'Skyfall' is Britain's Highest-Grossing Film in History

On December 5, 2012, the producers of Skyfall announced that the 23rd James Bond film had become the highest-grossing film in British box office history, dethroning Avatar in just 40 days.

The numbers

Skyfall took 94,277,612 pounds at the UK box office in 40 days on release. The previous record holder, Avatar, had needed 11 months to reach its lifetime total of 94,025,632 pounds. Bond beat the blue people in a sixth of the time, and without the inflated 3D ticket prices that had padded Avatar's total.

The film had opened on October 26 in 587 cinemas across the UK and Ireland, landing the biggest seven-day gross in UK history on its way up.

Why it mattered

2012 was the 50th anniversary of James Bond on screen, and the record felt like a coronation. Producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said they were "overwhelmed with gratitude to the cinema-going audiences in the UK," thanking Daniel Craig and director Sam Mendes in particular. Sony's UK chief Peter Taylor called it fitting that Bond should take the crown in his anniversary year.

The bigger picture

Skyfall was not just a British phenomenon. It went on to become the first Bond film to cross $1 billion worldwide, proving that a 50-year-old franchise could outgross the superheroes. Its success was built on something the numbers do not show: critics and audiences agreed it was actually good, a grown-up spy film about loyalty and aging that happened to have the biggest action sequences of the year.

FAQ

What was the exact UK record? 94,277,612 pounds in 40 days, announced December 5, 2012.

What did it beat? Avatar's 94,025,632 pounds, earned over 11 months in 2009-2010.

Which Bond film is Skyfall? The 23rd, Daniel Craig's third outing as 007, directed by Sam Mendes.

Did it hold the record? It was the UK's all-time top grosser at the time; later blockbusters have since passed it, but the 40-day sprint remains remarkable.

The takeaway

In an era of 3D surcharges and endless sequels, a 50-year-old British spy in a tailored suit beat every record by simply being the best film of the year. Some formulas do not age.