'The Lion King' stage show is the most successful single ticket in history

Here’s something the folks at Disney can take real pride in: “The Lion King” is the top ticket of all time. With a worldwide gross of over $6.2 billion, “The Lion King” stage musical has now achieved the most successful box office total of any work in any media in entertainment history, The Associated Press has learned. The show quietly took over top spot from the $6 billion-earning “The Phantom of the Opera” late this summer, according to representatives from both shows.

It’s difficult not to become emotional at this realization of the show’s impact.

Thomas Schumacher, president and producer at Disney Theatrical Productions

Part of its longevity is due to its movie tie-in, simple-to-understand story, family friendly themes and the fact that it’s a spectacle not dependent on big-name stars. Twenty-two global productions have been seen by more than 75 million people. The Lion King chased down the overall box office crown despite Phantom having a big head start: Disney’s show began on Broadway in 1997, while Phantom debuted onstage in 1986 in London.

It’s the distance runner, it’s the marathon runner. It’s taken 17 years of legitimacy to get there.

David Schrader, executive vice president and managing director at Disney Theatrical Group