‘Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides’ Becomes Disney’s Biggest Movie Ever

Critics weren’t exactly thrilled about the latest installment in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise, “On Stranger Tides,” but fans are definitely loving it: the Disney film has just become the studio’s biggest release of all times.

The news shouldn’t come as a shock to fans and industry people, especially since it became clear shortly after release that the film will go on to break record after record.

Said and done: with ticket sales of $907.4 million worldwide so far, the film is officially Disney’s biggest hit, The Hollywood Reporter informs.

Moreover, it’s on its way to become the world’s third biggest release of all times outside the US – and that’s a feat James Cameron is probably the most familiar with.

“Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides has become the studio’s biggest release of all time at the international box office, grossing $695.9 million overseas,” THR says.

“It’s also the fourth biggest earner of all time at the foreign box office, bested only by Avatar ($2 billion), Titanic ($1.2 billion) and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King ($742.1 million), which it’s on track to surpass,” the movie-oriented publication says.

With its cume so far, “On Stranger Tides” is also this year’s biggest release so far – a title for which it will probably be challenged by the upcoming “Transformers: The Dark of the Moon.”

“There’s growing consensus that On Stranger Tides will hit $1 billion in global grosses, a rare feat that only a handful of films have achieved. In terms of the Pirates franchise, only Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest crossed $1 billion in global grosses, cuming $1.1 billion,” THR says.

Given all of the above, skeptics should no longer doubt whether Johnny Depp can carry the franchise on his own, without the help of Keira Knightley and Orlando Bloom.

This also means fans should look forward to “Pirates” 4 and 5.