Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire has taken the global box office by storm, becoming the highest grossing movie in the Legendary and Warner Bros Monsterverse franchise with $570M worldwide. This surpasses the previous Monsterverse champion, 2017’s Kong Skull Island, which earned $568.6M. The film has brought in $373.7M internationally and $196.3M domestically, solidifying its position as a powerhouse in the franchise.
Warner Bros made a strategic marketing move by releasing New Empire over Easter weekend, taking advantage of Sony’s Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire being moved to March 22. This decision proved to be lucrative, as the film overperformed expectations by grossing $80M domestically and $194M worldwide. The success of the film can also be attributed to the global distribution team, who ensured that New Empire became the highest grossing Monsterverse title in 35 markets including Brazil, Colombia, and France.
Directed by Adam Wingard, New Empire marks his second installment in the Monsterverse franchise after 2021’s Godzilla vs. Kong. Wingard’s direction has proven to be a major factor in the film’s success, as it currently stands as the second highest grossing Hollywood movie of 2024 after Legendary/Warner Bros.’ Dune: Part Two. Wingard’s unique take on the monster-mash genre, even in its quieter moments, has resonated with audiences and set New Empire apart from other films in the franchise.
One of the most interesting takeaways from New Empire’s success is its performance in international markets. In India, the film has become the highest grossing Warner Bros movie of all time, earning $16M. It has also been a hit in China, a market that has historically been challenging for Hollywood films post-Covid. New Empire raked in $132.4M in China, making it the highest grossing offshore territory for the film. The film’s success in countries like Mexico, UK, and Australia further solidifies its international appeal.
Despite being the newest installment in the Monsterverse franchise, New Empire has already made its mark. It has the second highest offshore cume in the franchise after Kong Skull Island, and is the highest grossing Warner Bros movie in Cambodia. The film’s performance in top-grossing territories like Mexico, UK, and France highlights its widespread appeal and solidifies its position as a standout in the Monsterverse franchise.
The success of Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire at the global box office is a testament to the power of strategic marketing, talented direction, and international appeal. The film’s record-breaking performance in key markets around the world cements its legacy in the Monsterverse franchise and proves that audiences are still eager for thrilling and innovative entertainment.