The first weekend of the new year has shown promising results at the box office, with Disney’s *Mufasa* emerging victorious in a competitive landscape. The ongoing showdown between *Mufasa* and Paramount’s *Sonic the Hedgehog 3* has provided an intriguing spectacle, breaking records for the new year and signaling a healthier start compared to last year’s humble beginnings. With reported earnings of around $23 million to $24 million for *Mufasa*, along with *Sonic the Hedgehog 3* continuing to perform robustly, it’s clear that the cinematic offerings this weekend have captivated audiences.
*Disney’s Mufasa* has secured its place in the top spot for the first time, establishing itself as the No. 1 movie of the weekend following its release. Although *Sonic the Hedgehog 3* previously claimed victory during its first two weekends with impressive numbers, this latest competition indicates an exciting shift. The two films together account for significant box office revenue, with *Mufasa* projected to reach approximately $168.7 million by the end of the weekend—a commendable figure that showcases the sequel’s strength in attracting ticket buyers.
On the other side, *Sonic the Hedgehog 3* continues to gain momentum, with attendance at around 3,746 theaters and expected earnings of $186.3 million. Remarkably, *Sonic 3* is just inches away from surpassing its predecessor’s overall gross of $190.8 million, emphasizing the franchise’s ongoing popularity. As families seek out entertaining features during the holiday season, both films have proven to be box office drawcards, contributing to an overall increase in revenue from previous weekends.
While the spotlight remains on *Mufasa* and *Sonic the Hedgehog 3*, it’s essential to take note of other films also performing well at the box office. Focus Features’ *Nosferatu*, helmed by Robert Eggers, secured the third position in its second weekend, bringing in about $12.3 million and a cumulative total that now stands at $68.5 million. Remarkably, it achieved this without any Golden Globe nominations being announced, suggesting that critical recognition may further boost its visibility in weeks to come.
Disney’s *Moana 2* continues its impressive journey, earning $12 million in its sixth weekend and pushing its total earnings to $424.7 million. This sequel has not only captured audience interest domestically but is also approaching impressive global milestones, eyeing the $1 billion mark—a testament to its widespread acclaim and appeal.
In the fourth position, Universal’s *Wicked* has shown resilience as it maintains its spot in the top five after seven weekends, despite a drop in revenue. Notably, it has garnered several nominations for the upcoming Golden Globes, potentially enhancing audience interest and box office performance in subsequent weeks. With a current cumulative total nearing $450 million, *Wicked* continues to navigate a successful run.
Additionally, Searchlight’s *A Complete Unknown*, a biopic portraying the life of iconic musician Bob Dylan, has sparked interest in its second weekend, earning $7.5 million and presenting hope for a robust performance moving forward. The film’s rising total places it as one of the highest-grossing titles for the studio post the Disney-Fox merger, indicating a niche audience for biographical storytelling.
As we evaluate the weekend’s performance, it’s evident that 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for cinema, notably marked by the noticeable increase in earnings compared to last year’s figures. Despite the lack of large-scale releases, the current slate of films has harnessed the audience’s attention, providing a glimmer of optimism about the box office’s overall recovery.
As the industry awaits the major releases to come, this initial performance sets an optimistic tone for cinema’s resurgence. The upcoming weeks will reveal whether *Mufasa*, *Sonic the Hedgehog 3*, and their competitors can maintain momentum through the ongoing awards season and appealing audiences during a pivotal time in the cinematic calendar.