Jumping into 2025, the box office is buzzing with unexpected champions. Family favorite “Mufasa: The Lion King” has snatched the top spot, pushing “Sonic the Hedgehog 3″ to second place. Meanwhile, three diverse films—”Nosferatu,” “A Complete Unknown,” and “Babygirl”—are redefining what it means to succeed without a blockbuster opening.
There’s no denying the magic of a strong holiday season rollover. The recent weekend saw a remarkable $106 million total, marking a 21% improvement from the previous year’s opening weekend. This success didn’t even need a flashy new release to pull it off. Instead, existing titles like “Nosferatu,” “A Complete Unknown,” and “Babygirl” proved their mettle against higher-anticipated family films.
“Nosferatu,” directed by Robert Eggers, has shattered expectations for horror films. It maintained a mere 39% drop in its second week, pulling in a cool $13.2 million. Despite a modest B- Cinemascore, it has cleared $69 million domestically and holds a top spot in the U.K./Ireland market. Analysts are buzzing about its potential to cross the $100 million mark, suggesting a new playbook for holiday releases.
James Mangold’s “A Complete Unknown,” though perhaps quieter, is no less formidable. It retreated only 31% this past weekend, adding $8 million to its haul. Accumulating $41.7 million already, its strong performance hints at both critical acclaim and potential awards recognition to come.
Equally intriguing is “Babygirl,” which against all odds didn’t drop at all, raking in $4.4 million for a total of $16.1 million. With a $20 million budget and award whispers surrounding Nicole Kidman, its success story could soon become a legend in its own right.
While family blockbusters like “Moana 2” and “Wicked” also pulled in impressive figures, it’s the outliers in the specialized film category that have captured the industry’s attention. Despite operating in fewer theaters, indies like “The Brutalist” and “Nickel Boys” are generating buzz and hint at an evolving cinematic landscape post-COVID.
As January continues to unfold, the race for box office glory is gaining momentum. With veteran titles maintaining their grip and specialized films defying the odds, 2025 is setting the stage for a year of surprises. Only time will tell how these players will continue to shape the film industry’s landscape.
Source: Yahoo
