Flight Risklanded the top spot at the weekendbox office,but the Mark Wahlberg-led action thriller only managed to make an estimated $12 million domestically (perThe Numbers). Unfortunately, Lionsgate’s second No. 1 movie of the year —Den of Thieves 2: Panterabeing the other — premiered during the lowest-grossing weekend of 2025 ($66.3 million) thus far. Certainly, the NFL stole some audiences as both the NFC and AFC Championship games aired on Sunday, Jan. 26, but it’s still a disappointment for the industry.
Historically, studios aren’t going to open any blockbusters in January because the month is typically a dead zone for the theatergoing experience. However, when compared to 2024, the numbers actually trended upward, even with the much-malignedFlight Riskleading the way. Over the fourth weekend of January a year ago, the box office’s domestic total of $56.6 million tallied $10 million less, even with a far more well-received title,Mean Girls, checking in at No. 1.
Mufasa: The Lion Kingtook advantage of the so-called competition over the weak weekend and clawed its way into the No. 2 slot with $8.7 million. The Disney flick has now made a worldwide total of $626.7 million through its sixth weekend playing in theaters.One of Them Dayschecked in at No. 3 ($8 million), followed by No. 4Sonic the Hedgehog 3($5.5 million), andMoana 2rounded out the Top 5 with $4.3 million en route to setting a major box office milestone.
‘Moana 2’ Breaks the Billion-Dollar Mark at the Box Office Over a Weak Weekend
Some trulyembarrassing titles have graced the month of Januaryin the past. However, whileFlight Risklimped its way to the No. 1 spot over the weekend,Moana 2crossed the billion-dollar mark at the box office ($1.026 billion). While the Mouse House celebrated, Universal watched helplessly as its latest horror film plummeted a full 69% between its first and second weekends of release.
Yes,Wolf Manfell all the way from No. 3 last week to No. 7 with only $3.4 million. It’s not a question of scary movie fatigue, though. It’s a matter of quality. For instance, Focus Features’Nosferatuis a $100 million hit worldwide ($166.4 million to be exact) thanks in part to its well-deserved Rotten Tomatoes score (85% Tomatometer) and “B-” CinemaScore. Meanwhile, Universal’s dreadful reimagining of the studios’ classic 1941The Wolf Man,starring Lon Chaney Jr., Evelyn Ankers, and Claude Rains, only managed a 53% Tomatometer and “C-” CinemaScore.
Neon’s No. 6Presence($3.4 million) was the only other new title over the weekend to land a spot in the Top 10. However, the production company did make some more noise at No. 14 withThe Seed of the Sacred Fig.Director Mohammad Rasoulof’s political dramaoriginally hit theaters way back on Aug 06, 2025. Despite being in cinemas for nine weeks,The Seed of the Sacred Figactually increased its performance between the last two weekends by a jaw-dropping 3,172%!
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The Seed of the Sacred Figmade $1.244 million, while only showing in 16 cinemas, which means the film also garnered the best per-theater average ($77,750) over the weekend. Meanwhile, the documentaryLiza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Storyopened in a single venue and made an impressive $19,000. Director Bruce David Klein’s film examines the life of Judy Garland’s famous and talented daughter, Liza Minnelli. Modern-day audiences will certainly recognize the singing sensation and actress from her recurring role onArrested Development.
The critically acclaimedCompanion,which stars Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quaid, opens in theaters next on Jan. 31, and the unique horror rom-com will also be available to watch on premium screens, including IMAX. The animatedDog Man, Kristen Stewart and Steven Yeun’sLove Me,along withValiant Onewill all joinCompanionas January thankfully gives way to February.
