Thunderbolts* Box Office Collection Till Now: A Solid Start for Marvel’s Antihero Team-Up

Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts* has stormed into theaters, kicking off the summer box office with a global debut that’s turning heads. The Thunderbolts* box office collection till now stands at an impressive $160.4 million worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo, with $74.3 million from domestic markets (46.3%) and $86.1 million from international territories (53.7%).

But how does this action-packed antihero flick stack up against expectations and other MCU films? Let’s dive into the numbers, critical reception, and what’s driving its performance.

How Did Thunderbolts* Perform Domestically?

Thunderbolts* opened to a solid $74.3 million domestically across 4,330 theaters, slightly below the $80 million mark some hoped for but still a strong start for a film featuring lesser-known MCU characters. This debut aligns closely with Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings ($75.4 million) and Ant-Man and the Wasp ($75.8 million), both of which went on to have respectable runs. The film earned $11.5 million in Thursday previews alone, signaling strong initial interest.

The domestic audience has embraced the film, with a 95% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes—tying it with Spider-Man: Far From Home for the third-highest MCU audience score. An A- CinemaScore and 4.5 stars on PostTrak further indicate positive word-of-mouth, which could help sustain its domestic run in the coming weeks.

What’s Driving International Box Office Success?

Internationally, Thunderbolts* grossed $86.1 million, with key markets like China ($10.4 million), the UK ($7.7 million), Mexico ($7.3 million), and Brazil ($4 million) leading the charge. The film opened at No. 1 in nearly all major markets, except for Finland and Sweden, where A Minecraft Movie held strong. Notably, Thunderbolts* outperformed Shang-Chi by 45% and Ant-Man by 13% in comparable international markets (excluding China) at current exchange rates.

The global rollout was strategically timed for May 1, a holiday in many markets, boosting its opening. The film’s diverse cast, led by Florence Pugh, and its 88% Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes have resonated with international audiences, particularly in Latin America, where it claimed the second-highest debut of 2025.

How Does Thunderbolts* Compare to Other MCU Films?

With a $180 million production budget, Thunderbolts* needs to gross approximately $450 million worldwide to break even, a common benchmark for theatrical releases. Its $160.4 million opening puts it on a promising trajectory, though it falls short of blockbuster MCU May releases like Avengers: Endgame. Compared to recent MCU films, its domestic debut is lower than Captain America: Brave New World ($88.8 million) but surpasses Eternals ($71.3 million).

The film’s rebranding to The New Avengers via updated marketing materials is a bold move to tap into the Avengers’ billion-dollar brand power. This could boost its legs, especially if positive buzz continues. For context, Ant-Man and the Wasp tripled its opening internationally to reach $623 million worldwide, while Shang-Chi hit $432 million. Thunderbolts*’ path will depend on sustained audience interest and minimal competition in the coming weeks.

What Factors Are Influencing Its Performance?

Several elements are shaping the Thunderbolts box office collection till now. First, its ensemble cast, including Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, and David Harbour, brings star power, though some argue it lacks the A-list draw of past MCU leads. Second, the film’s critical acclaim (88% on Rotten Tomatoes) and strong audience reception (95% audience score) are fueling positive word-of-mouth, crucial for a film introducing a new team.

However, the MCU’s recent struggles, with films like Captain America: Brave New World underperforming, have raised the stakes. The decision to market Thunderbolts* as The New Avengers reflects Marvel’s attempt to rekindle audience excitement. Additionally, the film’s diverse audience (64% male, 43% from premium formats like IMAX) and global appeal suggest it could have staying power, especially with a relatively open release schedule until Memorial Day.

Can Thunderbolts* Sustain Its Momentum?

The Thunderbolts box office collection till now is a promising start, but its long-term success hinges on maintaining momentum. With no major tentpole releases immediately challenging it, the film has room to grow, particularly if it follows the trajectory of Guardians of the Galaxy, which turned obscure characters into a franchise juggernaut. The summer season, traditionally strong for MCU films, and the film’s rebranding could drive repeat viewings.

Some Closing Thoughts:

As Marvel seeks to rebound from a shaky Multiverse Saga, Thunderbolts* offers a fresh start. Its blend of humor, action, and dysfunctional team dynamics has struck a chord, and the numbers reflect a solid foundation.

Whether it reaches the $450 million break-even point or sparks a new franchise remains to be seen, but for now, Thunderbolts* is electrifying the box office with a performance that signals hope for the MCU’s future.