Weekend Estimates: Warm Bodies Tops Slow Super Bowl Weekend
The Super Bowl may have been a ratings juggernaut, but it didn't translate into huge box office numbers for the weekend. With the big game on Sunday, February 11th, audiences seemed to prefer staying in and watching the spectacle rather than hitting the theaters. This resulted in a relatively slow weekend at the box office, with Warm Bodies emerging as the surprising winner.
Warm Bodies opened with an estimated $20.7 million in North America, which is better than expected considering the Super Bowl competition. It's a good start for the romantic zombie comedy, which looks to capitalize on the success of Twilight and The Hunger Games.
The rest of the top 10 saw declines from the previous week, with Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters coming in second with $12.3 million. A Haunted House, a spoof on the found-footage horror genre, took third place with $7.7 million.
Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 movies, according to studio estimates:
- Warm Bodies (Sony) - $20.7 million
- Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters (Paramount) - $12.3 million
- A Haunted House (Open Road) - $7.7 million
- Mama (Universal) - $7.1 million
- Safe Haven (Relativity) - $6.7 million
- Identity Thief (Universal) - $5.5 million
- Silver Linings Playbook (The Weinstein Company) - $4.4 million
- Django Unchained (The Weinstein Company) - $3.8 million
- The Impossible (Warner Bros.) - $3.4 million
- Zero Dark Thirty (Sony) - $3.3 million
Why the Super Bowl Slowdown?
While the Super Bowl is a cultural phenomenon, it doesn't necessarily translate into a massive weekend for movies. Here are a few possible reasons:
- Stay-at-Home Viewing: The Super Bowl is a massive television event, with viewers glued to their screens for the game and halftime show. Many choose to spend the evening at home with friends and family, rather than venturing out to the theater.
- Limited Showtimes: Many theaters have limited showtimes on Super Bowl Sunday, as they are focusing on the big game and its surrounding events. This can make it difficult for moviegoers to catch a film, especially if they are looking for a specific showing time.
- Competition for Entertainment Dollars: The Super Bowl is a major advertising event, with many brands releasing new commercials and promotions. This can draw attention away from other forms of entertainment, including movies.
What's Next for the Box Office?
The Super Bowl slowdown likely won't last long. The next few weeks are packed with new releases, including:
- Evil Dead (April 5)
- The Croods (March 22)
- Oz: The Great and Powerful (March 8)
With a slew of fresh titles hitting theaters, the box office is expected to rebound in the coming weeks.
The Future of Romantic Zombie Comedies
The success of Warm Bodies is a positive sign for the romantic zombie comedy genre. The film's success suggests there is a market for films that combine humor, romance, and the undead. It remains to be seen if the film can maintain its momentum, but it is certainly a contender to become a breakout hit of the year.
The Importance of Super Bowl Weekend
The Super Bowl is a major event in the entertainment industry, and its impact on the box office is undeniable. While the weekend may be slower than usual, it's an important reminder of the power of television and its ability to draw audiences away from other forms of entertainment.
Key Takeaways
- Warm Bodies topped a slow Super Bowl weekend, proving that the romantic zombie comedy genre has potential.
- The Super Bowl's impact on the box office is significant, with viewers preferring to stay at home and watch the game.
- The coming weeks are packed with new releases, which should help boost box office numbers.
Conclusion
The Super Bowl may have been a ratings juggernaut, but it didn't translate into a huge box office weekend for the movies. Warm Bodies emerged as the unexpected winner, while other films saw declines. The coming weeks hold promise, with a number of new releases poised to draw audiences back to the theaters. It remains to be seen if Warm Bodies can sustain its momentum, but it's a promising start for the romantic zombie comedy genre.
