Toho International’s Godzilla Minus One has proven to be a sleeper hit, grossing an estimated $853k over the weekend. With a cumulative total of $50.9 million, the film has achieved remarkable success in its seven weeks at the box office. Despite arctic blasts affecting the nation, the giant reptilian monster movie has managed to captivate audiences across 605 locations. In fact, Godzilla Minus One recently surpassed the $50 million mark, making it the highest-grossing Japanese language film, both live-action and animated, in the United States.
Furthermore, Godzilla Minus One has secured its place as the fifth-highest grossing non-English-language film at the U.S. box office. This achievement is a testament to the film’s appeal and its ability to transcend language barriers. With its success in the domestic market, the film is also projected to reach the $100 million milestone globally, solidifying its position as a commercial success on an international scale.
While Godzilla Minus One continues to dominate the box office, other films have made notable expansions, particularly those in contention for the upcoming Oscars. Jonathan Glazer’s Zone of Interest, distributed by A24, saw a limited expansion to 25 screens, earning an estimated $300k over the four-day weekend. This riveting Holocaust drama, which won the Grand Prix and FIPRESCI Prize at Cannes, centers around a Nazi commandant and his wife’s pursuit of a dream life near Auschwitz. With its inclusion on the Oscar shortlist for Best Foreign Film, Zone of Interest is poised to attract even greater attention as it expands nationwide in the coming weeks.
In addition to the Oscar buzz, Indian films have also made their mark on the box office charts. Two Telugu titles, Hanu Man and Guntur Kaaram, have emerged as contenders for the top 10 spots. Hanu Man, a contemporary superhero epic directed by Prasanth Varma, debuted in 430 locations with a three-day gross of $2.39 million. Meanwhile, Guntur Kaaram, directed by Trivikram Srinivas, opened in 800 locations and earned $2.3 million in its three-day debut. Both films showcase the vibrant and thriving Indian film industry, appealing to audiences with their unique storytelling and cultural perspectives.
Meanwhile, A24’s The Iron Claw, starring Zac Efron and directed by Sean Durkin, has continued to perform well at the box office. With a modest budget of under $20 million, the film has remained in the top ten for four consecutive weeks since its release. Having grossed $29.2 million domestically, it now stands as the distributor’s sixth highest-grossing film. Notably, The Iron Claw has also received the highest Cinemascore rating among all A24 films, indicating its strong appeal to audiences.
Amazon MGM Studios’ American Fiction, in its fifth week of release, expanded nationally to 623 runs. The film, which grossed an estimated $1.9 million over the three-day weekend and $2.3 million over the four-day weekend, has proven to be popular among older movie-goers. Notably, 45% of the audience was 45 and older, with 27% falling into the 55 and older age group. This trend aligns with a broader pattern of older demographics returning to theaters, as seen with Focus Features’ recent success with The Holdovers. American Fiction’s positive reception, as indicated by a 69% Definite Recommend rate, further solidifies its position as an attractive option for a wide range of movie-goers.
In addition to the box office success of established films, a couple of new openings and limited releases have made their mark. Disney/Pixar’s Soul, which debuted on Disney+ in 2020, earned $429k in 1,350 theaters over the three-day weekend, with an estimated four-day gross of $557k. The theatrical release of Soul, along with other pandemic-era films such as Luca and Turning Red, demonstrates Pixar’s commitment to providing audiences with the option to experience their films on the big screen.
Christian Carion’s French feel-good film, Driving Madeleine, earned $24k in its limited release in just six theaters. Distributor Cohen Media Group plans to expand the film’s release to the top 35 markets, capitalizing on its positive reviews and the growing interest in uplifting stories. Similarly, Inshallah A Boy, a Cannes-prize-winning drama from Jordan, grossed $6k on one screen at the Film Forum in NYC. This thought-provoking film explores the challenges faced by a newly widowed young mother within the confines of Sharia law. With expansions to Los Angeles and additional markets scheduled for January 19, Inshallah A Boy represents the diversity and global reach of independent cinema.
The success and growth of Godzilla Minus One at the box office highlights the enduring appeal of monster movies and the global impact of Japanese cinema. It also sheds light on the performance of other films, both domestic and international, that have resonated with audiences. As the film industry continues to evolve, diverse offerings, such as those from India or smaller independent productions, play a crucial role in captivating and engaging movie-goers. The box office landscape showcases the power of storytelling and the endless possibilities that a range of films can offer.