Led by the films Barbie and Oppenheimer, this past weekend was expected to see more than $300 million in domestic box office revenue to become the fourth biggest earning weekend in U.S. history. The worldwide box office topped half a billion dollars. Barbie earned roughly $155 million while Oppenheimer grossed approximately $80 million.
The previous domestic record holding weekends were, at number one, April 26-28, 2019, at $401.9 million led by Avengers: Endgame; at number two, December 18-20, 2015, with $313 million led by Star Wars: The Force Awakens; and at number three, April 27-29, 2015, with $312.3 million, led by Avengers: Infinity War.
In the wake of this success, Michael O’Leary, president, and CEO of the National Association of Theatre Owners issued the following statement praising exhibitors and the creative community:
“This was a phenomenal experience for people who love movies on the big screen,” O’Leary said. “It was a truly historic weekend and continues the positive box office momentum of 2023. More importantly, it proves once again that America loves going to the movies to see great films.
“People recognized that something special was happening and they wanted to be a part of it. Our partners in the creative community and at the studios gave audiences two uniquely different, smart and original stories that were meant for the big screen and movie lovers responded by gathering friends and family and heading to their local movie houses across the nation.
“The men and women who operate our theatres also responded by creating promotions and unique events to further enhance the moviegoing experience for enthusiastic movie lovers. This weekend is a shining example of how there is simply no substitute for seeing a motion picture in the cinema.”