"Finding Dory" has got it big with an impressive opening weekend as it debuts with a record-breaking $136.2-million box office sales in North America, making it the highest grossing animated film in the month of June.
After more than a decade of wait, fans of the animated film "Finding Nemo" finally get to see the adorable fishes again in this special story revolving around forgetful fish, Dory, who was first introduced in 2003, IGN reported.
According to the outlet, "Finding Dory" became a box office hit as it garnered nearly $136.2 million domestically, earning it the title of having the highest gross sales during its debut for an animated film which was previously held by "Shrek the Third" from Dreamworks with $121.6 million in 2007.
Its box office records posted in Box Office Mojo also reflected that the animated movie has the second best opening in June, just behind the Chris Pratt-starrer "Jurassic World" which was released in 2015.
Disney Chief of Distribution Dave Hollis was pleased with this numbers and noted that Dory's debut in "Finding Nemo" had an incredible impact to youth and adults alike who became part of what they dubbed as "Generation Nemo."
Those who were able to watch and experience the love of a father for his son in "Finding Nemo" also enjoyed the character of this forgetful fish who made a mark with her positive outlook and innocence, Hollis told Deadline.
Unsuprisingly, "Finding Dory" also got hold of older generations in addition to their young audiences, boosting ticket sales even more.
The audience was mainly dominated by girls with 56 percent to 44 percent per PostTrak as cited by Deadline.
Aside from the Ellen DeGeneres' quirky style in giving voice to Dory, the sequel also owes its success to 2003's "Finding Nemo" which took the title of the highest grossing feature animation of all-time from "The Lion King" with $339.7 million ticket sales.
"Finding Dory" is still in theaters nationwide.