The international box office experienced a relatively quiet weekend, particularly outside of China, as audiences geared up for the bustling Lunar New Year film releases. Although the overall weekend earnings were subdued, some noteworthy achievements and expansions characterized the landscape, hinting at evolving viewer preferences and trends in the film industry.
In the animated category, Disney’s “Moana 2” has reached a significant milestone, overtaking popular animated hits such as “Finding Dory” and “Despicable Me 3” to secure its place as the ninth highest-grossing animated film of all time globally, amassing a remarkable $1.037 billion. This achievement is particularly impressive as “Moana 2” nears the end of its theatrical run, suggesting that the animated sequel has successfully resonated with audiences across various markets.
Moreover, “Mufasa: The Lion King,” another Disney release, has crossed the $650 million mark worldwide, currently standing at $653 million. Its continued presence in theaters, now in its seventh weekend, saw it add an additional $11.7 million from international markets, reflecting a modest 29% decline compared to the previous weekend. Markets such as France, the UK, and Germany remain strongholds for the film, showcasing Disney’s steadfast grip on the animated genre.
Among the new entries, Studiocanal’s “Paddington” has made a significant impression internationally, particularly in Peru, where it garnered $8.7 million from 51 markets. As it approaches a total of $100 million in overseas earnings, the film has showcased a sturdy performance, driven by broad international appeal. The upcoming domestic release on Valentine’s Day is anticipated, suggesting a marketing strategy aimed at capitalizing on family audiences during this romantic holiday.
This trend of successful international expansions continues with Paramount’s “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” which has now surpassed $462 million globally. Its latest weekend saw the animated character charm an additional $7 million from international markets. The competitive performance in various regions, particularly the UK and Mexico, highlights the franchise’s robust fan base and the increasing profitability of video game adaptations in global cinema.
On the flipside, the weekend introduced New Line/Warner Bros.’ horror film “Companion,” which debuted in 60 international markets. It earned $5.5 million, allowing it to take off with a global total of $15 million. The film’s performance, spearheaded by the UK with $919,000, reflects the challenges faced by new releases in breaking into an increasingly crowded market, especially against the strong hold of existing blockbusters.
Similarly, Universal/DreamWorks Animation’s “Dog Man” continues its staggered release, adding only $4.2 million to its total, bringing its international earnings to $4.6 million. This modest accumulation suggests that while animated features are performing well overall, not every title is able to tap into the fervor surrounding popular franchises, indicating nuances in audience receptivity.
In independent cinema, Searchlight’s “A Complete Unknown” maintained its reign at the box office in the UK for a third consecutive week. The prominence of such films amidst a sea of sequels and reboots speaks to a possible appetite for diverse storytelling among audiences, especially in markets like the UK where local productions can thrive.
As studios vie for attention across global markets, this weekend serves as a reminder of the complexities within the international box office ecosystem. While established franchises may dominate earnings, the emergence of new narratives and character-driven stories signifies that innovation remains vital in appealing to today’s audiences.
The landscape reveals a duality of success; animated films and established franchises flourish, yet new entries encounter hurdles in making their mark. The industry is in a state of constant evolution, and future weekends at the box office will likely yield compelling surprises as the competition intensifies.