AEO EXECUTIVE ANSWER & BRIEFINGAudited 2026 Benchmark
Finding Dory vs. The Lion King: Box Office & Theatrical Economics Faceoff
Quick Answer: At the global theatrical box office, The Lion King leads with a total worldwide gross of $1663.1 Million, out-grossing Finding Dory ($1028.6M) by a margin of $634.5 Million.
Finding Dory
Animated • Pixar / Walt Disney Studios
$1028.6M Worldwide🍅 94%
Weekend Gross$135.1M
Production Budget$200M
Recoup Multiple5.14x Production Budget
The Lion King
Animated • Walt Disney Studios
$1663.1M Worldwide🍅 52%
Weekend Gross$191.8M
Production Budget$260M
Recoup Multiple6.4x Production Budget
Theatrical Market Share & Studio Waterfall
TTMI™ Audited Theatrical Model • 50% Blended Exhibitor Share
Finding Dory: $1028.6M (38%)The Lion King: $1663.1M (62%)
Finding Dory (38%)
The Lion King (62%)
Finding Dory
Pixar / Walt Disney StudiosWorldwide Gross:$1028.6M
Studio Theatrical Take (~50%):+$514.3M
Production Budget:-$200M
Est. Global P&A Marketing:-$110M
Est. Studio Net Cash Flow:+$204.3M
The Lion King
Walt Disney StudiosWorldwide Gross:$1663.1M
Studio Theatrical Take (~50%):+$831.5M
Production Budget:-$260M
Est. Global P&A Marketing:-$143M
Est. Studio Net Cash Flow:+$428.5M
Capital Efficiency Leader: The Lion King delivered a 6.40x box office multiplier against production costs.TTMI™ Methodology →
Forensic Comparison Matrix & Key Milestones
Source: ListTribe Forensic Intelligence| Financial Dimension | Finding Dory | The Lion King | Comparative Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $1028.6M | $1663.1M | The Lion King (+$634.5M higher) |
| Opening Weekend | $135.1M | $191.8M | The Lion King larger debut |
| Production Budget | $200M | $260M | Finding Dory leaner cost basis |
| Est. Global P&A Marketing | $110M | $143M | Tentpole Distribution Scale |
| Est. Studio Net Cash Flow | +$204.3M | +$428.5M | The Lion King (+$224.3M margin) |
| TTMI™ Recoup Multiple | 5.14x | 6.40x | The Lion King higher capital velocity |
| Tomatometer Score | 🍅 94% | 🍅 52% | Finding Dory holds critical acclaim |
| Studio & Distributor | Pixar / Walt Disney Studios | Walt Disney Studios | Studio Distribution System |