‘Oppenheimer’ Tops ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ for All-Time Biopic Box Office Record

“Universal’s ‘Oppenheimer’ Sets New Record as Highest-Grossing Biopic of All Time”

Universal’s cinematic triumph, “Oppenheimer,” concludes its extraordinary theatrical journey, leaving an indelible mark on box office history as the highest-grossing biographical film ever.

Entering its ninth weekend in theaters, “Oppenheimer” amassed an additional $12 million in global ticket sales, propelling its cumulative earnings to an impressive $912.7 million. This remarkable feat surpasses the record held by the acclaimed Freddie Mercury biopic, “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which amassed $902 million in 2018 before adjusting for inflation.

The monumental success of “Oppenheimer” is a testament to its unexpected ascent since its premiere on July 21. Universal, initially anticipating a performance akin to Christopher Nolan’s 2017 World War II epic, “Dunkirk,” which grossed $525 million worldwide, was undoubtedly taken aback by this unforeseen achievement.

In a surprising turn of events, “Oppenheimer” now ranks as the third highest-grossing film of 2023 and secures the third spot in Nolan’s illustrious filmography. Only “The Dark Knight” and “The Dark Knight Rises” surpass this three-hour, R-rated biographical portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer and the creation of the atomic bomb.

Nolan’s prowess as a director has demonstrated its universal appeal in a cinematic landscape where dramas delving into real-world issues often struggle to captivate audiences.

Universal’s strategic promotion of “Oppenheimer” as a monumental cinematic event ignited a genuine interest in the film and a desire to experience it on the grandest screens available. Imax reported an astounding $179 million in earnings from “Oppenheimer,” constituting roughly 20% of the film’s overall revenue.

While the fate of the awards season remains uncertain due to the dual strikes by Hollywood’s writers and actors, “Oppenheimer” is poised to emerge as a frontrunner at the upcoming Academy Awards. Should it secure the coveted title of Best Picture, it will be the highest-grossing film to receive this honor since “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” amassed $1.1 billion two decades ago. It would mark the first time a Best Picture winner has crossed the $500 million box office threshold since 2003.