Universal Pictures International (UPI) top brass announced the company has crossed $2bn within a calendar year for the first time in its 101-year history.

Earlier this year, UPI broke its record for the fastest climb to $1bn at the box office and demolished its 2012 record for highest box office of $1.794bn.

Key drivers have been the second and third biggest global releases of the year-to-date behind Iron Man 3 – Fast & Furious 6 on $549.3m international and Despicable Me 2 on $485.4m.

Other notable performers include Les Misérables on $293m, Oblivion on $197.2m and Mama on $76.1m.

Fast & Furious 6 opened top in 65 territories and was Universal’s biggest opening of all time in 41 of those markets. The film also provided the studio with its highest opening weekend at the international box office. 

Despicable Me 2 opened at number one in 46 territories and is Universal’s highest grossing film in 16 and remains the biggest release of the year-to-date in the UK, France, Mexico and Venezuela.

Les Misérables is the second highest grossing musical overseas and worldwide behind Universal’s Mamma Mia!   

Oblivion opened top in 49 territories and scored career-high debuts for Tom Cruise in Russia and Indonesia.

Upcoming releases include Working Title’s rom-com About Time, Keanu Reeves 3D action film 47 Ronin and select territories on The Wolf Of Wall Street directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

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