The Garfield Movie surged to the top spot in its second week, overshadowing “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,” which slipped to third place, according to industry estimates released on Sunday.
During the long Memorial Day weekend, the two films fiercely competed for the number one position. Ultimately, “Furiosa,” the highly anticipated “Mad Max” prequel featuring Anya Taylor-Joy, claimed the top spot. However, the following week saw a shift in audience preferences.
Sony’s animated reboot of the beloved lasagna-loving cat, voiced by Chris Pratt (known for his role in “Guardians of the Galaxy”), dominated the box office with an estimated $14 million in ticket sales, according to Exhibitor Relations. The charming and comedic antics of Garfield clearly resonated with audiences, propelling the film to the forefront.
Meanwhile, Paramount’s animated feature “If” experienced a resurgence, climbing back to second place. The film stars Cailey Fleming as a young girl who, along with her neighbor played by Ryan Reynolds, embarks on a heartwarming adventure to reconnect forgotten imaginary friends with their original creators. “If” garnered $10.8 million, narrowly surpassing “Furiosa,” which earned $10.75 million.
The “Mad Max” prequel, directed by Australian filmmaker George Miller, marks the fifth installment in the post-apocalyptic action series. Despite its initial strong performance, “Furiosa” struggled to maintain its momentum in the face of fierce competition from family-friendly animated films.
In fourth place, 20th Century’s action sci-fi “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” held steady with $8.8 million. The film, set in a dystopian future, continued to attract audiences with its gripping storyline and stunning visual effects.
Universal’s action-comedy “The Fall Guy,” starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, rounded out the top five with $4.2 million. The film, a blend of action and humor, provided a lighter alternative for moviegoers.
Despite the success of these individual films, the overall domestic box office for May was down 43.3% compared to the pre-pandemic average for the same month between 2017 and 2019, according to David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research. This significant decline highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the film industry as it continues to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As summer approaches, the box office landscape remains competitive, with studios hoping for a resurgence in audience attendance. The performance of “The Garfield Movie” serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the box office and the enduring appeal of beloved characters.
