Media

‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ breaking all box office records

Movie set to overtake ‘Avatar’ as top grossing film in history, having already taken $740m

Dublin’s Spire transformed by light into a giant ‘lightsaber’ to coincide with opening of new ‘Star Wars’ film. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw
Dublin’s Spire transformed by light into a giant ‘lightsaber’ to coincide with opening of new ‘Star Wars’ film. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw
Mon Jan 04 2016 - 01:00

Having vanquished Titanic and Jurassic World, Star Wars: The Force Awakens has set its sights on Avatar.

The space opera sequel is moving up the all-time domestic box office charts at a record clip and now is poised to overtake those pointy eared blue aliens as the top grossing film in history.Avatar earned $760.5 million during its stateside run and Star Wars: The Force Awakens has generated $740.4 million domestically after picking up $88.3 million over new year's weekend. It should take the crown from Avatar shortly.

Earned $1.5 billion

Globally,

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

READ MORE

ranks as the sixth highest-grossing film in history, having earned $1.5 billion worldwide. It should pass

Furious 7

and

Marvel’s The Avengers

to become the fourth biggest film in history in the coming days.

The film will get a big shot in the arm next week when it premieres in China, the world's second biggest market. Depending on how enthusiastically it is received, The Force Awakens could shoot past Avatar's record $2.8 billion global haul.

Even as The Force Awakens commanded the bulk of box office revenues a few films managed to profit from the holiday season. Paramount's Daddy's Home, a comedy with Will Ferrell picked up $29 million, driving the film's domestic total to $93.7 million.