FromBlade RunnertoAlien,Ridley Scotthas directed some of the most definitive sci-fi works of 20th-century cinema. TheAlienfranchiseeventually became a multi-billion dollar series, which is still developing content through movies like this year’sAlien: Romulusand the upcoming FX seriesAlien: Earth.AlienandBlade Runneralsobecame massively influential on other works within the genre.
However, Scott’s filmography is far more expansive than just sci-fi. Rather,Scott has also directed several historical epic films, many of which chronicle real events or take their inspiration from history. Last year, this manifested in the Joaquin Phoenix-led biopicNapoleon, whose technical prowess was recognized through Oscar nominations. This year, Scott directedGladiator II, a sequel to his 2000 Oscar-winning film. The epic sequel has leveraged a high production value and stellar cast to receive solid reviews, butthe film’s box office has helped Scott along with a new record.

Gladiator II’s Box Office Has Made Ridley Scott A Top 10 Director At The Box Office
Scott Beats Out Robert Zemeckis
Gladiator II’s box office made Scott into a record-breaker. The epic sequel opened in domestic theaters this past weekend while competing againstWickedin a phenomenon known as “Glicked.” However, just two weeks before the US release, the film began showing across multiple international markets, allowing it to rack up some overseas momentum. These combined totals putGladiator II’s overall haul at over $220 million. This total puts the film in the top 20 at the worldwide box office. It is also on track to become the highest-grossing film in Denzel Washington’s prolific career.
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PerThe Numbers,Gladiator II’s box office has now catapultedScott to become one of the top 10 highest-grossing directors of all time. The sequel’s $220 million haul puts his lifetime gross atan impressive $4.8 billion worldwide. Currently sitting in the no. 10 slot, he beats out J.J. Abrams and Robert Zemeckis for this spot. The director also sits less than $100 million below Tim Burton. The top-grossing director of all time remains Steven Spielberg, followed byAvatarextraordinaire James Cameron.

Our Take On Ridley Scott’s New Record
Scott Has Impressive Variety In His Career
Not only has Scott achieved this record, but he is almost certain to pass Burton by the end ofGladiator II’s run. What’s fascinating about his box office history is that his major sci-fi franchise credits did not get him this far. Rather, his top two movies at the time of writing are the space novel adaptationThe Martianand his Oscar-winning movieGladiator. This shows thatScottis dominant beyond just his franchise affiliations.
Source:The Numbers
Ridley Scott
Discover the latest news and filmography for Ridley Scott, known for Gladiator and Blade Runner.
