‘Scary Movie’ Breaks Franchise Record with $55 Million Opening

Record-Breaking Weekend for Horror-Comedy Franchise

The horror-comedy landscape saw a significant shake-up this weekend as ‘Scary Movie’ opened with a staggering $55 million at the domestic box office, marking the largest debut in the franchise’s history. This latest installment, the sixth in the beloved series that originally launched in 2000, not only topped the weekend charts but also brought in an impressive $50.5 million from international markets.

Strong Competition from Other Releases

In addition to ‘Scary Movie,’ other films also made headlines with notable performances:

• Obsession, the psychological thriller directed by former YouTuber Curry Barker, continues to draw audiences with a mere 7% drop in its fourth weekend, now amassing $152.1 million in North America and nearing $200 million globally. This success has positioned it as Focus Features’ highest-grossing film ever.

• Michael, the biopic dedicated to Michael Jackson, amassed another $7.7 million this weekend, breaking prior records and achieving the status of Lionsgate’s top-grossing film worldwide by surpassing ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.’

• The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, meanwhile, stands out as the first film of 2026 to surpass the $1 billion mark globally, further solidifying its franchise's legacy.

Mixed Results for New Releases

Despite anticipation, the latest adaptation of Masters of the Universe grossed just $29.3 million in its opening weekend. With production costs reportedly ballooning to around $200 million before marketing expenses, the film’s underwhelming performance raises concerns about its potential to break even.

On the other hand, Backrooms, another horror film directed by Kane Parsons, also performed well by earning $25.9 million over its second weekend, following an impressive debut of $81 million in North America. This success marked a record-breaking debut for its distributor, A24.

Conclusion

Overall, this weekend not only showcased the power of well-established franchises but also highlighted emerging talent in the film industry. Collectively, the Super Mario films have grossed over $2.3 billion, establishing themselves as a force in animated storytelling. The dynamic and competitive environment of this weekend’s box office sets a promising tone for the remainder of the year.