The North American box office experienced a significant slowdown after two weekends of outstanding performances with “The Conjuring: Last Rights” and the anime hit “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle,” which recently became the highest-grossing anime film ever in North America. Ticket sales dropped by nearly 50% compared to the previous weekend, with “Demon Slayer” continuing to lead the pack, bringing in $17.3 million over the weekend and reaching a total of $104.7 million.
The newly released horror film “Him,” produced by Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw and directed by Justin Tipping, secured second place with $13.5 million. Despite its strong premise featuring a young quarterback-in-training storyline, the film struggled with critics and audiences, receiving a 29% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a C- CinemaScore.
“Him” had to compete not only with “Demon Slayer” but also with “The Conjuring: Last Rights,” which held its ground with a $13 million weekend gross in its third week, achieving a global total of $400 million and becoming the highest-grossing installment in the Conjuring universe.
The romantic drama “A Big Bold Beautiful Journey,” starring Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell, failed to capture audiences’ interest, earning only $3.5 million and receiving largely negative reviews, contributing to a tepid reception to new romantic offerings at the box office.
The horror genre has been enjoying a resurgence, with recent hits like “The Conjuring: Last Rights” and others contributing significantly to box office receipts. This trend indicates a broader shift in audience preferences, as horror films accounted for over 17% of ticket sales in North America. The genre’s appeal continues to grow due to its ability to address societal anxieties and offer thrilling, cathartic experiences, making it an attractive option for moviegoers.
Overall, while the box office faced a dip this weekend, the horror genre remains a bright spot with the promise of continued success, as audiences increasingly return to theaters looking for engaging stories and communal viewing experiences. This resurgence provides optimism for the film industry, which is eager to capitalize on this momentum into the upcoming summer blockbuster season.