Even though it was poorly reviewed, even by us, the newest installment into the franchise “Transformers: Age of Extinction” became the highest opening movie of the year with a hair over $100 million. With the abysmal Rotten Tomatoes ratings I think some of us were thinking this latest explosion fest may not make as much but it drew the crowds, beating “Captain America 2: The Winter Soldier” by $5 million. There really wasn’t much else going on in the box office, Transformers picked the weekend with the least competition and knowing it’s audience. It also received a massive opening in China at $92 million. So far it has made over $300 million on its first weekend. If it stays strong domestically and has solid runs in foreign markets it will hit that magic billion mark.
- Transformers: Age of Extinction: $100,038,390 for Optimus and friends.
- 22 Jump Street: Still holding strong in 2nd place but down 42% to $15,852,375.
- How to Train Your Dragon 2: Down 46% to $13,237,697 it still hasn’t made back the budget.
- Think Like a Man Too: A massive 65% drop to $10,316,397.
- Maleficent: Breaking $200 million with $8,376,674 in its 5th week.
The July 4th holiday has no big openings and may be tough on Transformers, the next test comes with “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.”
A quick note on budgets and dollar figures:
Films making back their budgets is a good sign, but that is just the money to film. It doesn’t include distribution and marketing. Marketing can cost as much as a film. That big Superbowl spot is spendy. So take that into account when judging a films success. Hitting $100 million isn’t the same as it once was.
All dollar amounts in the top 5 come from estimates based on ticket sales unless noted otherwise. Occasionally this article will be published when actual results come out, which is usually late Monday afternoon. For more about this and other ins and outs of movie tracking click here.