Welcome to Charts with Dan. This week, we're diving into the impressive opening of 'Five Nights at Freddy's 2,' which scored one of the best openings for a video game movie. Released in December, it captivated young audiences, leading to a stronger-than-expected number with over $64 million domestically.
'Five Nights at Freddy's 2' achieved the second best opening for a horror movie in 2025, trailing behind only 'The Conjuring: Last Rights.' The first 'Five Nights at Freddy's' movie, despite a sharp second-weekend drop, premiered both in theaters and on Peacock, setting a new standard for its sequel not being available on streaming platforms immediately.
Meanwhile, 'Zootopia 2' experiences a modest drop and maintains its position at the top with international earnings contributing to its near-billion-dollar milestone. Contrastingly, 'Wicked for Good' confronts criticism over its storyline and struggles as its box office earnings begin to dwindle. Despite a domestic total nearing $300 million, it shows signs of fatigue compared to its predecessor.
Other notable releases include 'Jiujitsu Kaizen Execution' debuting in the top five and proving popular among anime adaptations. 'Now You See Me, Now You Don't' and 'The Recut Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair' also made appearances in the weekend lineup.
Globally, 'Zootopia 2' leads, with 'Five Nights at Freddy's 2' posting solid numbers internationally as well. New releases such as 'Gazzy Town' from China, and India's 'Durandar,' highlight the diverse global box office scene.
With December off to a robust start, there's optimism for a strong finish to a mixed 2025 box office year, supported by popular sequels and a resurgence of interest in established franchises. Stay tuned for further developments in upcoming weeks.