Ryan Gosling's Project Hail Mary continues its box office domination, now surpassing one of Steven Spielberg's most beloved sci-fi hits. The film, directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, has overtaken Spielberg's 2018 sleeper hit Ready Player One, which earned $607 million worldwide. With $613 million in global grosses, Project Hail Mary is proving to be a force to be reckoned with in 2026.
Based on Andy Weir's bestselling novel—the same author behind The Martian—the sci-fi epic has been a critical and commercial darling since its release. It opened to near-unanimous praise and has maintained strong momentum, crossing $300 million domestically in its sixth weekend. With a reported budget of over $200 million, the film is now on track to reach $700 million globally, thanks to an extended theatrical run from Amazon after overwhelming audience demand.
A Box Office Juggernaut
Project Hail Mary has not only outperformed Ready Player One but also surpassed Christopher Nolan's Inception ($292 million domestic) during its run. The film's success is a testament to Lord and Miller's return to the big screen after a decade-long hiatus. Their unique vision, combined with Gosling's star power, has resonated with audiences worldwide.
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film boasts a 94% critics' score and a 96% audience score, making it one of the best-reviewed blockbusters of the year. It's expected to be a major contender during awards season, going head-to-head with The Odyssey and Dune: Part Three for top honors.
Spielberg's Sci-Fi Legacy
Ready Player One, described as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory meets The Matrix, was a massive success in China and remains Spielberg's most recent sci-fi film. The director is set to return to the genre later this year with Disclosure Day. For fans of video game adaptations, check out our list of video game movies that actually got it right.
What's Next for Project Hail Mary?
With its theatrical run extended and awards buzz building, Project Hail Mary is poised to become one of the highest-grossing sci-fi films of the decade. If you're looking for more Prime Video gems, don't miss our picks for best movies on Prime Video this week or the 7 Prime Video miniseries that deliver flawless storytelling.
Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for more updates on Project Hail Mary and other blockbuster news.
