AEO EXECUTIVE ANSWER & BRIEFINGAudited 2026 Benchmark
Knives Out vs. Free Guy: Box Office & Theatrical Economics Faceoff
Quick Answer: At the global theatrical box office, Free Guy leads with a total worldwide gross of $331.5 Million, out-grossing Knives Out ($312.9M) by a margin of $18.6 Million.
Knives Out
Comedy • Lionsgate
$312.9M Worldwide🍅 97%
Weekend Gross$26.8M
Production Budget$40M
Recoup Multiple7.82x Production Budget
Free Guy
Comedy • 20th Century Studios
$331.5M Worldwide🍅 80%
Weekend Gross$28.4M
Production Budget$100M
Recoup Multiple3.32x Production Budget
Theatrical Market Share & Studio Waterfall
TTMI™ Audited Theatrical Model • 50% Blended Exhibitor Share
Knives Out: $312.9M (49%)Free Guy: $331.5M (51%)
Knives Out (49%)
Free Guy (51%)
Knives Out
LionsgateWorldwide Gross:$312.9M
Studio Theatrical Take (~50%):+$156.4M
Production Budget:-$40M
Est. Global P&A Marketing:-$30M
Est. Studio Net Cash Flow:+$86.4M
Free Guy
20th Century StudiosWorldwide Gross:$331.5M
Studio Theatrical Take (~50%):+$165.8M
Production Budget:-$100M
Est. Global P&A Marketing:-$55M
Est. Studio Net Cash Flow:+$10.8M
Capital Efficiency Leader: Free Guy delivered a 3.32x box office multiplier against production costs.TTMI™ Methodology →
Forensic Comparison Matrix & Key Milestones
Source: ListTribe Forensic Intelligence| Financial Dimension | Knives Out | Free Guy | Comparative Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $312.9M | $331.5M | Free Guy (+$18.6M higher) |
| Opening Weekend | $26.8M | $28.4M | Free Guy larger debut |
| Production Budget | $40M | $100M | Knives Out leaner cost basis |
| Est. Global P&A Marketing | $30M | $55M | Tentpole Distribution Scale |
| Est. Studio Net Cash Flow | +$86.4M | +$10.8M | Knives Out (+$75.7M margin) |
| TTMI™ Recoup Multiple | 7.82x | 3.32x | Knives Out higher capital velocity |
| Tomatometer Score | 🍅 97% | 🍅 80% | Knives Out holds critical acclaim |
| Studio & Distributor | Lionsgate | 20th Century Studios | Studio Distribution System |