Friday Estimates: Doctor Strange Heals the Box Office with $32.56 million

November 5, 2016

Doctor Strange

As expected, Doctor Strange dominated the Friday box office chart with $32.56 million. This is 19% higher than Spectre’s opening day was last year, which is great news. Granted, Doctor Strange had much better previews, so the actual 24-hour Friday numbers are much closer. On the other hand, Doctor Strange’s reviews remain 90% positive, while its CinemaScore is an impressive A. Spectre earned 65% positive reviews and an A- from CinemaScore. If the two films have the same internal multiplier, then Doctor Strange will open with $84 million. However, the Fanboy Effect will likely keep it to just above $80 million. This is still a great start and another smash hit from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Trolls earned second place with $12.3 million. This is nearly identical to the opening day of The Peanuts Movie, although that film did earn better reviews than Trolls earned. (Both films earned an A from CinemaScore.) If it has the same legs, then Trolls will earn $45 million over the weekend, but anything above $40 million will be seen as a success.

Hacksaw Ridge was well back with $5.22 million on Friday. This is 40% lower than Fury’s opening day, putting the film on pace for $14 million this weekend. However, Hacksaw Ridge earned better reviews and a A vs. A- from CinemaScore. This should help its internal multiplier, which should give it just over $15 million during its opening weekend.

Tyler Perry’s Boo! A Madea Halloween held on a little better than expected with $2.17 million, while Inferno slipped a little with $1.87 million. Both movies should come within rounding errors of predictions.

One last note, Loving opened with $55,000 in four theaters on Friday. That would have been a relatively good opening weekend. Given its reviews, and potential Oscar buzz, it should have strong legs.

- Doctor Strange Comparisons
- Trolls Comparisons
- Hacksaw Ridge Comparisons

Filed under: Friday Estimates, Inferno, Trolls, Doctor Strange, Hacksaw Ridge, Loving, Tyler Perry’s Boo! A Madea Halloween, Marvel Cinematic Universe