By admin 
In a stunning display of international appeal, the highly anticipated film adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic novel, "Wuthering Heights," has stormed the global box office, securing the number one spot with an impressive $82 million. This figure not only makes it the highest-grossing film worldwide for the weekend but also marks the top global opening of the year to date, signaling a significant triumph for Warner Bros. and director Emerald Fennell. The film’s success was propelled by a robust international performance, raking in a better-than-expected $42 million across 76 territories. This overseas strength more than compensated for a domestic debut that, while substantial, was slightly softer than projections, garnering $40 million over the four-day President’s Day holiday weekend. Rival studios, however, are reportedly placing the North American tally closer to $35 million through Monday.
The ambitious $80 million production, a bold and steamy reimagining of the iconic 18th-century English tale, stars Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi as the tempestuous lovers Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff. Their volatile and destructive relationship, brought to life with modern cinematic flair, has clearly resonated with audiences worldwide. Despite a somewhat mixed reception from critics and a slightly less enthusiastic response from domestic moviegoers, "Wuthering Heights" appears poised to leverage its international popularity to offset its considerable production budget. Movie theater owners typically retain approximately half of theatrical revenues, underscoring the critical importance of robust ticket sales across diverse markets.
The international box office for "Wuthering Heights" was particularly strong in established markets. The United Kingdom led the charge with a remarkable $10.3 million in ticket sales, demonstrating a deep affection for literary adaptations and a keen interest in this particular interpretation. Italy followed with a respectable $4.4 million, and Australia contributed $4.3 million, showcasing the film’s broad appeal across English-speaking and European territories. Notably, Warner Bros. has not yet reported any grosses from Asian territories. This absence is significant given the vast potential of markets like China and Japan, where the film is slated for release in the coming weeks. The upcoming openings in these crucial regions could provide a substantial boost to "Wuthering Heights’" overall box office performance and further solidify its position as a global cinematic event.
The film’s narrative, steeped in the gothic romance and social commentary of Brontë’s original work, has been praised for its visual splendor and the intense chemistry between its leads. However, the divergent critical and audience responses suggest a polarization of opinion, with some lauding its daring artistic choices and others finding its intensity overwhelming. This duality often leads to a box office trajectory heavily influenced by word-of-mouth and repeat viewings, particularly among specific demographics. The strong international performance indicates that the film’s thematic explorations of obsession, class, and destructive passion may find a more receptive audience beyond North America, or that its visual spectacle and star power are more universally compelling in those regions.
In a distant second place on the global charts, Sony’s animated sports comedy, "GOAT," made its debut with a respectable $47.6 million. This figure includes $15.6 million earned from 42 international markets. The film, which centers on an aspiring roarball champion—a fictional sport akin to basketball—aims to capture the family audience. Despite its promising start, "GOAT" has yet to be released in a significant portion of its overseas territories, accounting for approximately 40% of its potential global reach. Key markets such as China, Australia, Germany, and South Korea are still awaiting the film’s arrival, presenting ample opportunity for future revenue growth.
Within the territories where "GOAT" has already premiered, the United Kingdom again proved to be a strong performer, generating $4.8 million. Mexico followed with $1.8 million, and Spain contributed $1.2 million, indicating a solid reception in Spanish-speaking markets. The animated feature boasts a production budget of $80 million, a figure that Sony will be keen to recoup through sustained box office performance. The studio is undoubtedly drawing inspiration from the endurance of recent animated hits. Films like 2023’s "Migration," which began with a more modest opening but ultimately achieved a global total of $300 million, and 2024’s "The Wild Robot," which debuted in the mid-teens internationally before powering to $334 million worldwide, offer encouraging precedents.
The current cinematic landscape for family entertainment may also be working in "GOAT"’s favor. Audiences have reportedly been eager for new, compelling content since the release of "Zootopia 2" around Thanksgiving. With no other major family-oriented releases on the horizon until Pixar’s "Hoppers" arrives in March, "GOAT" is positioned to enjoy a relatively unobstructed run in multiplexes, potentially allowing it to build momentum and attract repeat family visits. The success of animated films often hinges on their ability to appeal to both children and adults, and early indications suggest "GOAT" may be achieving this balance.
Securing the third spot on the global charts was Amazon MGM’s crime thriller, "Crime 101." The film, starring Chris Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo, opened to a softer-than-anticipated $12 million from 60 markets. Domestically, it garnered $15 million over the traditional three-day weekend, with an estimated $17.7 million projected through the Monday holiday, bringing its four-day global total to $29.7 million. The film’s top-performing territories included the U.K. with $2 million, Australia with $1.4 million, and Saudi Arabia with $790,000.
While a $12 million international opening for an R-rated film targeting an adult demographic can be considered decent, the film’s substantial production cost of $90 million, excluding marketing expenses, presents a significant challenge. "Crime 101" will require considerable legs at the box office to justify its price tag. Amazon MGM, a relatively newer player in the theatrical distribution space, views the big screen as a crucial platform for elevating the profile of its films before they transition to streaming services. Directed by Bart Layton, known for his critically acclaimed "American Animals," "Crime 101" follows Hemsworth as an enigmatic jewel thief orchestrating a series of high-stakes heists across the Los Angeles freeway system. The film’s reliance on star power and a gripping narrative is expected to drive its performance in the coming weeks, particularly among audiences seeking adult-oriented crime dramas. The success of such films is often a slower burn, relying on positive word-of-mouth and sustained interest from its target demographic. The film’s performance will be a key indicator of Amazon MGM’s strategy for theatrical releases and their ability to compete in a crowded market. The ensemble cast, featuring two of Hollywood’s most bankable stars, provides a strong foundation, but the film’s ultimate financial success will depend on its ability to attract audiences beyond its initial opening weekend and resonate with viewers seeking complex thrillers.