Universal’s horror film Five Nights at Freddy’s has taken the box office by storm, dominating the North American market with a record-breaking opening weekend. According to figures from Comscore, the film raked in an estimated three-day cume of $78 million, making it the highest-grossing horror title of the year so far. This achievement was further solidified by its international earnings of $52.6 million, resulting in a global weekend total of $130.6 million.
Based on the popular horror video game franchise of the same name, Five Nights at Freddy’s tells the story of a troubled young man, played by Josh Hutcherson, who accepts a job as a night security guard at a supposedly abandoned theme restaurant. However, he soon discovers that the restaurant holds dark secrets beyond his wildest imagination.
Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics (with an approval rating of only 26% on Rotten Tomatoes), the film managed to strike a chord with audiences. CinemaScore reported that audiences awarded it an A- rating, surpassing the expectations set by professional critics. This positive response from viewers showcases the film’s ability to captivate and engage its target audience.
The success of Five Nights at Freddy’s marks a significant milestone in the film industry. Not only does it claim the title of the highest-grossing horror film of the year, but it also secures the second biggest opening weekend for a movie based on a video game. The only film to surpass it in this category is The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
In the midst of Five Nights at Freddy’s reign, pop singer Taylor Swift’s concert film Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour was pushed to second place at the box office during its third weekend. The film still managed to accumulate $14.7 million for a grand total of $149.3 million in North America.
Paramount Pictures’ western crime drama film Killers of the Flower Moon rounded out the top three, generating $9 million in its second weekend and accumulating $40.7 million in North America to date.
The incredible success of Five Nights at Freddy’s signifies the enduring popularity of the horror genre, especially when paired with a beloved video game franchise. Despite critical reception, its ability to captivate audiences and shatter box office records demonstrates the power of a well-executed adaptation. Moviegoers can expect more thrilling experiences in the future as studios continue to delve into the vast world of video games for inspiration.
