Greta Gerwig’s enchanting comedy, “Barbie,” continues its triumphant journey at the box office, achieving yet another remarkable milestone.
The film has now surpassed the juggernaut, “Avengers: Endgame,” to claim the title of the highest-grossing movie ever at Alamo Drafthouse, a renowned cinema chain celebrated for its fusion of cinematic brilliance and dining extravagance. While precise ticket admission figures for both films remain undisclosed, Alamo Drafthouse’s unwavering support for Barbie was evident through an array of themed events, promotions, and merchandise. Limited-edition lunchboxes, t-shirts, and sunglasses flew off the shelves, marking the theater’s most prosperous merchandising venture to date.
Avengers: Endgame, the culmination of Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Infinity Saga by Disney, holds the prestigious second-highest-grossing film worldwide, with an impressive $2.799 billion, trailing only behind James Cameron’s “Avatar.” While Barbie doesn’t approach these astronomical figures, it has harnessed the charm of the iconic Mattel doll to amass an impressive $597.5 million in North America and a staggering $1.344 billion globally. This commercial triumph places it on the cusp of surpassing “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” as the year’s highest-grossing film, which stands at $1.35 billion.
Spanning 39 locations across the United States, Alamo Drafthouse went to great lengths to offer moviegoers an immersive experience. Special screenings, complete with themed props, cocktails, and even brunches with mimosas, transformed Barbie into more than just a film, turning it into a cultural phenomenon. Alamo Drafthouse CEO Michael Kustermann applauded Greta Gerwig’s work, asserting that Barbie demonstrated how exceptional films can resonate with audiences on a grand scale.
Alamo Drafthouse Salutes Barbie’s Triumph
“Greta Gerwig has crafted a film for the ages, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to crown ‘Barbie‘ as our new number one film at Alamo Drafthouse. It underscores how exceptional quality films can captivate audiences in a monumental way,” Kustermann remarked, expressing admiration for Warner Bros. Pictures. “Besides being a certified masterpiece, the film and our outstanding partners at Warner Bros. Pictures allowed us to elevate our distinctive events, culinary offerings, and promotions, making it an unforgettable experience for moviegoers.”
Jeff Goldstein of Warner Bros. Pictures acknowledged the dedicated fan base of Alamo Drafthouse and their remarkable creativity in supporting Barbie. He stated, “Alamo Drafthouse has always been a terrific partner with an exceptionally devoted fan base, so every collaboration with them is guaranteed to be an outstanding experience.”
Barbie served as a catalyst for Alamo Drafthouse’s successful year, witnessing a significant 29% surge in ticket sales compared to the previous year’s box office earnings. Notably, like many other cinema chains, Alamo Drafthouse faced the challenges of the pandemic, even leading to a bankruptcy filing. Nevertheless, it displayed remarkable resilience and emerged from the situation within a mere three months. The chain has since expanded its presence, introducing new locations across the nation.
Barbie continues to captivate audiences in theaters nationwide.