This past weekend witnessed a somewhat subdued atmosphere at the international box office outside of China and the enthusiastic debut of Lunar New Year releases. While there wasn’t a massive surge in activity, the overall performance exemplified the ongoing persistence of certain films within the marketplace. Familiar titles continued to dominate, as holdovers from the previous year maintained their presence in cinemas worldwide. Nevertheless, several noteworthy records were set, reminding us of the competitive landscape of animated features and family films at the box office.
One of the standout achievements over the weekend came from Disney’s animated sequel, Moana 2. As it inches toward the end of its theatrical run, this film has now overtaken big names like Finding Dory and Despicable Me 3, securing its place as the ninth highest-grossing animated movie globally, with a staggering $1.037 billion in earnings. This figure is not just a demonstration of financial success but also a testament to the enduring appeal of the Moana franchise, which has resonated with audiences across continents.
In comparison, another Disney title, Mufasa: The Lion King, has also performed robustly, crossing the $650 million threshold globally. In its seventh weekend out, the film added $11.7 million at the international box office, reflecting a modest 29% decline in earnings from the previous frame. Key markets contributing to this success include France, the UK, Germany, Mexico, and Italy, which together represent a substantial portion of its international cume.
Internationally, Studiocanal’s Paddington has continued to enchant audiences, raking in an additional $8.7 million from 51 overseas markets. This brings its cumulative international earnings to just shy of $100 million, currently sitting at $93.2 million. The film is creating a stir ahead of its North American release scheduled for Valentine’s Day, indicating strong anticipation that could boost its box office performance further.
In a similar vein, Sonic the Hedgehog 3, from Paramount, has crossed the $450 million mark globally, now totaling around $462.5 million. The film experienced a 38% dip this weekend, accumulating $7 million in 65 international markets. Strong performances in the UK, Mexico, France, Australia, and Brazil have cemented its position as a fan favorite, particularly among younger audiences.
On the new-release front, New Line/Warner Bros’ horror flick Companion made its international debut across 60 markets, drawing $5.5 million and marking a $15 million start worldwide. The UK emerged as the top earner for the film, indicating that horror still possesses its own niche market, despite not being upfront in the overall box office conversation.
Universal/DreamWorks Animation’s Dog Man launched in a staggered release, adding $4.2 million from 29 new markets this weekend. With a total global figure of $40.6 million, the film continues its rollout, and audiences are eagerly awaiting further releases across pivotal markets.
As the weekend drew to a close, Searchlight’s A Complete Unknown celebrated its third consecutive week atop the UK box office. The film, featuring Timothée Chalamet, reflects the trend of award-contending films performing exceptionally well, showcasing the market’s inclination towards prestige titles as award seasons approach.
The weekend encapsulated a mix of quiet reflections and significant milestones for several films in the international box office landscape. While activity was tepid on the surface, certain entries like Moana 2 and Mufasa: The Lion King demonstrated the long-tail effect of well-received franchises. New introductions like Companion and Dog Man present a curious mix of potential future hits and explore the dynamic between current audience tastes and emerging trends. As we progress through the film calendar year, these films pave the way for a competitive box office ahead, highlighting that even quieter weekends can yield impressive results in the cinematic world.