The expectation for 2023 was a triumphant return to the golden age of cinema, but as we approach mid-year, more misses and failures have marked the landscape than blockbuster successes.
That’s not to say there aren’t victories to highlight. “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” and “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” generated impressive revenue, mirroring pre-COVID box office numbers. Similarly, films like “Cocaine Bear,” “Scream VI,” and “Evil Dead Rise” managed to achieve moderate success, sustaining ticket sales during cinema’s slower seasons.
So far, the domestic box office has amassed $4.35 billion, reflecting a 20.7% increase compared to the same period in the pandemic-ravaged 2022, according to Comscore. So, there’s hope for improvement, and the upcoming releases of “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” and “Barbie” could potentially boost summer earnings significantly.
However, the challenges are significant, with studios scrambling to identify films capable of luring audiences back to the theatres instead of opting for streaming services. As a result, the prospect of seeing “The Flash 2” or an extended version of Ari Aster’s “Beau Is Afraid” seems bleak.
Let’s look at the films that soared, stumbled, or straddled the middle ground in the first half of 2023.
THE TRIUMPHS
The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Opening weekend: $146 million
Current global gross: $1.33 billion
Verdict: Embodying a true blockbuster spirit, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” not only topped the year’s opening weekend charts but also maintained audience interest, thanks to nostalgic appeal and powerful brand identity. As the first film of the year to surpass the $1 billion milestone and the highest-grossing video game adaptation, it signifies a monumental achievement.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Opening weekend: $118 million
Current global gross: $827 million
Verdict: Despite initial apprehension following a softer opening weekend, “Vol. 3” bounced back, successfully avoiding the momentum pitfalls other pandemic-era Marvel films have faced. While not eclipsing its predecessor’s $863 million earnings or hitting the $1 billion mark, the quirky, less conventional comic book film still achieved box office success.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Opening weekend: $120 million
Current global gross: $560 million
Verdict: Proving that good superhero films are still a hit, “Across the Spider-Verse” provided a fresh perspective on the well-loved hero. Outperforming its predecessor in less than two weeks, this sequel, budgeted at $100 million, reaffirms the popularity of this universe’s Spider-Man, Miles Morales. Expect more, with “Beyond the Spider-Verse” scheduled for 2024.
John Wick: Chapter 4
Opening weekend: $73 million
Current global gross: $427 million
Verdict: Surpassing the performance of its predecessors, “John Wick 4” has emerged as the most successful film in the action series, starring Keanu Reeves as an iconic assassin. It’s consistent growth and positive ticket sales are promising, given that production budgets are increasing each installment.
Creed III
Opening weekend: $58 million
Current global gross: $275 million
Verdict: Entrusting a popular franchise to its star-turned-director could have been risky. However, Michael B. Jordan delivered a box office knockout with
“Creed III” is directed and starring in the third installment of the “Rocky” spin-off series. Surpassing the second film’s gross revenue, this victory round belongs to Adonis.
Jesus Revolution
Opening weekend: $15.8 million
Current global gross: $52 million
Verdict: Kelsey Grammer’s faith-based film “Jesus Revolution” might not break records, but its solid box office performance attests to the considerable influence of faith-oriented audiences.
THE MEDIOCRE
Fast X
Opening weekend: $67 million
Current global gross: $689 million
Verdict: Given its enormous $340 million budget, “Fast X” faces challenges in turning a profit in theatres, sparking doubts about the franchise’s future. While struggling domestically, it has found favour with international audiences, suggesting the series might need to rethink its budgeting strategy.
Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves
Opening weekend: $37 million
Current global gross: $208 million
Verdict: Despite critical acclaim, this adventurous take on the classic role-playing game didn’t resonate with unfamiliar audiences. With a hefty $150 million budget, it’s banking on strong on-demand viewership to break even.
The Little Mermaid
Opening weekend: $95 million
Current global gross: $503 million
Verdict: Despite the success of other live-action remakes, Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” underperformed internationally. Without the solid international support enjoyed by previous remakes like “Aladdin,” Ariel and her companions found themselves in turbulent waters.
Air
Opening weekend: $14.4 million
Current global gross: $89 million
Verdict: The fact that “Air,” an adult drama, nearly earned its $90 million production cost at the box office is a rarity. Yet, it falls short when marketing costs are considered, indicating a potential misstep for Amazon. However, its upcoming debut on Prime Video might offset these losses.
Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret
Opening weekend: $6.7 million
Current global gross: $21.4 million
Verdict: This adaptation of Judy Blume’s famous novel isn’t a flop. It gained positive reviews and made a decent sum at the box office for a small-scale dramedy, but its $30 million production cost leaves it in the red.
THE DISAPPOINTMENTS
The Flash
Opening weekend: $55 million
Current global gross: $210 million
Verdict: Expected to be one of the greatest superhero movies ever, “The Flash” fell short of expectations, being primarily overlooked by audiences. With combined production and marketing costs reaching $300 million, Warner Bros. faces a considerable loss, marking another setback for the DC universe after announcing a reboot.
As we move into the latter half of 2023, the battle between cinemas and streaming platforms continues. The surprising performance of some films demonstrates the potential resilience of the movie-going culture, while the underperformance of expected blockbusters points to changing audience preferences. Will upcoming releases be able to reignite the pre-COVID box office magic, or will we see further evidence of a seismic shift in entertainment consumption? Time will tell.
