Released in Thailand on April 4, 2024, How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies took the Thai film industry by storm. Distributed by GDH, the film quickly became the highest-grossing Thai movie of 2024, garnering widespread attention both domestically and internationally. With its combination of heartfelt humor and a unique storyline, the film resonated deeply with audiences across Asia and beyond, grossing over $27 million worldwide. This immense success solidified its place not only in Thailand's cinematic history but also as a major player in global box offices.
A Breakthrough Success in Thailand
The film's release in Thailand marked the beginning of an unprecedented box office run. Grossing 339 million baht ($9.6 million) in its home country, How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies captured the hearts of Thai audiences with its relatable characters and emotionally-driven plot. Its success in Thailand was no surprise, as GDH, the studio behind the film, has a reputation for creating blockbusters that balance humor and heart. The film's blend of family dynamics and lighthearted storytelling hit the right chord with viewers, drawing in large crowds and positive reviews from critics.
In addition to becoming the highest-grossing film of 2024 in Thailand, the movie achieved the impressive feat of becoming the eleventh-highest-grossing domestic film of all time. This accomplishment highlights the changing landscape of Thai cinema, with local productions gaining increasing popularity at home. The movie’s success also reflects a growing trend where Thai films are competing on a global level, challenging the dominance of Hollywood in the region.
Global Impact: Breaking Box Office Records
Beyond its success in Thailand, How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies made waves internationally, particularly in Asia. In China, the film grossed a staggering 572 million baht ($16.1 million), making it the film’s largest market outside Thailand. China's appetite for unique, international cinema has been growing steadily, and the film’s universal themes of family, money, and personal growth resonated well with Chinese audiences. This made it one of the few Thai films to achieve major success in such a competitive and vast market.
Indonesia also played a significant role in the movie's international success, where it brought in 375 million baht ($10.5 million). Indonesia's thriving cinema industry has increasingly embraced films from other Southeast Asian nations, with audiences responding positively to films that reflect shared cultural values and experiences. The film's success there is a testament to the growing interconnectedness of the Southeast Asian entertainment industry.
Southeast Asia Embraces the Film
In Southeast Asia, How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies continued to perform exceptionally well. In Singapore, it earned 153 million baht ($4.3 million), and in Malaysia, it grossed 146 million baht ($4.1 million). These markets have long been fans of Thai cinema, and the film's comedic yet heartwarming approach to storytelling proved to be a hit. The movie's ability to entertain across different cultures within the region showcased its universal appeal, despite linguistic and cultural differences.
The Philippines also contributed significantly to the film's overall box office haul, bringing in 128 million baht ($3.6 million). In a country where local and international films often dominate the market, the strong performance of a Thai film highlights the growing regional popularity of Southeast Asian cinema. Filipino audiences connected with the film's exploration of familial relationships and personal ambition, two themes that are particularly resonant in Filipino culture.
Modest but Notable Performance in Other Markets
While the film's most substantial earnings came from major Asian markets, it also saw moderate success in several other countries. In Viet Nam, it grossed 123 million baht ($3.4 million), adding another country to its list of achievements. Additionally, it earned 28 million baht ($790,000) in Hong Kong, 20 million baht ($560,000) in Australia, and 15 million baht ($420,000) in Taiwan. Although the numbers in these countries were not as high as in its Southeast Asian counterparts, the film's ability to perform across a diverse range of markets is a testament to its wide-ranging appeal.
The film's performance in Australia and Taiwan, in particular, indicates that Thai cinema is gaining a foothold outside its traditional regional markets. These modest yet notable successes suggest that audiences globally are becoming more open to foreign films, especially those that offer a fresh take on universal themes like family dynamics, personal growth, and humor. The film's appeal outside Asia, even in smaller markets, highlights the potential for Thai cinema to reach beyond its regional roots.
A Record-Breaking Moment for Thai Cinema
How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies not only broke box office records but also set a new standard for Thai cinema's global reach. Its gross of over $27 million worldwide made it the highest-grossing Thai film of 2024, a monumental achievement for the country’s film industry. The film’s financial success also cements its status as a major cultural export, helping Thai cinema gain more international recognition.
The film’s ability to appeal to a broad spectrum of audiences, from Southeast Asia to larger markets like China, suggests that Thai cinema is entering a new era of global recognition. This success could pave the way for more Thai filmmakers to explore stories that resonate across borders, further boosting the industry’s potential on the world stage. In breaking box office records across multiple countries, How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies has not only entertained millions but also opened doors for future Thai films to make their mark globally.
