The box office was buzzing this weekend as Tim Burton’s “Beetlejuice” made a triumphant return, earning a massive $51 million in its opening weekend. Additionally, the Danish horror film “Speak No Evil” had a chilling debut, securing a solid $15 million in ticket sales. The box office witnessed a thrilling showdown this weekend, with “Beetlejuice” reclaiming its top spot and “Speak No Evil” making a strong debut. The success of these films highlights the enduring appeal of both beloved franchises and fresh, innovative storytelling. “Beetlejuice” continued to enchant audiences, raking in an impressive $51.6 million during its second weekend at the box office, while “Speak No Evil” showcased the resilience of the horror genre.
Box Office Buzz: Beetlejuice Back on Top
In a weekend where the familiar and the fresh battled for box office supremacy, Tim Burton’s iconic “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” emerged victorious, raking in a staggering $51 million. Meanwhile, the Danish horror film “Speak No Evil” made a notable entrance with a solid $15 million opening.
Beetlejuice’s Triumphant Return
The return of the “Ghost with the Most” proved to be a box office sensation. “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” the long-awaited sequel to the 1988 cult classic, captivated audiences with its blend of macabre humor, visual spectacle, and star-studded cast. The film’s opening weekend haul of $51 million solidified its position as a major player in the fall movie season.
Speak No Evil Makes a Chilling Debut
While “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” dominated the headlines, the Danish horror film “Speak No Evil” made a strong impression on its opening weekend, securing a respectable $15 million. The film’s slow-burn suspense and unsettling atmosphere resonated with horror fans, establishing it as a potential sleeper hit.
The Weekend Box Office Top 5
Here’s a look at the top 5 films at the box office this weekend:
| Rank | Movie Title | Weekend Gross |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Beetlejuice | $51.6 million |
| 2 | Speak No Evil | $11.5 million |
| 3 | Deadpool & Wolverine | $5.2 million |
| 4 | Am I Racist? | $4.75 million |
| 5 | The Nun II | $2.8 million |
Short Summary:
- Beetlejuice Beetlejuice maintains top box office position with $51.6 million, nearing $200 million domestically.
- Horror-thriller Speak No Evil debuts strongly at No. 2 with $11.5 million.
- Other notable performances include Deadpool & Wolverine and Am I Racist? surprising audiences with solid numbers.
The box office landscape saw a revitalization this past weekend, led once more by Tim Burton’s anticipated sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. With a commanding $51.6 million in its second weekend, the film is steadily approaching the impressive milestone of $200 million in domestic earnings. After its 10-day run, the total has reached a remarkable $188 million, solidifying its place atop the box office rankings.
In terms of global performance, the sequel also earned $28.7 million across 76 international markets, bringing its worldwide total to $264.3 million. Notably, the film is being showcased in 4,575 theaters domestically. The second-weekend decline of 54 percent in ticket sales is quite typical for such major releases, yet Beetlejuice Beetlejuice continues to be a powerhouse.
“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is not just a sequel; it’s a celebration of nostalgia blended with modern storytelling,” said a film critic.
Meanwhile, Blumhouse Productions has struck gold with their new horror-thriller project, Speak No Evil. The film opened right behind Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, securing second place with a strong $11.5 million from 3,375 locations. Produced with a budget of $15 million, this chilling narrative follows an American family as they get embroiled in a sinister situation during a seemingly idyllic weekend getaway at a lavish British estate. Noteworthy performances by actors such as James McAvoy have garnered critical acclaim, aiding its appeal.
Critically, the film has resonated well, boasting an 85 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and receiving a B+ CinemaScore from audiences. Overseas, Speak No Evil launched with an additional $9.3 million across 73 foreign markets, suggesting an impressive global start totaling $20.8 million.
James McAvoy has been described as “eerily captivating” in his role, elevating the unsettling atmosphere of the film.
At No. 3, Marvel and Disney’s blockbuster, Deadpool & Wolverine, continues to thrive even in its eighth weekend, taking in an estimated $5.2 million, pushing its domestic total to $621.5 million and global earnings past $1.305 billion. This performance marks it as the seventh highest-grossing film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Another unexpected addition to the box office this weekend is the documentary Am I Racist?, by conservative provocateur Matt Walsh. The film opened to an estimated $4.8 million, marking it as the highest debut of 2024 for a documentary and the third-highest in the past decade. It has become particularly popular in more conservative regions, gaining traction in the South, Midwest, and Mountain States.
The film employs a unique social experiment format, showcasing Walsh’s forays into discussions about racism, all under the guise of a DEI trainee. The documentary has ignited diverse reactions, embodying a mix of comedy and critique while revealing the fees some experts command for consultations, including Robin DiAngelo, known for her work on race relations.
“We’ve got a remarkable 99 percent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, yet it seems mainstream critics are steering clear,” Walsh noted on social media.
Completing the top five is the biopic Reagan, featuring Dennis Quaid. The film collected $3 million from 2,450 theaters during its third weekend, accumulating a domestic total of $23.3 million. Although it is not positioned as strongly as others, it shows resilience in a competitive marketplace.
On the other end of the spectrum, Lionsgate’s The Killer’s Game, starring Dave Bautista, premiered poorly with just $2.6 million from 2,623 theaters after receiving unfavorable reviews. The film follows a former hitman who, upon receiving a mistaken terminal diagnosis, attempts to cancel an impending contract on his life.
Among the specialty films, My Old Ass, a Sundance Film Festival highlight, has made strides with a strong performance, averaging $24,535 per theater from its initial seven locations in key markets like New York and Los Angeles.
Aubrey Plaza and Maisy Stella’s involvement shines in this innovative narrative, offering a refreshing take on identity and maturation.
Despite previous quiet weekends at the box office, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice has breathed new energy into the film landscape. With September releasing only a few competitive titles, the film appears poised to continue its strong performance until the holiday season. Upcoming releases such as Transformers One and Never Let Go could challenge its reign, although Deadpool & Wolverine‘s impressive run has set a high bar in the lead-up to the fall.
As audiences eagerly await the verdict on these emerging titles, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice has set a formidable standard for both nostalgic sequels and original concepts alike, capturing the hearts of many as it brings a mix of humor and horror distinct to the beloved franchise.
