Every weekend, movie lovers flock to cinemas, looking to catch the latest releases.
This ongoing trend brings fresh films into the spotlight, each battling for a spot in the box office rankings. With different genres appealing to different tastes, there’s always something exciting for everyone.
Which movies topped the box office last weekend?
Checking out the top performers helps moviegoers decide which films are worth watching and gives insight into current popular trends.
Whether cinematic hits or surprising newcomers grabbed the top spots, last weekend’s box office reveals fascinating insights about audience preferences.
1) The Equalizer 3
“The Equalizer 3” hit theaters and made a big splash at the box office. It scored $42 million over the long holiday weekend. This marked the second-highest Labor Day weekend ever, just behind “Shang-Chi” from 2021.
It continues the action-packed journey of Robert McCall, played by Denzel Washington.
With a production budget of around $70 million, the movie has shown strong numbers. This is the third movie in the series and is helmed by director Antoine Fuqua, who has been with the franchise since the first film in 2014.
Fans were eager to see what challenges McCall faces this time.
Washington’s performance is bolstered by new and returning cast members. Dakota Fanning joins the team, reuniting with Washington after “Man on Fire.” Together, they deliver excellent performances that keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The movie also stars David Denman and Gaia Scodellaro.
The film combines thrilling action sequences with McCall’s knack for justice, providing fans with intense and gripping moments.
The overseas performance is also noteworthy, adding $45 million from several international markets. This success continues to show the strong appeal of the franchise worldwide.
Having access to IMAX and premium large format screens helped boost interest and ticket sales. The movie has become another solid entry in the series. Many fans are eager to see if more sequels are on the horizon.
Here’s the trailer to give you a sneak peek into the action-packed adventure:
2) A Haunting in Venice
A Haunting in Venice hit theaters with a mix of intrigue and mystery. Directed by Kenneth Branagh, the film takes viewers to post-World War II Venice. The city’s eerie atmosphere sets the stage for this thrilling story.
Hercule Poirot, played again by Branagh, comes out of retirement to solve a puzzling murder at a seance. The movie promises suspense as it explores the depths of human nature.
The film is known for its strong performances, with a cast including Kyle Allen, Camille Cottin, and Jamie Dornan. Each actor brings a unique touch to this captivating tale.
A Haunting in Venice is part of Branagh’s Hercule Poirot series and follows the 2022 movie, Death on the Nile.
While its box office numbers started low, the film offers a compelling watch for mystery lovers.
3) The Nun II
The Nun II continues to haunt audiences while holding its spot as a top box office performer. With spooky scenes and a creepy atmosphere, it’s no wonder people flock to theaters.
The film collected an impressive $32.6 million during its opening weekend, following up the success of its predecessor.
Taissa Farmiga returns, reprising her role as Sister Irene. Her haunting performance adds the eerie touch fans expect from The Nun series.
The setting and story are captivating, drawing viewers into the dark world it presents.
Alongside Farmiga, Bonnie Aarons plays the terrifying nun that sends chills down everyone’s spine. Her terrifying portrayal is a huge draw for horror enthusiasts.
The mix of suspense, scares, and storyline definitely works well for this film.
Catch the spooky thrills and chills of The Nun II by watching the trailer on YouTube.
4) Barbie
“Barbie” keeps shining at the box office. Directed by Greta Gerwig, the film managed to stay strong months after its release. It has earned over $626 million domestically, making it one of the highest-grossing films in the U.S.
Margot Robbie stars as Barbie, bringing charm and depth to her character. Ryan Gosling plays Ken, with his performance getting a lot of attention.
The movie combines humor and heart, delighting audiences of all ages.
The film also benefits from a talented supporting cast, like America Ferrera and Issa Rae. Their roles add flavor and fun to the story. Each of them brings their unique touch, enhancing the overall experience.
This movie isn’t just popular; it’s a record-breaker. It had the biggest opening weekend for a film directed by a woman in 2023.
For those who want a glimpse of the film, check out the trailer below:
This success also speaks to the film’s widespread appeal. Its blend of relatable themes and entertainment has grabbed the audience’s attention worldwide. With its playful take on the iconic doll, “Barbie” remains a must-see movie.
5) Gran Turismo
Gran Turismo sped its way to the top of the box office last weekend. Based on the famous racing video game series, this movie started its run with a $17 million opening. Sony managed to secure the top spot, even though the film got mixed reviews.
The story is about a young gamer who becomes a real-life race car driver. Directed by Neill Blomkamp, it showcases thrilling racing scenes.
The cast includes Archie Madekwe, David Harbour, and Orlando Bloom. They bring the excitement of the racing world to the big screen.
Preview screenings played a big part in boosting the film’s debut. Thanks to the pre-release showings, its first-place finish was not a surprise. The movie combines fast cars with a true story that adds depth to its thrilling races.
Gran Turismo’s crossover from a video game to a feature film is not just about fast cars. It focuses on the passion for racing found in the gaming community. The film offers fans both high-speed action and a personal story.
6) Oppenheimer
“Oppenheimer” hit theaters with a bang last weekend. Directed by Christopher Nolan, this film takes audiences back to a crucial moment in history. The movie focuses on J. Robert Oppenheimer and the development of the atomic bomb during World War II.
Cillian Murphy stars as Oppenheimer. His performance has been praised for capturing the intricate personality of the physicist.
The cast also includes Emily Blunt as Katherine, Oppenheimer’s wife, and Robert Downey Jr. plays an influential role as Lewis Strauss. With such a strong lineup, the film keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.
The movie has sparked conversations about its impressive visuals and storytelling. Audiences have flocked to cinemas, making it a significant box office success alongside other major releases.
If you haven’t caught the trailer yet, give it a watch to see what all the excitement is about:
Nolan’s signature style and attention to detail are evident throughout. Even viewers who don’t typically go for historical films are finding this one hard to resist.
7) Blue Beetle
“Blue Beetle” managed to top the box office last weekend, taking the number one spot. This DC superhero film is directed by Ángel Manuel Soto. It features Xolo Maridueña as Jaime Reyes, a young adult who becomes the Blue Beetle after an alien scarab gives him super-powered armor.
This movie differs from typical superhero flicks by including strong cultural elements. Jaime Reyes’ Mexican-American background plays a significant role in the story, offering viewers a fresh perspective. The film also stars Adriana Barraza, Damían Alcázar, and George Lopez in supporting roles.
“Blue Beetle” opened with $25.4 million, which might seem modest compared to other blockbusters, but it still captured audiences’ attention. Despite some mixed reviews, it succeeded in surpassing “Barbie” at the box office.
The film’s promotional efforts faced challenges due to ongoing strikes in Hollywood, affecting its overall reach. Despite these hurdles, audiences have shown a keen interest in this new superhero tale.
Interested viewers can check out the trailer on YouTube to get a sneak peek at the action-packed adventure “Blue Beetle” offers.
8) Jawan
“Jawan” lit up the box office with its stunning performance. This film features the charismatic Shah Rukh Khan in a leading role. Directed by Atlee, it has broken several records, becoming a major hit both in India and worldwide. Fans flocked to theaters, eager to witness the thrilling action and drama.
Set in an action-packed backdrop, the movie showcases powerful storytelling and high-octane sequences. Nayanthara and Vijay Sethupathi also star in the film, adding more depth and excitement to the cast. Their performances have been applauded, adding rich layers to the gripping narrative.
The film has taken the audience by storm, delivering an unforgettable cinematic experience. Jawan grossed significant revenues, surpassing several milestones.
It marked a momentous occasion for the Hindi film industry, setting new benchmarks for opening weekends and overall collections.
With its music, action, and star power, Jawan continues to draw crowds. In India, it has crossed the Rs 600 crore mark, setting a record for the fastest collection at various milestones.
9) The Expendables 4
Expend4bles, also known as The Expendables 4, had a rough start at the box office. This film brought back Sylvester Stallone playing Barney Ross. His team of mercenaries is sent on a mission to prevent nuclear warheads from being stolen in Libya.
Despite the hype, the movie didn’t perform well financially. During its opening weekend, it collected only $8.3 million. This was disappointing compared to expectations and the previous films in the franchise.
The movie faced tough competition from other releases and failed to capture audiences. Even after three weeks, Expend4bles couldn’t make it back into the top 10 at the box office, earning just around $27 million globally.
Alongside Stallone, Jason Statham and Dolph Lundgren returned to their roles, bringing in lots of action scenes. Despite a star-studded cast, the film didn’t resonate well.
You might still want to check out the exciting action sequences and classic explosions typical of the Expendables series. For those interested, the trailer is available on YouTube and gives a glimpse into the film’s intense moments.
Here’s the trailer if you want to see some action-packed scenes:
10) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem brings a refreshing take on the classic TMNT saga. Directed by Jeff Rowe and Kyler Spears, this animated film has captured the attention of fans and newcomers alike.
The Turtles, voiced by Micah Abbey, Shamon Brown Jr., Nicolas Cantu, and Brady Noon, come alive with engaging personalities and relatable teenage dilemmas.
The story follows the Turtle brothers as they attempt to gain acceptance in the human world. Their journey is filled with action, humor, and new friendships, including their bond with April O’Neil.
The movie successfully combines elements of Western and Japanese animation, creating a visually stunning experience.
Fans of the franchise will enjoy nods to the original series, while new viewers can appreciate the updated animation style and witty dialogue. The film has also added clever anime references, making the journey even more exciting for animation enthusiasts.
For anyone interested in checking out the film, here’s an official trailer that captures the spirit and energy of the movie. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the world of ninjas and mutants, Mutant Mayhem offers an entertaining ride.
Box Office Trends
Recent box office trends highlight a continuing interest in sequels and re-releases, with movies like Beetlejuice Beetlejuice drawing large audiences.
The demand for nostalgic and familiar content remains strong, reflecting a preference for both new and reimagined stories. This section explores these patterns through revenue statistics and insights into the audiences watching these films.
Revenue Highlights
Box office figures for the weekend show a robust performance, with Beetlejuice Beetlejuice pulling in $51.6 million.
This is part of a broader surge in revenue, with a noticeable 54% drop from its opening yet maintaining a leading spot in domestic sales, indicating sustained popularity.
Other films contributing to the weekend’s total revenue include Speak No Evil.
These numbers point to a substantial audience interest in both new releases and the continuations of beloved narratives.
Audience Demographics
The audience profile for recent box office hits reveals a mixed group of both younger and older viewers.
These films, especially sequels, seem to attract those who enjoyed earlier versions as well as newcomers drawn in by the hype.
Genres like comedy and horror, highlighted by Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, resonate widely, pulling in diverse demographics.
This range of demographics supports the idea that there’s a blend of old fans and new viewers, leading to a diverse moviegoing experience.
Audiences are showing a blend of loyalty to franchises and curiosity for fresh content, sustaining a dynamic cinema landscape.
Critical Reception
The films from last weekend’s box office had diverse reviews from critics and audiences. Scores and feedback varied based on factors like storytelling, acting, and direction.
Critics’ Scores
Critics had mixed feelings about the top movies from last weekend. “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” received attention for its creativity and humor, with many critics praising its imaginative storyline. Some reviews noted that it successfully captured the spirit of the original.
On the other hand, “Speak No Evil,” a new release, was lauded for its intense atmosphere and suspense. Yet, some felt the pacing lagged at times.
“Deadpool & Wolverine” continued to entertain with its signature blend of action and comedy, though a few critics suggested it was more of the same formulaic approach seen before.
Audience Feedback
Audience reactions differed from those of the critics.
“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” drew positive feedback for its nostalgia and family-friendly charm, making it a hit with viewers who enjoyed the original film.
Many appreciated the engaging visuals and quirky humor.
“Speak No Evil” also resonated well with audiences who enjoyed the thriller elements and unexpected twists. Some viewers even described it as a must-watch for horror fans.
Meanwhile, “Deadpool & Wolverine” maintained its strong following, with audiences particularly enjoying the dynamic between the lead characters.
Fans appreciated the balance of humor and action, even if it mirrored earlier films in the franchise.