Theater counts: Ghostbusters remains widest release as it fends off Godzilla x Kong
March 28, 2024
As no surprise, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire easily topped the box office charts in its opening week, pushing previous number ones, Dune: Part Two, and Kung Fu Panda 4 to the second and third place spots respectively. The latest installment fired up just over $45 million in its opening weekend, catapulting the franchise over the $1 billion mark, where it currently sits with $1.014 billion in earnings. This week looks to be a one and done at the top for Frozen Empire as Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire smashes into theaters.
The last few weeks have been dominated by franchise films and this week is no exception. Beginning its run in 3,861 theaters, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire follows up the explosive showdown between the two monster titans from 2021’s Godzilla vs Kong, this time teaming up together to battle an even greater threat. The film is the fifth feature in the Monsterverse franchise which started with 2014’s Godzilla and has tallied up an impressive $1.94 billion in global box office from four previous films. Adam Wingard, who directed Godzilla vs Kong returns to direct the sequel.
Also opening in wide release this week is the newest action-thriller starring Liam Neeson with the debut of In the Land of Saints and Sinners. The film, which is set in Ireland during the 1970s, follows a troubled ex-assassin who seeks atonement by leading a peaceful life. But when a menacing crew of terrorists arrive, he is drawn into an increasingly vicious game of cat and mouse, forcing him to choose between exposing his secret identity or defending his friends and neighbors. The Robert Lorenz-directed movie will be available in 896 movie houses.
Rounding out the top films this week is the previously-mentioned current box office champ, Frozen Empire, keeping its opening count of 4,345, once again making it the widest film of the week. Occupying the third place spot is Kung Fu Panda 4, showing in a still solid 3,582 cinemas, followed by Dune: Part Two, available in 3,136 theaters.
Looking ahead to next week, we once again see the debut of two wide releases with the opening of The First Omen, and Monkey Man. The former is expected to arrive in approximately 3,200 locations. We will update the latter as those counts become available.
Theater Counts for March 29
Movie Distributor Theaters Previous
TheatersChange Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire Sony Pictures 4,345 4,345 Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire Warner Bros. 3,861 New Kung Fu Panda 4 Universal Pictures 3,582 3,805 -218 Dune: Part Two Warner Bros. 3,136 3,437 -301 Arthur The King Lionsgate 2,525 3,003 -478 Imaginary Lionsgate 1,956 2,513 -557 Late Night with the Devil IFC Films 1,442 1,034 +408 Luca Walt Disney 1,390 1,390 Cabrini Angel Studios 1,345 1,765 -420 In the Land of Saints and Sinners Samuel Goldwyn Films 896 New Bob Marley: One Love Paramount Pictures 593 1,266 -673 One Life Bleecker Street 578 1,009 -431 A Cat’s Life Blue Fox Entertainment 325 New Ordinary Angels Lionsgate 306 705 -399 Asphalt City Roadside Attractions 298 New Migration Universal Pictures 271 401 -130 The American Society of Magical Negroes Focus Features 152 1,153 -1,001 Wonka Warner Bros. 84 163 -79 YOLO Sony Pictures 38 71 -33 Accidental Texan Roadside Attractions 10 16 -6 Estimates for April 5
The First Omen 20th Century Studios 3,200 New Housekeeping for Beginners Focus Features 4 New
Filed under: Theater Counts, Ghostbusters, Kung Fu Panda, MonsterVerse, Dune, Liam Neeson, Robert Lorenz, Adam Wingard