Disney-Pixar’s Elemental is blazing through another success!

Ember and Wade

It wasn’t too long ago that we were telling you how impressed we were with the record The Little Mermaid broke on Disney+ and with so many highly anticipated titles dropping so soon, it’s hard to keep track of what’s trending right now. But, this animated film is now one for the history books that we didn’t see coming!

Disney-Pixar’s Elemental seemed to be the underdog when it was released in theaters. It had everything going right for it — a heartwarming coming-of-age story, staked odds to defy, and a touching ending to such an adventure-packed film, but audiences didn’t see it that way at first.

Elemental poster at AMC Theaters

Elemental‘s story follows the quick-witted and fiery Ember, whose happenstance friendship with the sappy and “go-with-the-flow” Wade makes Ember really take a look inside herself and truly challenge her own beliefs. Although she’s clung to the idea of what lies ahead for her future and the beliefs that have been instilled in her since childhood, Ember learns that it’s okay to change what you believe in as you learn and grow. She also goes on to show everyone who she wants to be, and not necessarily what everyone else — including her overbearing but well-meaning traditional parents — wanted for her.

©Pixar

It seemed to be a slow burn for Elemental when it first lept to theaters this past June, but after a while, the spark really started to pick up and this film’s popularity spread like wildfire. It couldn’t be contained, earning $484 million worldwide combined with a 93% Rotten Tomatoes verified audience score and an “A” CinemaScore. Domestically, Elemental earned $154 million—more than five times its domestic opening weekend of $30 million — which is a rare feat for any theatrical release, and the second-highest multiple behind Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story. Internationally, the film brought in $330 million and went on to become Pixar’s most-seen film in South Korea.

©Disney

Now, this film is reigning supreme once again on your home screens. Since its debut on Disney+, Elemental has found new acceleration and blazed ahead of the competition earning it the most-viewed movie on Disney+ in 2023, beating out movies like The Little Mermaid (that previously held this top seat), and Hocus Pocus 2.

©Disney

Elemental is now the most-watched movie premiere of the year on Disney+ and has earned a spot among its top 10 movie premieres of all time — earning 26.4 million views just within its first five days of streaming, an impressive feat for a film that seemed to struggle in its theatrical release.

We’re very impressed to hear that Elemental has defied the odds and found such growth and appreciation. Be sure to check back in with us at Disney Food Blog for the latest in Disney news and more!

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Does this surprise you about Elemental? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!