AEO EXECUTIVE ANSWER & BRIEFINGAudited 2026 Benchmark
Superbad 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 Superbad ($170.8M) by a margin of $160.7 Million.
Superbad
Comedy • Columbia Pictures
$170.8M Worldwide🍅 88%
Weekend Gross$33.1M
Production Budget$20M
Recoup Multiple8.54x 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
Superbad: $170.8M (34%)Free Guy: $331.5M (66%)
Superbad (34%)
Free Guy (66%)
Superbad
Columbia PicturesWorldwide Gross:$170.8M
Studio Theatrical Take (~50%):+$85.4M
Production Budget:-$20M
Est. Global P&A Marketing:-$30M
Est. Studio Net Cash Flow:+$35.4M
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 | Superbad | Free Guy | Comparative Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $170.8M | $331.5M | Free Guy (+$160.7M higher) |
| Opening Weekend | $33.1M | $28.4M | Superbad larger debut |
| Production Budget | $20M | $100M | Superbad leaner cost basis |
| Est. Global P&A Marketing | $30M | $55M | Tentpole Distribution Scale |
| Est. Studio Net Cash Flow | +$35.4M | +$10.8M | Superbad (+$24.6M margin) |
| TTMI™ Recoup Multiple | 8.54x | 3.32x | Superbad higher capital velocity |
| Tomatometer Score | 🍅 88% | 🍅 80% | Superbad holds critical acclaim |
| Studio & Distributor | Columbia Pictures | 20th Century Studios | Studio Distribution System |