Box Office: 'Weapons' Nears $200 Million Globally, 'Materialists' a Rare Indie Hit

Warner Bros.' R-rated horror film "Weapons" is poised to cross the $200 million mark at the global box office, currently standing at $199.4 million in ticket sales. This milestone underscores the continued strength of the horror genre and marks a significant win for original content in a landscape increasingly dominated by franchises.

International Performance Drives Success

Over the weekend, "Weapons" earned $13.2 million from 74 overseas markets, bringing its international total to $83 million after three weeks. Top performing territories outside the U.S., where it has grossed $115.9 million, include the United Kingdom ($11 million), Mexico ($7.5 million), and France ($5.6 million). These figures are particularly noteworthy given the film's modest $38 million production budget.

Warner Bros. Dominates Summer Box Office

Beyond "Weapons," Warner Bros. is celebrating further box office success with "Superman" and "F1: The Movie," each surpassing $600 million globally. These films are among only six Hollywood releases to reach this benchmark in 2025, solidifying Warner Bros.' position as a major player in the summer blockbuster season.

"Superman" has grossed $604.5 million worldwide, with $347 million domestically. "F1: The Movie" has earned $603.4 million globally, including $417 million internationally.

The success of "Superman" is particularly significant as it marks a return to form for DC Comics adaptations, while "F1: The Movie" proves the viability of adult-skewing tentpoles outside of established franchises.

'Materialists' Bucks Trend as Indie Success

In contrast to the blockbuster dominance, Celine Song's romantic comedy "Materialists" is making waves as a rare indie success story. The film added $6.2 million from 57 territories over the weekend, bringing its global total to $85.1 million. This is a remarkable achievement for an A24-backed film with a $20 million budget, especially given the current challenges facing independent cinema.

"Materialists," distributed internationally by Sony, stars Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal, and Chris Evans in a love triangle narrative set in New York City. The film's relatable themes and star power have contributed to its strong performance, both domestically and internationally.

Analyst Insights

"The success of 'Materialists' highlights the importance of star power and compelling storytelling in attracting audiences to independent films," says Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at Comscore. "While big-budget tentpoles continue to dominate the box office, there is still a significant appetite for smaller, character-driven films that resonate with viewers on a personal level."

The Evolving Landscape of Film Distribution

The performance of these films underscores the evolving dynamics of film distribution in the streaming era. While theatrical releases remain crucial for generating significant revenue, the success of "Materialists" demonstrates the potential for independent films to thrive through strategic marketing and targeted distribution strategies. The industry continues to adapt, seeking a balance between traditional theatrical models and the growing influence of streaming platforms.

According to Dr. Amanda Lotz, Professor of Media Studies at the University of Michigan, "The simultaneous successes of 'Weapons,' 'Superman,' 'F1,' and 'Materialists' demonstrate a bifurcated market. Audiences still seek spectacle and franchise fare in theaters, but are also increasingly open to smaller, auteur-driven films, especially those with recognizable stars. The challenge for distributors is navigating this duality and crafting release strategies that maximize the potential of each film."