Theater counts: Madame Web holds off a flurry of newcomers to remain widest release

February 22, 2024

Despite taking a backseat at the box office to Bob Marley: One Love during its opening frame, Madame Web once again finds itself as the widest release in North America this weekend, as it retains (mostly by contractual obligation) its opening count of 4,013 theaters. The superhero film starring Dakota Johnson has earned over $28 million in its first eight days, a figure that has been doubled by One Love, which opened alongside Madame Web on Valentine’s Day. This week witnesses three new wide releases, accompanied by a pandemic era film making its way back into cinemas.

Of the new movies making their debuts this week, the widest is true-life drama, Ordinary Angels starring Hilary Swank. Starting out in 3,020 venues, the film follows a small town hairdresser who rallies a community to help a family overcome a crisis in 1994 Kentucky. The latest from Lionsgate is directed by Jon Gunn and co-stars Alan Ritchson and Nancy Travis.

Also opening in wide release this week is the road trip comedy Drive-Away Dolls. Beginning its run in 2,279 movie houses, the caper follows a free-spirited girl in the aftermath of yet another breakup, along with her reticent friend who desperately needs to loosen up. To shake up the norm, the two embark on an impromptu trip to Florida, but things soon go awry when they cross paths with a group of bumbling criminals along the way. Margaret Qualley and Geraldine Viswanathan star while Ethan Coen directs.

After opening in Japan and South Korea, the latest in the Demon Slayer franchise hits North American shores with the release of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba—To the Hashira Training. The anime feature will be available in 1,949 cinemas, including IMAX locations, while releasing in over 53 international territories this weekend. The dark fantasy movie follows the events of last year’s Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba—To the Swordsmith Village, which took in just over $30 million worldwide after premiering in early March.

Making its way back into theaters this week is Christopher Nolan’s Tenet. The sci-fi action flick starring John David Washington earned $360 million from worldwide showings after releasing in late Summer, 2020. The film was one of the first to release after theaters began reopening during the pandemic.

Rounding out the top five this week is the aforementioned box office topper, Bob Marley: One Love, adding 58 cinemas this week for a total of 3,597. Occupying the spot as the third most available film is Argylle, still showing in a solid 3,056 locations. Lastly, Migration can still be seen in 2,422 North American locales.

Looking ahead to next week we see the highly anticipated release of Dune: Part Two. The film is the follow-up to 2021’s Dune, which scored nearly $435 million worldwide throughout its run. There’s no official word on its theater count yet, but we expect it to land in over 4,000 locations.

Theater Counts for February 23