---
title: Why and how 'Jurassic World' broke records
publisher: "IMAX"
description: "Universal's "Jurassic World" broke all sorts of records; foremost, it became the first film to ever surpass $500 million worldwide in a single weekend. "
canonical: "https://www.imax.com/why-and-how-jurassic-world-broke-records"
date: 2024-02-02
last_updated: 2024-08-12
---

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June 15, 2015

Why and how 'Jurassic World' broke records
==========================================

Universal's "Jurassic World" broke all sorts of records; foremost, it became the first film to ever surpass $500 million worldwide in a single weekend.

In the U.S. it far exceeded expectations, grossing $205 million, the second-biggest debut ever, behind Marvel's "The Avengers" in 2012, which brought in more than $207 million.

Not only will Universal more than make back the $150 million it cost to make the movie, plus tens of millions more to market it, but it breathes new life into a decades-old franchise, and numerous toy spinoffs.

So why did the old dinosaurs roar back in such a massive way?

**High-priced tickets for IMAX and 3-D**

About half the tickets sold were for 3-D screenings, which cost several dollars more than traditional screenings. IMAX says "Jurassic World" set a worldwide record, generating $44.1 million for its 3-D screenings. That's 50 percent more than IMAX's previous record. IMAX President Greg Foster said theaters were packed—grossing an average of $57,000 per screen, the most it's seen since 3-D phenomenon of "Avatar."

Bottom line: When a movie is big enough, enough of an event, people will pay up. "What it boils down to is if you see something that demands a giant screen, something that demands a shared experience, they'll go for it," said Foster.