'Fifty Shades of Grey' rakes in whopping US $500 million worldwide

Fifty Shades of Grey has crossed the US $500 million mark at the global box office. The Universal film, based on the steamy novels by EL James, was made on US $40 million.

Starring Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan, the female-fueled Fifty Shades earned US $352 million internationally and US $150 million domestically for a worldwide total of US $502 million, said the Hollywood Reporter.

70% of the film's cash came from its success internationally, similar to Hollywood's action franchises.

The film UK and Ireland, Germany, France, Brazil and Italy among other countries where its popularity was fuelled by a loyal readership of the book but it did not do well in South Korea and Japan.

It is yet to release in India as the film failed to get primary clearance from censor board. The universal has the option to appeal for a review. 

Related read: Indians defy Censor Board ban to watch 'Fifty Shades of Grey'