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‘Smile 2’ Debuts to $46 Million Globally, While ‘Anora’ Dazzles in Limited Release
Oct
“The Wild Robot,” “Terrifier 3,” and “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” continue to thrive at the box office.
The horror genre is alive and well at the box office, with Smile 2 making an impressive global debut. The sequel to the 2022 hit horror film, Smile, opened to $23 million domestically, securing the top spot in North American theaters. International audiences welcomed the film just as eagerly, with Smile 2 earning another $23 million abroad, bringing its total to $46 million globally.
A New Nightmare Unfolds in ‘Smile 2’
Directed by Parker Finn, Smile 2 stars Naomi Scott as a pop star on tour who experiences terrifying supernatural events. The story follows in the eerie footsteps of its predecessor, where a sinister smile spreads from person to person, leaving tragedy in its wake.
While the premise mirrors the original, Finn emphasized that the sequel takes the narrative in unexpected directions. “I wanted to raise the question, ‘Did we do this to Skye?’” Finn told Entertainment Weekly, referring to Scott’s character. “By coming back for Smile 2, have we cursed her in some way? I threw away early ideas because they felt too predictable. I wanted to surprise people with where this story would go.”
Audiences Flock to Whimsy and Horror Alike
Though Smile 2 dominated the weekend, not every moviegoer was in the mood for a scare. The Wild Robot—an animated family film based on Peter Brown’s beloved children’s novel—earned an additional $10.1 million domestically, bringing its total to $101.7 million. Globally, the film has amassed $193 million since its release.
Directed by Chris Sanders, the creative force behind Lilo & Stitch and How to Train Your Dragon, The Wild Robot follows Roz, a shipwrecked robot voiced by Lupita Nyong’o, as she befriends a forest of animals. The film features an all-star voice cast, including Pedro Pascal, Catherine O’Hara, Kit Connor, and Mark Hamill, and has become a favorite among families.
Meanwhile, indie horror darling Terrifier 3 secured the No. 3 spot with $9.3 million in its second weekend. The surrealist slasher has already outperformed its predecessor, with a domestic total of $36.2 million and $44.8 million worldwide. The film’s success cements Art the Clown as one of modern horror’s most terrifying figures.
‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ Still Haunts the Box Office
Even as it drops 32% from last weekend, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice continues to thrive, adding $5 million to its $283.9 million domestic total and $434.5 million worldwide. Directed by Tim Burton, the sequel reunites Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O’Hara for another journey through the Afterlife. Newcomer Jenna Ortega plays Astrid, the daughter of Ryder’s Lydia Deetz, whose misadventures drag her into the ghostly realm.
Love and Loss in ‘We Live in Time’
Rounding out the top five is We Live in Time, starring Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield. The romantic drama, which began in limited release, earned $4.1 million this weekend, pushing its domestic total to $4.5 million. Globally, it has reached $4.8 million.
The film tells the story of an unlikely romance between a chef and a divorcée, blending lighthearted rom-com elements with profound moments of grief. “Grief is a gift,” Garfield told EW. “This film reminds us that experiencing loss is a part of truly knowing love.”
‘Anora’ Shines Bright in Limited Release
While Anora didn’t crack the top five, the Palme d’Or winner made a striking debut, earning $540,000 from just six theaters. Directed by Sean Baker, the film tells the story of Ani, a sex worker from Brooklyn played by Mikey Madison, whose life takes an unexpected turn when she marries the son of a Russian billionaire.
“I love tonal jumps,” Baker said. “The film moves between drama, comedy, and action, and while that can be tricky, it’s the roller-coaster ride that makes storytelling exciting.” Anora will expand to a wide release on Nov. 8.
As moviegoers embrace everything from lighthearted family films to psychological thrillers, the box office landscape is thriving across genres. With Anora poised to expand, Smile 2 scaring up strong numbers, and fan-favorites like Beetlejuice Beetlejuice still holding on, this fall promises a thrilling cinematic season ahead.
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