Toho International’s latest release, “Godzilla Minus One,” continues to dominate the weekend box office, grossing an estimated $853k. Week seven has seen the film maintain its strong performance, accumulating a total of $50.9 million from its 605 locations. The movie, centered around a giant reptilian monster, surpassed the $50 million milestone on Saturday and has now become the highest-grossing Japanese language film, whether live-action or animated, in the United States. Additionally, it holds the fifth position among the highest-grossing non-English-language films in the U.S. box office. With its global earnings on track to reach $100 million, “Godzilla Minus One” stands as an undeniable success in the film industry.
While “Godzilla Minus One” continues its triumph, other notable films have made their mark at the box office as well. A24’s “Zone of Interest,” directed by Jonathan Glazer, saw a limited expansion and earned an estimated $300k during the four-day weekend. The film, a Holocaust drama focusing on a Nazi commandant and his wife, received critical acclaim and won the Grand Prix and FIPRESCI Prize at Cannes. With its inclusion in the shortlist for Best Foreign Film at the Oscars, “Zone of Interest” captivated audiences with its riveting storytelling. The film, which recently screened at the United Nations, has successfully attracted younger viewers, with over half of its audience under the age of 35. Its national rollout is expected to continue during the awards season, ensuring its impact on the cinematic landscape.
Another A24 production making headlines is “The Iron Claw,” starring Zac Efron and directed by Sean Durkin. This film grossed an impressive $2.4 million during the three-day weekend and $3 million during the four-day weekend, solidifying its position in the top ten. With a modest budget of under $20 million, “The Iron Claw” has achieved considerable success, consistently maintaining its place among the highest-grossing films since its release. Its cumulative earnings now stand at $29.2 million, making it A24’s sixth-highest domestic grosser to date. Furthermore, the film boasts the highest Cinemascore among all A24 productions, proving its resonance with audiences.
Amazon MGM Studios’ “American Fiction” expanded nationally to 623 runs in its fifth week, earning an approximate $1.9 million during the three-day weekend and $2.3 million during the four-day weekend. The film has successfully attracted both male and female audiences, with a balanced split of 51% male and 49% female viewers. Moreover, “American Fiction” has appealed to older moviegoers, as 45% of the audience comprised individuals aged 45 and older, with 27% falling into the 55 and older age range. This trend reflects the increasing interest among older demographics in returning to cinemas, as previously observed with Focus Features’ films. With a strong reception from audiences, “American Fiction” has garnered a 90% satisfaction rate in the top two boxes and an impressive 69% Definite Recommendation rate. The film’s racial demographics indicate a diverse viewership, with 50% white, 11% Hispanic, 32% Black, 4% Asian, and 3% identifying as other.
This weekend, two Indian films made their debut and are poised to secure a top 10 position at the box office. “Hanu Man,” a Telugu title from Nirvana Studios, opened in 430 locations and earned an impressive $2.39 million during its three-day debut. Directed by Prasanth Varma, this contemporary superhero epic has garnered significant attention. Another Telugu film, “Guntur Kaaram,” released by Prathyangira Cinemas, opened in 800 locations and earned $2.3 million during its first three days. The movie revolves around the king of the underworld in the fictional city of Guntur, who falls in love with a journalist aiming to expose corruption. Directed by Trivikram Srinivas, “Guntur Kaaram” promises an engaging cinematic experience.
Disney/Pixar’s “Soul” continued its theatrical release with an estimated gross of $429k across 1,350 theaters during the three-day weekend. The animated film, which debuted on Disney+ in 2020, is part of Pixar’s strategy to release three pandemic-era films, including “Luca” and “Turning Red,” in theaters for the first time this year. By offering these films on the big screen, Pixar aims to reconnect with audiences and provide a unique cinematic experience.
In addition to major releases, a couple of indie films have made their limited openings. “Driving Madeleine,” a French feel-good film helmed by Christian Carion, earned $24k across six theaters. With a remarkable 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, distributor Cohen Media Group plans to capitalize on the positive reviews and expand the film’s release to the top 35 markets next week, with over 50 additional runs. Another indie film making its mark is “Inshallah A Boy” from Greenwich Entertainment. Despite screening on one screen at the Film Forum in NYC, the drama captured attention, grossing $6k. This acclaimed Cannes-prize winning film follows the story of a newly widowed young mother confronting the patriarchal dictates of Sharia law. The film’s release will expand to Los Angeles and additional markets on January 19th, holding an exclusive theatrical window through March 12th.
As the weekend box office continues to showcase a diverse range of films, from Hollywood blockbusters to indie gems, audiences are treated to a rich tapestry of storytelling. From the triumph of “Godzilla Minus One” to the critical acclaim garnered by films like “Zone of Interest” and “The Iron Claw,” the industry remains resilient and captivates audiences around the world. This weekend’s releases, including Indian cinema’s power players and dynamic indie films, further contribute to the thriving cinematic landscape.