11 weekends so far this year.

With major films like Forgotten Island, Other Mommy, and Sense $ Sensibility in its 2026 upcoming roster, Universal could gross even more at the worldwide box office.

What do you think will be Universal’s next hit? Let us know in the comments.