This past weekend marked a significant milestone in the film industry, with several movies achieving impressive box office results. The total gross reached $149.5 million, representing a 49.7% increase compared to the same period last year. Among the standout performances was A Minecraft Movie, which maintained its dominance despite a second-week drop. Additionally, new releases like The King of Kings and The Amateur made their mark, drawing diverse audiences and contributing to an overall successful weekend for cinema.
The weekend saw five new wide releases enter the market, yet A Minecraft Movie continued to lead the pack. With a second-frame drop of approximately 50%, it still managed to bring in $80.6 million domestically. Meanwhile, Angel Studios' animated feature The King of Kings debuted impressively at number two, earning $19 million. Similarly, 20th Century Studios’ spy thriller The Amateur opened solidly within expectations, adding further depth to the weekend's successes.
A Minecraft Movie: Continued Success and Global Impact
Warner Bros.' adaptation of the popular video game remained at the forefront of the box office scene. In its second week, the movie generated $80.6 million across 4,289 locations, averaging $18,792 per screen. Despite a notable decline from its opening weekend, this performance aligns closely with projections and maintains strong interest among audiences.
As part of its ongoing success, A Minecraft Movie has already surpassed half a billion dollars globally, reaching $550.6 million. Its international appeal is evident as well, particularly in markets such as the UK, China, and Germany. Domestically, it continues to set records by surpassing competitors like Sonic the Hedgehog 3, becoming the second-highest video game adaptation ever. The potential for further growth remains high, fueled partly by public curiosity spurred on by reports of enthusiastic fan reactions during screenings.
Newcomers Shine: The King of Kings and The Amateur
Angel Studios introduced The King of Kings, an animated biblical tale that captivated audiences right out of the gate. Opening at #2 with $19 million, it became the best-performing animated biblical film ever, significantly outperforming previous entries like The Star. Positive feedback from both critics and viewers indicates sustained interest moving forward, especially given the timing around Easter celebrations.
In addition to The King of Kings, another newcomer making waves was The Amateur from 20th Century Studios. This spy thriller opened near the top end of predictions, bringing in $15 million on 3,400 screens. While reviews were mixed, audience reception was favorable, suggesting possible longevity at the box office. Internationally, it performed strongly across major territories including France, the UK, and Mexico, contributing to a respectable global total of $32.2 million. Both films exemplify how strategic marketing and targeted content can drive initial success and pave the way for future achievements.