This past weekend, the Australian box office saw a significant boost, with the top 20 films collectively grossing $9,639,389, reflecting a 5% increase from the previous weekend’s total of $9,185,921. The average earnings per screen also rose to $2,617, up from $2,595 the week before. The surge in ticket sales coincides with the start of school holidays in several states, including New South Wales and Queensland.
The Bad Guys 2 Leads the Pack
At the forefront of this weekend’s box office success is The Bad Guys 2, which pulled in $1,970,968 across 388 screens. This sequel, distributed by Universal Pictures, features returning voice talents such as Sam Rockwell, Awkwafina, and Craig Robinson, while introducing new voices like Natasha Lyonne. After being delayed for release, the film premiered first in the UK on July 25, 2023, followed by a US release on August 1, 2023. Since its debut, The Bad Guys 2 has grossed a total of $6,583,247.
The storyline revolves around a group of reformed criminals who find themselves entangled in a high-stakes heist orchestrated by a new gang known as the Bad Girls.
One Battle After Another Captivates Audiences
Coming in second is One Battle After Another, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson. Despite his films traditionally appealing to niche audiences, this project is reported to have the largest budget of his career at $130 million. Over the weekend, the film garnered $1,868,986 across 372 screens, bringing its total to $2,058,856 since its release.
The plot follows Bob, a former revolutionary living off the grid with his daughter Willa, as he navigates a series of challenges when his nemesis re-emerges and Willa goes missing. Critics have praised the film, with some declaring it the best of the year.
The third spot belongs to The Conjuring: Last Rites, which earned $932,607 this weekend across 270 screens. As the fourth installment of the popular franchise, it features returning stars Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, and has accumulated a total of $13,170,979 since its release.
Other noteworthy films include Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie, which fetched $802,174 and has earned $1,731,602 overall, and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba The Movie: Infinity Castle, which pulled in $748,455 for a total of $8,761,158.
Rounding out the top ten are:
– Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale – $684,105 (total gross: $4,937,616)
– Kangaroo – $620,850 (total gross: $1,749,920)
– OG – $555,346 (total gross: $555,346)
– A Big Bold Beautiful Journey – $398,511 (total gross: $1,677,879)
– The Roses – $223,255 (total gross: $3,881,918)
As the holiday season continues, the box office is expected to remain robust, with family-friendly films like The Bad Guys 2 attracting young audiences and providing a much-needed boost to cinemas across Australia.
