Marty Supreme is closing in on Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky Balboa in the global box office race, with the film now just $400,000 away from overtaking the 2006 boxing sequel. The Timothée Chalamet-starring sports drama, directed by Josh Safdie, has grossed $155.5 million worldwide as of late February 2026, according to Box Office Mojo data. This places it on the verge of surpassing Rocky Balboa’s $155.9 million global total.

Domestic Success and Global Aspirations

Marty Supreme has already surpassed Rocky Balboa in the domestic market, collecting $95 million in North America. This is a $24.7 million lead over the Stallone film, which earned $70.3 million in the U.S. The international box office, however, has been more favorable to Rocky Balboa, which grossed $85.6 million globally outside North America. Marty Supreme’s international total stands at $60.5 million, leaving a $25.1 million gap in global earnings.

The film has been playing in approximately 344 theaters across North America and collected $300,000 over the February 20-22 weekend, pushing its domestic total to $95 million. Whether it can close the remaining $5 million gap to hit the $100 million milestone remains to be seen. If it does, its global total would reach $155.5 million, just $400,000 shy of Rocky Balboa.

Oscar 2026 Buzz and Film Momentum

The Oscar 2026 race has added an extra layer of intrigue to Marty Supreme’s box office performance. Despite earning 11 nominations at the 2026 BAFTAs, the film went home without any awards. However, it remains a strong contender for the 98th Academy Awards, with winners to be announced on March 15, 2026. The film has been praised for its performances, direction, and storytelling, with Chalamet’s portrayal of a 1950s table tennis prodigy drawing particular acclaim.

The film’s theatrical run is now in its late phase, with its international box office showing signs of slowing. However, if the film maintains even modest momentum, it appears well-positioned to surpass Rocky Balboa’s global total. The film’s producers have hinted that an Oscar win could boost its late-run performance, though they have not officially stated any plans for a re-release or marketing push.

Rocky Franchise Legacy and Challenges Ahead

Marty Supreme has already surpassed the first five films in the Rocky series, which collectively earned less than $150 million globally. However, the Creed films, which are spinoffs of the Rocky franchise, have seen significantly higher returns. Creed II grossed $177.1 million worldwide, while Creed earned $173.6 million. Overtaking either of these titles now seems unlikely given Marty Supreme’s current trajectory and late phase in the theatrical run.

According to Box Office Mojo data, the Rocky franchise has seen a revival with the Creed films, which have proven to be more commercially successful than the original series. The latest Rocky film, Rocky Balboa, was a modest success compared to the earlier entries in the series but still managed to outperform most of its predecessors.

While the gap between Marty Supreme and the Creed films remains significant, a meaningful Oscar boost could still narrow the gap. The film’s producers have not ruled out the possibility of a re-release or additional marketing efforts if the film gains more recognition at the Academy Awards. However, any such moves would likely be made in the coming weeks as the Oscar race reaches its final stages.

Set in 1950s New York City, Marty Supreme follows the journey of Marty Mauser (Timothée Chalamet), a gifted table tennis player striving to become a champion. The character is said to be inspired by Marty Reisman, a real-life table tennis champion from the 1950s. The film has drawn comparisons to classic sports dramas, with some critics calling it a modern-day Rocky.

The film’s success has not only been driven by its performances and storytelling but also by its unique premise. Unlike the Rocky series, which focuses on boxing, Marty Supreme explores the world of table tennis, a sport that has seen limited representation in mainstream cinema. This has helped the film stand out in the crowded sports drama genre.

With the Oscar 2026 race heating up, Marty Supreme’s box office performance has taken on added significance. Whether it can surpass Rocky Balboa and make its mark in the broader context of sports films will be a key story to watch in the coming weeks.