‘Barbenheimer’ continues to be a box-office success, not just a one-time hit.
‘Barbenheimer’ continues to be a box-office success, not just a one-time hit.
“Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” Continue to Dominate the Box Office, Surpass $1 Billion in Worldwide Sales
The box office has been ablaze with the success of Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” and Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” films. These two movies have not only set records but have also held their ground in theaters longer than expected. In its second weekend, “Barbie” raked in an astounding $93 million, while “Oppenheimer” continued to perform strongly with $46.2 million. Although sales dipped by 43% and 44%, respectively, these drops were well below the typical week-two decline.
The extraordinary success of “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” has resulted in combined worldwide ticket sales exceeding $1 billion. According to Paul Dergarabedian, a senior media analyst for Comscore, this is a “touchstone moment for movies, moviegoers, and movie theaters.” The fact that two movies from rival studios are linked in this way and mutually boosting each other’s appeal, both at the box office and in terms of their profile, is unparalleled in the history of cinema.
“Barbie” had an exceptional start, with an opening weekend earning $162 million, surpassing even Warner Bros.’ previous best first 11 days at the box office set by “The Dark Knight.” It has since amassed $351.4 million in the US and Canada alone, making it a strong contender for the title of the biggest box-office hit of the summer. Impressively, it consistently generates at least $20 million per day. The film’s success is not limited to North America; it grossed $122.2 million internationally over the weekend, contributing to its global total of $775 million. The film’s exponential growth has left even seasoned studio executives in awe.
Jeff Goldstein, distribution chief for Warner Bros., exclaimed, “That’s a crazy number.” He attributes the film’s success to its ability to tap into the zeitgeist of the moment. “Barbie” has become a cultural phenomenon, evident from the pink-infused trend taking over the world. Furthermore, the film has garnered a significant number of repeat viewers, with approximately 12% of sales coming from people returning with friends or family to experience the film again.
For an industry still grappling with the aftermath of the pandemic and currently facing challenges due to actors and screenwriters’ strikes, the success of “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” offers a glimmer of hope. According to Goldstein, in the post-pandemic landscape, there are no limits or guarantees. Movies that miss their mark tend to fail spectacularly, while those that strike a chord can achieve tremendous success.
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“Oppenheimer,” a three-hour film centered around scientists discussing atomic bomb physics, has defied expectations by performing more like a superhero movie. Starring Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer, the film has already grossed $174.1 million domestically and $72.4 million internationally, surpassing the $400 million mark globally. IMAX showings have consistently been sold out, contributing $80 million to the film’s earnings. Due to its tremendous popularity, IMAX has announced an extension of the film’s run until August 13.
Among the week’s new releases, Walt Disney Co.’s “Haunted Mansion,” an adaptation of the popular Disney theme park attraction, struggled to shine in the wake of the “Barbenheimer” phenomenon. Despite its $150 million budget, the film only managed to debut with $24 million domestically and $9 million in overseas sales. On the other hand, “Talk to Me,” a supernatural horror film from A24, performed better, earning $10 million in its opening weekend. This Australian production, directed by Danny and Michael Philippou, received glowing reviews and was made with a modest budget of $4.5 million.
While bustling theaters have rejuvenated the film industry, actor Tom Cruise’s latest film, “Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part I,” has faced a tougher road. Premiering just before the “Barbenheimer” frenzy, the movie earned $10.7 million in its third weekend, bringing its domestic total to $139.2 million and global earnings to $309.3 million. Surprisingly, the sleeper hit “Sound of Freedom” has emerged as the highest-grossing non-“Barbenheimer” release, earning $12.4 million in its fourth weekend and reaching nearly $150 million in total, including crowdfunding contributions.
Here are the estimated ticket sales for the top 10 films at U.S. and Canadian theaters from Friday through Sunday, according to Comscore:
- “Barbie” – $93 million
- “Oppenheimer” – $46.2 million
- “Haunted Mansion” – $24.2 million
- “Sound of Freedom” – $12.4 million
- “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” – $10.7 million
- “Talk to Me” – $10 million
- “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” – $4 million
- “Elemental” – $3.4 million
- “Insidious: The Red Door” – $3.2 million
- “Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani” – $1.6 million
In conclusion, the captivating duo of “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” continues to hold the box office in thrall, surpassing $1 billion in ticket sales worldwide. These films have not only broken records but have also showcased the potential for exceptional success when all the right elements align. As the film industry strives to recover from the pandemic’s impact, these blockbusters serve as a beacon of hope, proving that there are limitless possibilities when the movies manage to capture the hearts and minds of viewers.
