Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse has achieved a significant milestone at the box office, surpassing previous records set by Sony. The sequel has surpassed its predecessor in all aspects, exploring the multiverse with tremendous success. This is a remarkable achievement considering the acclaim and popularity of the original film, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. As the box office numbers for Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse continue to grow, it has now become Sony Animation's highest-grossing movie, reaching a total of $600 million. The film's strong debut and ongoing success have allowed it to break numerous records, including the highest opening day for 2023. Currently, the worldwide earnings for the Spider-Verse sequel stand at $607.7 million, surpassing The Smurfs' previous record of $563.7 million, solidifying its position as Sony Animation's most successful film to date.
Why 2023's Box Office Problems Aren't Affecting Across The Spider-Verse
2023 has been an unpredictable year for the box office, with many movies falling short of expectations and a few pleasant surprises. The big superhero films have particularly struggled, as Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania became the lowest-grossing movie for the hero, despite the introduction of Jonathan Majors' Kang the Conqueror as the Marvel Cinematic Universe's new main villain. Meanwhile, things are not looking any better for DC, as Shazam! Fury of the Gods failed to reach the numbers of its predecessor, and the highly publicized The Flash is on track to become one of the biggest box office failures of all time.
However, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse has managed to avoid the problems faced by other superhero films. While still falling into the superhero genre, the animated movie brings a refreshing originality to a genre that has become oversaturated in recent years. Building on the groundbreaking animation style of its predecessor, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, the new film creates a visually stunning experience that pushes the industry forward. Additionally, the lack of significant competition from other blockbuster films, both within and outside the superhero realm, has helped Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse maintain strong numbers throughout its month-long theatrical run.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse has a wide appeal that works in its favor. The story revolves around Spider-Man, a universally beloved superhero. The animation style of the movie is engaging for a younger audience, while its unique visuals make it a must-watch for people of all ages. Unlike The Flash, this film doesn't rely on nostalgia as its selling point. Instead, it takes Miles Morales on a profound emotional journey. This approach has contributed to the box office success of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.