Greta Gerwig’s Barbie has shattered another record, becoming the highest-grossing film in Irish box office history. The live-action reboot, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, has surpassed James Cameron’s 2009 film Avatar, which held the top spot for 14 years. Exactly one month and one day after its release, Barbie overtook Avatar, accumulating over €8.85m in Ireland.
The Irish Film and Television News website reported that Barbie’s box office success has propelled it ahead of Avatar by more than €151,000, securing second place on the list. Titanic, also directed by James Cameron, now sits in third place. Barbie’s dominance at the box office has been consistent, with four consecutive weeks at the top.
The film’s popularity is not limited to its box office performance. Recent spending reports from Bank of Ireland indicate a significant increase in cinema spending throughout July. Compared to the same period last year, there has been a remarkable 136% month-on-month spike in cinema spending. This surge in demand aligns with the release of this year’s biggest motion pictures, including Barbie.
Part of Barbie’s success can be attributed to the Barbenheimer phenomenon. This double bill, featuring both Barbie and Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, created significant hype and drew film enthusiasts to the cinemas. In the first week alone, 799,000 admissions were recorded for both films in Irish cinemas.
Oppenheimer, which has also benefited from the widespread excitement, has accumulated €5.5m at the Irish box office. Holding second place in the top ten, the film continues to attract audiences a month after its release.
Eoin Wrexon, the chief executive of cinema advertising company Pearl and Dean Ireland, expressed his awe at Barbie’s remarkable performance. He stated, “To see Barbie on track to rank as one of the biggest films of all time at the Irish box office shows how cinema has returned stronger than ever.”
Barbie’s live-action remake, helmed by Greta Gerwig, has captivated audiences and surpassed expectations. Its record-breaking success in the Irish box office is a testament to the power of film and the enduring appeal of iconic characters. As Barbie continues to dominate cinemas across Ireland, it solidifies its place in Irish film history and leaves a lasting impact on the industry.
