The weekend box office had an intriguing shake-up, marked by notable successes and significant downturns. “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle” made headlines by becoming the highest-grossing Japanese film of all time, crossing $100 million domestically. Despite anime films historically facing steep declines, “Infinity Castle” experienced a 75.5% drop, but its remarkable $70 million opening positioned it as a standout in 2025’s animated cinema, achieving over $555 million globally.
Kogonada’s latest release, “A Big Bold Beautiful Journey,” featuring Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell, didn’t fare well despite the star power and wide release, drawing only $3.5 million domestically amid tepid critical reception. Jordan Peele’s produced horror flick “HIM,” directed by Justin Tipping, also underperformed, securing $13.5 million and facing heavy criticism. In contrast, “The Conjuring: Last Rites” continued to perform well, now surpassing $400 million worldwide, projecting a finish between $170-180 million in total.
Francis Lawrence’s adaptation of Stephen King’s “The Long Walk” and “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale” had mixed outcomes, with “The Long Walk” heading towards a $35 million finish and “The Grand Finale” pacing for $40-45 million. Michael Chiklis’s “The Senior” had a modest start, while Zach Cregger’s horror film “Weapons” saw sustained success with a near $150 million domestic tally.
Disney’s classics continued to charm audiences, with the 30th Anniversary re-release of “Toy Story” performing well, although “Freakier Friday” remained shy of the $100 million domestic milestone.
The upcoming week shows promise with Warner Bros.’ ambitious release, “One Battle After Another,” starring Leonardo DiCaprio, and new entries in horror and family genres. As the box office landscape evolves, these shifts highlight the ongoing appeal of both established franchises and fresh releases.