In the ever-watchable world of Hollywood releases, it seems we’re still in a bit of a holding pattern at the global and international box office. However, that doesn’t mean there hasn’t been any exciting news to report. Milestones continue to be reached on an offshore and worldwide basis for existing films, while some new entries have made an impact overseas.
India’s local release, “Fighter,” directed by Siddharth Anand and starring Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone, soared to the top of the global weekend chart with an impressive start. The action-packed aviation film is estimated to have made a promising $25.1 million globally, including $4.3 million from North America. Although concrete box office data from India is notoriously difficult to track, sources suggest it earned an estimated 120 crore ($14.4 million) from the domestic market after a strong weekend that included the Republic Day holiday.
Fighter also made its mark in the IMAX format, generating $1.4 million globally from 150 screens in 15 markets. In India alone, it achieved the 4th biggest start for a local title in IMAX, earning $575,000 on just 27 screens. This success further cements the film’s potential for international appeal.
Two Hollywood releases also reached significant milestones at the box office. Miramax’s “The Beekeeper” crossed the $100 million mark worldwide, with $10.9 million added to its international total from 58 markets. This brings the film’s international cume to $61.9 million and its global total to $103.9 million. In IMAX alone, “The Beekeeper” has tallied an impressive $8 million worldwide.
Similarly, Illumination/Universal’s animated film, “Migration,” flew across the $200 million threshold. The film earned another $5.2 million in 76 markets, bringing its international total to $104.9 million and global earnings to $206.1 million. Notably, “Migration” continues to perform strongly in Germany, surpassing the lifetime earnings of films like “The Boss Baby,” “Puss in Boots 2,” “Moana,” and “Sing 2” at the same point in their release. Germany leads all markets, generating $16.1 million in ticket sales.
Sony’s “Anyone But You,” which recently became the highest-grossing R-rated rom-com worldwide since “Bridget Jones’s Baby” in 2016, saw a 3% increase in international earnings this session. The film grossed $14.2 million in 48 markets, bringing its offshore cume to $55.4 million and its global total to $126.6 million. Notably, the film had a strong opening in Italy, earning $1.2 million and achieving the highest debut for a rom-com in the market since 2016. Germany also held the top spot in its second frame, experiencing a 17% jump, while Mexico’s second weekend saw an 18% increase. “Anyone But You” continues to perform well in Australia, maintaining its number one position after five weeks.
Conversely, some films experienced drops at the box office. Universal/Focus’ “The Holdovers” dipped by just 14% in its holdover markets, with a current overseas cume of $11.9 million across 28 territories. This puts it ahead of films like “Nebraska” and “Licorice Pizza” at the same point in their release, and on par with the performance of “Lady Bird.”
Furthermore, Warner Bros/DC’s “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” crossed the $400 million mark worldwide after six weeks in theaters. The film earned $7 million from 78 offshore markets, bringing its international total to $294.6 million and its global earnings to $412.7 million. “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” has been particularly successful in China, leading all play with $61.7 million. Other notable markets include Mexico ($21.8 million), France ($19.2 million), Germany ($16.1 million), and Brazil ($15.1 million).
Searchlight’s “Poor Things,” following its impressive 11 Oscar nominations, expanded its release into several new markets. The film grossed $10 million in 36 total markets, bringing its international cume to $26.3 million and its global earnings to $51.1 million. Despite these expansions, the film only experienced a minimal 21% drop internationally, with strong holds in countries like Australia, Germany, Switzerland, and Poland. Notably, “Poor Things” opened at number one in Spain, grossing $900,000 and surpassing director Yorgos Lanthimos’ previous film, “The Favourite,” by 37%. It also had successful non-local openings in Italy ($2.1 million) and Japan ($700,000, including previews).
Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” took advantage of its leading 13 Oscar nominations by re-releasing in over 2,700 overseas locations, including more than 1,000 IMAX sites. The Universal film raked in $348,000 on Saturday, boosting its offshore cume to $627.3 million. This makes it Universal’s 8th biggest film of all time at the international box office, surpassing “Jurassic World Dominion” ($627 million). In the IMAX format alone, “Oppenheimer” has reached an estimated $187 million worldwide.
Overall, the global and international box office remains in a holdover pattern, with some films reaching significant milestones and others experiencing ups and downs. India’s local release “Fighter” made an impressive start, topping the global weekend chart. Miramax’s “The Beekeeper” and Illumination/Universal’s “Migration” crossed the $100 million and $200 million marks, respectively. Sony’s “Anyone But You” saw an uptick, while Warner Bros/DC’s “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” celebrated reaching $400 million worldwide. Additionally, “Poor Things” expanded into new markets, and “Oppenheimer” capitalized on its Oscar nominations. As the box office landscape continues to evolve, these films exemplify the diverse range of experiences and successes within the industry.