Typically, the day after Christmas is a bustling time for movie theaters, with audiences flocking to see the latest releases. However, this year’s post-Christmas moviegoing experience has been unlike any other. The momentum usually seen in box office revenue has dwindled, leaving industry insiders shocked and concerned about the future of the film industry. Let’s take a closer look at the numbers and analyze the alarming decline in post-Christmas movie attendance.
Warner Bros’ “Wonka” managed to secure the top spot at the box office on December 26th, but its earnings were disappointing, to say the least. With only $8.9 million, it became the second-lowest-grossing number one movie after Christmas since 2000. Even Warner Bros’ own “Wonder Woman 1984,” which was released during the height of the pandemic, managed to earn more with $5.8 million. This sharp decline in revenue is cause for concern, especially considering that in the past two years, films like “Spider-Man: No Way Home” and “Avatar: The Way of Water” cleared over $30 million on the same day.
The Fall of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
Another noteworthy film that experienced a significant drop in revenue on December 26th was Warner Bros/DC’s “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.” After a successful opening weekend with a four-day total of $38.3 million, the film fell to the second spot with a mere $8.3 million, a 21% decrease from Christmas Day. This decline is far from what is expected during the holiday season when moviegoing is supposed to be vibrant and exciting.
Warner Bros’ musical revival, “The Color Purple,” also suffered a significant blow in revenue on December 26th. After an impressive $18.15 million on Christmas Day, the film plummeted to $7 million, representing a 61% decline. It is worth noting that the musical’s opening day figures were boosted by a group sales program executed by the studio. However, the film’s second-day hold was not as strong as anticipated, falling by 33% to $12.1 million. This decline in revenue raises concerns about the future of movie musicals in an already challenging marketplace.
While some may argue that the day of the week impacts box office performance, it is essential to note the significant difference in revenue between this year’s post-Christmas movies and those from previous years. Even accounting for variations in calendar days, films like “Spider-Man: No Way Home” and “Avatar: The Way of Water” managed to earn over $21 million each on their post-Christmas Tuesdays, compared to the lackluster performances of “Wonka” and “Aquaman 2” this year.
Other Films Struggling to Gain Traction
Aside from the top-grossing films, other releases also faced challenges in attracting audiences on December 26th. Illumination/Universal’s “Migration” saw a modest increase of 22% from its Christmas earnings, bringing its five-day total to $24.3 million. Amazon MGM’s “The Boys in the Boat,” directed by George Clooney, grossed $3 million on Tuesday, marking a 47% decrease from Christmas. Sony’s “Anyone But You” managed to enjoy a slight uptick of 28% from its Christmas earnings, but its running total of $10.7 million remains modest.
The decline in post-Christmas box office revenue raises concerns about the future of moviegoing during the holiday season. Audiences’ reluctance to visit theaters may be attributed to ongoing concerns about COVID-19, the rise of streaming platforms, or even a lack of enticing film offerings. The industry must take these factors into account and strategize to overcome the current downturn. Otherwise, the decline in box office revenue during the post-Christmas period may become a troubling trend that could threaten the existence of traditional moviegoing experiences.
This year’s post-Christmas moviegoing experience has been marked by a significant decline in box office revenue. Films like “Wonka,” “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” and “The Color Purple” have all underperformed, leading to concerns about the future of the film industry. Additionally, other movies have struggled to gain traction with audiences, raising questions about the overall appeal of current releases. The industry must address the underlying causes of this decline and find innovative ways to revitalize moviegoing in the post-Christmas period. Otherwise, the future of the film industry may be in jeopardy.