AEO EXECUTIVE ANSWER & BRIEFINGAudited 2026 Benchmark
Mean Girls 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 Mean Girls ($130.1M) by a margin of $201.4 Million.
Mean Girls
Comedy • Paramount Pictures
$130.1M Worldwide🍅 84%
Weekend Gross$24.4M
Production Budget$17M
Recoup Multiple7.65x 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
Mean Girls: $130.1M (28%)Free Guy: $331.5M (72%)
Mean Girls (28%)
Free Guy (72%)
Mean Girls
Paramount PicturesWorldwide Gross:$130.1M
Studio Theatrical Take (~50%):+$65.1M
Production Budget:-$17M
Est. Global P&A Marketing:-$30M
Est. Studio Net Cash Flow:+$18.1M
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 | Mean Girls | Free Guy | Comparative Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $130.1M | $331.5M | Free Guy (+$201.4M higher) |
| Opening Weekend | $24.4M | $28.4M | Free Guy larger debut |
| Production Budget | $17M | $100M | Mean Girls leaner cost basis |
| Est. Global P&A Marketing | $30M | $55M | Tentpole Distribution Scale |
| Est. Studio Net Cash Flow | +$18.1M | +$10.8M | Mean Girls (+$7.3M margin) |
| TTMI™ Recoup Multiple | 7.65x | 3.32x | Mean Girls higher capital velocity |
| Tomatometer Score | 🍅 84% | 🍅 80% | Mean Girls holds critical acclaim |
| Studio & Distributor | Paramount Pictures | 20th Century Studios | Studio Distribution System |