An impressive array of arrivals this weekend accrued assets

There was quality to be had all around as a couple of prominent sophomore efforts performed strongly, while a controversial holdover continued to amass an impressive windfall. This Fall frame has been a strong one and it has been floated by a lone title. There is success being spread around, and that is only good news for studios before the holiday season kicks off. Here are the winners for this recent weekend.

1. MALEFICENT: MISTRESS OF EVIL – $36.0 Million
Disney’s latest comes along just as the mammoth “Lion King” has faded from screens. This is a somewhat underwhelming turn however for the Angelina Jolie villainess. The original live action redux from 5 years ago opened to nearly $70 million, going on to earn $240 million domestic, and $750 million globally. This sequel will fall far short of those totals. With a hefty budget that is north of $1180 million it will need to gross around $425-450 million to see a profit. So far that is looking like a difficult number for her to brew up.

2. JOKER – $29.2M
Another strong holdover week of less than a -50% drop. This title has caused deep concern in the press but audiences are loving it. So far it has amassed $250 million here, and well over $700 million worldwide, in just 3 weeks of release. A huge win for the DC Comics stable at Warner Brothers, that has been struggling the past few years. This is now projected to become the highest grossing worldwide R-rated feature someday soon.

3. ZOMBIELAND 2: DOUBLE TAP – $26.72m
A ten years in the return sequel to the hit zombie satire has the whole cast returning, as well as the writing-directing team. This one slightly edges out the original in the opening (save of course for inflation adjustments). As we covered this on the recent Disasters In The Making podcast this is a quality effort with decent critical response and good enough Cinemascore of “B+”, so with its modest budget it should be looking at profits down the road.

4. THE ADDAMS FAMILY – $16.06m
The animated retelling of this classic ghoulish clan is perfectly positioned for families this Halloween. Maybe suffering a bit from the numerous “Hotel Transylvania” titles the past few years there is a respectable amount of business. A bit of a challenge is the voice cast is toplined by Charlize Theron, and few other top-line performers.

5. GEMINI MAN – $8.5m
Coming off a tepid opening last week this Will Smith action piece plunges -59%, which is a terrible sign in the long run. An expensive title – budgeted at $135 million – it will be hoping for a very healthy overseas box office performance. It will probably need to draw at least $300 million global to start making money for Paramount.

6. ABOMINABLE – $3.5m
So far it has edged over $50 domestically and is doing slightly better in foreign markets, especially in Asia. Should become a success by the end of its run.

7. DOWNTON ABBEY – $3.08m
Still serving respectable figures after five weeks there is every probability this TV adaptation will reach the $100 million plateau.

8. JUDY – $2.055m
The Judy Garland biopic seems like an Oscar-bait play for Roadside Attraction Films, with Renee Zellweger propped up for a hoped-for acting nomination.

9. HUSTLERS – $2.05m
The surprise hit is only now shedding significant amounts of theaters after 6 weeks, once it has made over $100 million.

10. IT: CHAPTER TWO – $1.5m
While a far cry from the original it has made $200 million here, and $450 million worldwide.