U.S. Summer Box Office Sets Record With $4.76 Billion in Ticket Sales

U.S. domestic ticket sales reached $4.76 billion during the summer movie season, the highest total on record tracked by Rentrak. The period ran from May 1 through Labor Day on Sept. 7.

The result surpassed the 2013 record of $4.755 billion, when “Iron Man 3,” “Despicable Me 2” and “Man of Steel” led the market.

Four Months Above $1 Billion

This was the first summer in which all four months exceeded $1 billion: May brought in $1.07 billion, June $1.08 billion, July $1.18 billion and August $1.27 billion. The May-to-Labor Day period accounts for about 40% of annual box-office revenue.

The comparison with 2013 has two limitations: the earlier figure was not adjusted for inflation, and that season lasted 123 days rather than 130. Still, it was only the second post-pandemic summer above $4 billion, following 2023’s $4.09 billion.

“Spider-Man” Led the Season

Sony and Marvel’s “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” was the season’s biggest hit, with $923 million domestically and $2.4 billion worldwide. Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” earned $589 million in North America and $1.62 billion globally.

“Spider-Man: Brand New Home” led the Labor Day weekend for a sixth consecutive frame, taking $23.5 million over four days. “The Odyssey” was second with $17.3 million, while “Coyote vs. Acme” placed third with $15.8 million from 3,727 venues.

New Releases Struggled

Paramount’s “By Any Means” opened in fourth place with $9.3 million from 2,903 theaters. Directed by Elegance Bratton, the $30 million thriller follows a young FBI agent played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and a mafia hitman played by Mark Wahlberg as they investigate killings targeting civil rights leaders.

“Fall 2: Deadpoint” finished 12th with $2.8 million, while A24’s “Onslaught” opened 13th with $2.2 million over four days. The former follows two friends trapped 4,000 feet above Thailand after a rockslide; Adria Arjona stars in the latter as an army sniper protecting her daughter from genetically engineered super soldiers.

Rentrak marketplace trends chief Paul Dergarabedian called the season potentially pivotal, saying it may have reminded audiences why going to the movies can be enjoyable and could support future attendance.