Anora Shines in Limited Release, Outperforming at the Box Office as 'Smile 2' Dominates
'Smile 2' Grinning to No. 1 at Box Office, 'Anora' Shines Bright
This past weekend at the box office saw a major horror victory as Smile 2 took the top spot, cementing its place as a horror franchise with staying power. Following the success of its predecessor, Smile 2 has captivated audiences once again with its blend of psychological thrills and bone-chilling scares. Directed by Parker Finn, the sequel continues the sinister saga of haunting smiles and the terror they inflict on those unfortunate enough to witness them.
Smile 2: A Horror Hit
Smile 2 picked up right where the original left off, drawing viewers in with its unsettling premise and inventive approach to horror. Fans were eager to return to the creepy, mind-bending world of cursed smiles that push people to the edge of sanity. The film features a new cast of characters trapped in a cycle of terror, offering fresh frights while paying homage to the chilling themes that made the first movie a box office success.
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In its opening weekend, Smile 2 managed to gross an impressive $40 million domestically, dominating the competition and taking the No. 1 spot at the box office. Horror films have traditionally performed well in October, but Smile 2 has proven to be particularly well-timed, capturing the spooky season spirit. With Halloween approaching, its hold on the box office is expected to continue as moviegoers seek out thrills and chills.
Anora: A Sparkling Surprise
While Smile 2 dominated the top of the charts, another film caught the attention of audiences and critics alike—Anora. This visually stunning fantasy film tells the story of a young heroine on a quest to restore balance to a magical kingdom. Featuring breathtaking cinematography, enchanting world-building, and a strong emotional core, Anora has emerged as a surprise hit.
Anora debuted at No. 2, earning a respectable $25 million. The film's success can be attributed to its appeal to a wide range of viewers, from families to fantasy lovers. Its rich storytelling and captivating visuals have drawn comparisons to beloved fantasy epics like The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia. With positive word-of-mouth and glowing reviews, Anora is expected to maintain strong box office performance in the coming weeks.
The Battle for Box Office Supremacy
As Smile 2 and Anora go head-to-head, both films are drawing their own unique audiences. Smile 2 appeals to horror fans eager for a good scare, while Anora offers a more whimsical, heartwarming experience. Together, they provide something for everyone, contributing to a strong showing for the fall box office.
Looking ahead, the competition is set to heat up even further with upcoming releases, but for now, Smile 2 reigns supreme, with Anora glittering as a close contender. Both films have tapped into the current tastes of moviegoers, proving that whether you're in the mood for terror or wonder, there's something on the big screen for you this season.
Final Thoughts
Smile 2 has solidified its place as a must-see horror franchise, delivering exactly what fans crave—a good, spine-tingling scare. Meanwhile, Anora is making waves as a surprise fantasy hit, dazzling audiences with its magical world and emotional depth. With both films lighting up the box office, it’s clear that whether you're seeking fright or fantasy, the cinematic landscape is alive with excitement this October.
One of the standout successes of the weekend was Sean Baker’s Anora, which opened in just six theaters in New York and Los Angeles, bringing in an impressive $630,000. That translates to a $105,000 per theater average, marking the highest since Asteroid City achieved a $142,000 average last summer. Released by Neon, Anora—a hit at Cannes and a strong contender for the upcoming Oscars—stars Mikey Madison as a New York sex worker who falls in love with the son of a Russian oligarch.
After several weeks of high-profile films and potential awards contenders like Piece by Piece, Saturday Night, and The Apprentice underperforming at the box office, Anora’s success is a refreshing indication that audiences are still seeking out sophisticated, adult-oriented films.
“For moviegoers, there’s a lot to choose from with something for everyone in every genre,” said Paul Dergarabedian, a senior media analyst at Comscore. “We’re headed for a strong finish to the year with a great mix of both blockbuster and indie films.”
Disney also made waves with its re-releases. The Nightmare Before Christmas secured a spot in the top 10 with $1.1 million, while Hocus Pocus earned $841,000.
Next weekend promises more excitement with the release of the comic book blockbuster Venom: The Last Dancealongside the awards contender Conclave, a thriller set in the Vatican.
Estimated box office sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, per Comscore:
- Smile 2 – $23 million
- The Wild Robot – $10.1 million
- Terrifier 3 – $9.3 million
- Beetlejuice Beetlejuice – $5 million
- We Live In Time – $4.2 million
- Joker: Folie à Deux – $2.2 million
- Piece by Piece – $2.1 million
- Transformers One – $2 million
- Saturday Night – $1.8 million
- The Nightmare Before Christmas – $1.1 million