As the film industry continues to recover from the pandemic’s impact, the contrasting box office performances of major titles signal a promising start for 2025. This weekend, Disney’s *Mufasa* and Paramount’s *Sonic the Hedgehog 3* emerge as frontrunners, showcasing a competitive spirit reminiscent of the warm summer months.
The current box office landscape marks a significant improvement compared to the same weekend in the previous year. With estimated earnings between $23 million and $24 million for *Mufasa*, this title has claimed its first No. 1 spot in a three-day weekend, a notable milestone that wasn’t achieved during its December 25-29 frame. *Sonic the Hedgehog 3*, despite its strong start in previous weeks, falls slightly short of this new contender. The dynamic between these two films illustrates a fierce rivalry, each striving to capture the hearts of family audiences during this early part of the year.
In terms of overall box office health, the collective earnings of the top five films this weekend amount to nearly $78 million, a robust increase of approximately $22 million over last year’s $56 million figure. Not only does this reflect increasing viewer enthusiasm, but it also highlights that cinema attendance is on an upward trajectory, despite the absence of new blockbuster releases.
*Mufasa*, which is screened across 3,925 theaters, is projected to hit a remarkable $168.7 million by the end of the weekend, showcasing its strong appeal to audiences. As it edges closer to its box office targets, this installment rises to fame within Disney’s animated franchise, reinforcing the company’s brand strength in storytelling. In contrast, *Sonic the Hedgehog 3*, slated for 3,746 locations, is also performing well, with a total expected to reach $186.3 million. This brings it just within striking distance of becoming the highest-grossing film in the SEGA franchise, soon surpassing *Sonic the Hedgehog 2*.
The competition highlights an evolving market: while established franchises like *Sonic* thrive, new entries like *Mufasa* demonstrate that fresh narratives remain viable contenders in attracting audiences and have the potential to redefine box office expectations.
Further down the rankings, Focus Features’ *Nosferatu*, which continues its run across 3,132 theaters, accumulated $12.3 million over its second weekend, despite experiencing a downturn of 43%. Its total gross of $68.5 million, achieved without any recent awards nominations, underscores its cult appeal in a crowded field. The film’s positioning for multiple Critics Choice Awards could invigorate its standing in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, Disney’s *Moana 2*, in its sixth weekend, has amassed $424.7 million and is nearing that elusive $1 billion mark worldwide. The critical recognition it garners, including its nomination for Best Animated Motion Picture at the upcoming Golden Globes, is sure to aid in buoying its box office prospects further.
In fifth place, Universal’s *Wicked* continues to hold strong with a $9.5 million weekend. Despite a steeper decline of 52% across its seventh weekend, the film remains poised with 450 million in total gross, buoyed by its several Golden Globe nominations that have sparked ongoing interest.
Finally, *A Complete Unknown*, directed by James Mangold, rounds out the top six with performances that potentially set the groundwork for future releases under the Searchlight banner. Its performance, which could become Searchlight’s highest grossing title post-merger, reflects the resilience and adaptability of the studio in the changing landscape.
As we move deeper into 2025, the varying performances of these films against the backdrop of increased box office takings suggest a revitalizing industry. With active competition and fresh narratives capturing audiences’ attention, the coming weeks may exhibit even further shifts in audience preferences and box office dynamics. This offers a hopeful perspective for cinema’s recovery and the continuation of storytelling that resonates with the emerging generation of moviegoers.