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On Monday, the movie “Barbie” achieved a remarkable milestone by grossing an impressive $26 million, setting a new record as the highest-grossing Monday in Warner Bros.’ history. Additionally, it achieved another significant feat by becoming the highest-grossing film directed by a female director, Greta Gerwig, who skillfully presented the story in a captivating bubblegum pink setting. The movie’s strong performance continued on Tuesday, adding another $26 million to its already impressive domestic box office total, which now stands at an impressive $214 million.
Surpassing all expectations, “Barbie” dazzled at the box office during its opening weekend, amassing a staggering $162 million in domestic theaters over the course of three days. This unprecedented success not only solidifies its position as a blockbuster hit but also marks a groundbreaking achievement as the highest-grossing opening for any film directed by a woman in the history of cinema.
Historically, the number of films surpassing the $100 million mark during their opening weekend has remained limited to fewer than 100. Notably, these successful films have predominantly belonged to male-driven superhero genres associated with renowned franchises like Marvel and DC, or iconic series such as Harry Potter, Star Wars, and Jurassic Park.
Outperforming Universal’s “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” which garnered $146.3 million in its opening weekend and later crossed the remarkable milestone of $1 billion in worldwide box office earnings, the Margot Robbie-led film “Barbie” had a stronger debut. Within a mere five days of its theatrical release, “Barbie” has already surged past an impressive $470 million in global ticket sales, demonstrating its undeniable success and widespread popularity among audiences worldwide.
Amidst a challenging period for studios struggling to engage moviegoers, the triumph of “Barbie” shines as a beacon of hope. In recent months, a string of adult-oriented blockbusters has faced lackluster performances, prompting industry professionals to contemplate whether consumer preferences have veered away from traditional Hollywood offerings. However, “Barbie’s” exceptional success arrives as a refreshing reminder that there is still a vibrant appetite for captivating films that resonate with audiences, providing a glimmer of optimism for the future of the industry.
Together with impressive outcomes from Universal and Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer,” it is evident that consumers have not abandoned theaters; instead, they are becoming more discerning about their movie choices. The highly praised fusion of “Barbenheimer” enticed audiences to experience content on the grandest screens available, fostering a desire for collective cinematic experiences in larger groups. This showcases that when captivating and well-received films like “Barbenheimer” hit the big screen, audiences are enthusiastic about the theater-going experience, reaffirming the enduring allure of the theatrical setting.
During the weekend, movie theater chains recorded unprecedented levels of foot traffic, a testament to the popularity of the films on display. Due to the overwhelming demand, extra screenings for both “Barbenheimer” and “Openheimer” were added, leading to a surge in concession sales as well. Despite the impending competition from Disney’s “Haunted Mansion” in the upcoming weekend, box office analysts anticipate that positive word-of-mouth will continue to drive ticket sales for both “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” in the weeks ahead. The enduring appeal and strong audience response to these films are expected to keep the momentum going at the box office.
