The cinematic landscape is a constantly shifting arena, and the latest box office figures indicate that the first weekend of the year is proving to be notably more successful than the same period last year. This time, Disney’s “Mufasa” and Paramount’s “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” are engaged in a robust competition, with both films showcasing impressive earnings as they enter their third weekends. Both films appear to be performing remarkably well, suggesting a positive trend for the industry as we move into 2025.
The Battle for Box Office Supremacy
“Mufasa” has emerged victorious in its first 3-day weekend, surpassing “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” with an estimated $23 million to $24 million, compared to “Sonic’s” $20 million. It’s worth noting that while “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” dominated the initial two weekends, “Mufasa” has shown its strength by attaining the top spot during the longer 5-day period from December 25 to 29, where it grossed an impressive $60.9 million.
This industry competition holds significant implications not just for the films’ studios, but also for cinema as a whole. With both films earning close to $78 million collectively, this is a promising start when compared to the $56 million collected by the top five films last year during the same timeframe. Such statistics suggest that the box office environment is inching towards a recovery, elevating hopes for further successes as the year progresses, particularly given the absence of blockbuster releases competing during this stretch.
Delving deeper into the numbers, “Mufasa” is projected to reach a staggering $168.7 million total by the end of the weekend. Meanwhile, “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” is on track to achieve a running total of approximately $186.3 million. Notably, this figure puts “Sonic 3” within striking distance of surpassing its predecessor, “Sonic the Hedgehog 2,” which grossed $190.8 million. The analysis shows that franchise films, especially those with established fan followings, continue to thrive and attract audiences in larger numbers.
Further down the list, Focus Features’ “Nosferatu,” helmed by Robert Eggers, has also managed to capture audience interest, drawing $12.3 million in its second weekend, despite a 43% drop in revenue. This film is noteworthy as it has achieved substantial figures without the benefit of any Golden Globe nominations. However, it’s poised for recognition at the Critics Choice Awards, which may provide a much-needed boost to its box office performance in the coming weeks.
Global Performers and Awards Contenders
Meanwhile, Disney’s “Moana 2” continues to chart strong waters, amassing a total of $424.7 million across its six-week run. With the film inching closer to the coveted $1 billion global revenue mark, it remains to be seen if it can eclipse the worldwide totals of “Despicable Me 4” with its current standing at $969 million. As a nominee for Best Animated Motion Picture at the Golden Globes this weekend, the film’s visibility is set to increase in the eyes of the general public, potentially enhancing its box office pull.
Equally impressive is Universal’s “Wicked,” now in its seventh weekend, drawing in $9.5 million, with a cumulative total approaching $450 million. Its presence on PVOD since December 31 may have impacted its recent box office performance; however, the film’s nominations for four Golden Globe awards—including Best Musical/Comedy Feature—could rekindle interest among moviegoers.
Lastly, James Mangold’s “A Complete Unknown,” a biopic centered on Bob Dylan, has entered the fray with a $7.5 million second weekend. This places it on course to become Searchlight’s highest-grossing film since the Disney-Fox merger, exceeding the previous record held by “The Menu.”
The current cinematic weekend stands as one of the few times in 2025 where no significant wide releases are scheduled. This unusual occurrence may allow the films currently in theaters to capture more of the audience’s attention and maintain robust earnings, a refreshing change in an often congested release calendar.
The box office bracket is seeing a positive trend, with films leveraging awards recognition and established franchises to pull in audiences. As the year unfolds, it will be fascinating to observe whether this momentum can be sustained or whether the cycle of box office highs and lows will continue.