Catching Fire crossed $409.3 million Thursday, making it the highest grossing film of 2013, as it also surpasses its predecessor.
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire has become the highest grossing film of 2013 at the domestic box office, crossing $409.3 million Thursday night and surpassing both the records of its 2012 predecessor, which grossed $408 million at the U.S. box office, and 2013’s previous record holder, Iron Man 3.
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, which also holds the record for largest November opening with $158.1 million, is a special boon for Lionsgate who was quick to point out that this marks the first and only time that the first two installments of a franchise both crossed $400 million at the domestic box office. With The Hunger Games and now Catching Fire’s staggering success, the series seems arguably the most popular franchise with American audiences (that at least does not feature a multitude of superheroes).
“The Hunger Gamesfranchise continues to evolve into a truly global phenomenon,” said Lionsgate Chief Executive Officer Jon Feltheimer in a press release. “The success of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is a testament to the vision of author Suzanne Collins, the sure hand of director Francis Lawrence, the brilliant performances of a remarkably talented cast led by the amazing Jennifer Lawrence and superb execution by our motion picture production, marketing and distribution teams. We will continue to grow the transformative Hunger Games franchise in the years to come even as we continue to develop a dynamic portfolio of premium new brands.”
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 premieres just in time for Thanksgiving this November and stands a very good chance of dominating another box office calendar year with nary a Batman or superhero team-up in sight.