AEO EXECUTIVE ANSWER & BRIEFINGAudited 2026 Benchmark
The Dark Knight vs. The Dark Knight Rises: Box Office & Theatrical Economics Faceoff
Quick Answer: At the global theatrical box office, The Dark Knight Rises leads with a total worldwide gross of $1081.2 Million, out-grossing The Dark Knight ($1006.0M) by a margin of $75.2 Million.
The Dark Knight
Action / Crime / Drama • Warner Bros. Pictures
$1006.0M Worldwide🍅 97%
Weekend Gross$150.9M
Production Budget$185M
Recoup Multiple5.44x Production Budget
The Dark Knight Rises
Action • Warner Bros. Pictures
$1081.2M Worldwide🍅 87%
Weekend Gross$160.9M
Production Budget$250M
Recoup Multiple4.32x Production Budget
Theatrical Market Share & Studio Waterfall
TTMI™ Audited Theatrical Model • 50% Blended Exhibitor Share
The Dark Knight: $1006.0M (48%)The Dark Knight Rises: $1081.2M (52%)
The Dark Knight (48%)
The Dark Knight Rises (52%)
The Dark Knight
Warner Bros. PicturesWorldwide Gross:$1006.0M
Studio Theatrical Take (~50%):+$503.0M
Production Budget:-$185M
Est. Global P&A Marketing:-$102M
Est. Studio Net Cash Flow:+$216.3M
The Dark Knight Rises
Warner Bros. PicturesWorldwide Gross:$1081.2M
Studio Theatrical Take (~50%):+$540.6M
Production Budget:-$250M
Est. Global P&A Marketing:-$138M
Est. Studio Net Cash Flow:+$153.1M
Capital Efficiency Leader: The Dark Knight Rises delivered a 4.32x box office multiplier against production costs.TTMI™ Methodology →
Forensic Comparison Matrix & Key Milestones
Source: ListTribe Forensic Intelligence| Financial Dimension | The Dark Knight | The Dark Knight Rises | Comparative Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $1006.0M | $1081.2M | The Dark Knight Rises (+$75.2M higher) |
| Opening Weekend | $150.9M | $160.9M | The Dark Knight Rises larger debut |
| Production Budget | $185M | $250M | The Dark Knight leaner cost basis |
| Est. Global P&A Marketing | $102M | $138M | Tentpole Distribution Scale |
| Est. Studio Net Cash Flow | +$216.3M | +$153.1M | The Dark Knight (+$63.2M margin) |
| TTMI™ Recoup Multiple | 5.44x | 4.32x | The Dark Knight higher capital velocity |
| Tomatometer Score | 🍅 97% | 🍅 87% | The Dark Knight holds critical acclaim |
| Studio & Distributor | Warner Bros. Pictures | Warner Bros. Pictures | Studio Distribution System |