The Good, the Bad, and the Fine: Here Are the Most Important Box Office Results of 2025 (So Far)

The 2025 box office has been a wild ride, with some films soaring to massive heights while others stumbled hard. We’re diving into the year’s most notable performers, from breakout hits to surprising flops, based on their global earnings and budgets.

The numbers tell a clear story of what’s clicking with audiences and what’s missing the mark. Let’s break down the standout successes, the disappointing duds, and the films that landed somewhere in the middle.

The Good

‘Lilo & Stitch’ (2025)

This live-action remake of the 2002 animated classic has been a heartwarming triumph. With a $910 million global haul against a $100 million budget, it’s a clear winner, driven by nostalgia and family-friendly charm. The story of a young girl and her alien friend resonated, especially during its record-breaking Memorial Day weekend, where it grossed $341 million worldwide. Stellar performances from the cast and a vibrant Hawaiian backdrop made it a crowd-pleaser, proving Disney’s selective approach to remakes is paying off.

The film’s success isn’t just about numbers. It tapped into a deep love for the original, blending humor and heart with modern visuals. Families flocked to theaters, and positive word-of-mouth kept the momentum going. This is one remake that didn’t just cash in—it delivered.

‘A Minecraft Movie’ (2025)

Based on the wildly popular video game, ‘A Minecraft Movie’ dug up a massive $954.4 million globally on a $150 million budget. Its $58 million opening day set a 2025 record, with strong international appeal, including a rare Hollywood hit in China. Jack Black and Jason Momoa’s star power, paired with the game’s blocky aesthetic, drew huge crowds, despite mixed reviews. A CinemaScore of B+ showed fans were on board.

The film’s ability to capture the game’s creative spirit while telling a fun story made it a juggernaut. It’s already one of the year’s top earners, proving that well-executed IP adaptations can still dominate. Kids and gamers alike couldn’t resist this pixelated adventure.

‘Sinners’ (2025)

This horror-thriller pulled in $363.8 million worldwide on a $90 million budget, marking a solid success. Directed with a sharp edge, it kept audiences on edge with its chilling narrative and strong performances. The film’s ability to blend suspense with emotional depth helped it stand out in a crowded genre. Its global reach showed horror’s universal appeal.

‘Sinners’ didn’t just scare—it connected. The story’s fresh take on familiar tropes and its intense atmosphere kept theaters packed. For a mid-budget film, it’s a standout, proving horror remains a reliable box office draw.

‘Final Destination Bloodlines’ (2025)

The latest in the long-running horror franchise, ‘Final Destination: Bloodlines’ grossed $280 million globally on a modest $50 million budget. Its gruesome thrills and clever death sequences hooked longtime fans and new viewers alike. The film’s lean budget made its profits even sweeter, cementing the series’ enduring pull. It’s a textbook case of knowing your audience.

The film leaned into the franchise’s knack for inventive scares, delivering exactly what fans expect. Its strong domestic and international numbers show that horror, when done right, doesn’t need a massive budget to win big.

‘Materialists’ (2025)

This indie gem quietly shone with $31.4 million in global earnings against a $20 million budget. Its intimate storytelling and strong performances, led by a talented ensemble, earned critical praise and a loyal audience. The film’s focus on personal relationships and subtle drama stood out in a year of blockbusters. It’s a win for smaller-scale cinema.

‘Materialists’ proves that you don’t need explosions to make an impact. Its modest budget and focused narrative delivered a tidy profit, showing there’s still room for thoughtful films in a crowded market.

The Fine

‘Thunderbolts*’ (2025)

Marvel’s ‘Thunderbolts’ earned $381 million worldwide on a $180 million budget, landing in the middle ground. The superhero team-up, featuring antiheroes like Yelena Belova and the Red Guardian, offered action-packed fun but didn’t reach the heights of other MCU hits. Strong performances and a gritty tone helped, but it faced stiff competition. It’s a solid, if unspectacular, result.

The film’s mix of humor and chaos kept audiences engaged, but it struggled to stand out in a packed superhero slate. Still, its numbers show Marvel’s fanbase remains loyal, even for lesser-known characters.

‘From the World of John Wick: Ballerina’ (2025)

This action-packed spin-off grossed $100 million globally against a $90 million budget, breaking even but not soaring. Ana de Armas’ fierce performance as a deadly assassin carried the film, set in the stylish John Wick universe. Fans loved the choreography, but it didn’t quite match the main series’ draw. It’s a decent showing for a spin-off.

‘Ballerina’ delivered on high-octane thrills, but its narrow focus limited its reach. The film’s break-even status keeps the John Wick world alive, though it didn’t set the box office on fire.

‘Black Bag’ (2025)

With $42.9 million in global earnings on a $50 million budget, ‘Black Bag’ just missed the mark for a clear win. This spy thriller, packed with twists and a strong cast, offered sleek action but struggled to find a wide audience. Its tight budget kept losses minimal, making it a respectable, if underwhelming, performer.

The film’s moody atmosphere and complex plot earned some loyal fans, but it lacked the broad appeal needed for a bigger splash. It’s a near-miss that still shows promise for the genre.

‘The Amateur’ (2025)

This espionage thriller pulled in $96 million worldwide on a $60 million budget, landing in safe territory. Starring a breakout lead and packed with tense moments, it found a niche with action fans. The film’s lean storytelling and solid pacing helped it turn a profit, even if it didn’t dominate headlines.

‘The Amateur’ leaned on classic spy tropes with a modern twist, keeping costs low and delivering enough thrills to justify its budget. It’s a quiet success that flew under the radar.

‘The Accountant 2’ (2025)

Earning $102.1 million globally on an $80 million budget, ‘The Accountant 2’ delivered a modest win. Ben Affleck’s return as the numbers-savvy assassin kept fans engaged with its mix of brains and brawn. The sequel built on the original’s cult following, though it didn’t expand its reach much. It’s a steady performer.

The film’s blend of action and intrigue found a loyal audience, and its reasonable budget ensured a profit. It’s proof that mid-tier sequels can still find their place in a crowded market.

The Bad

‘The Alto Knights’ (2025)

This crime drama struggled with just $9.5 million in global earnings against a $45 million budget. Despite a strong cast and a gritty story about rival mobsters, it failed to connect with audiences. The film’s muddled narrative and lack of buzz sank its chances. It’s a clear miss in a competitive year.

‘The Alto Knights’ aimed for epic crime drama but landed flat. Its high budget and low returns mark it as one of 2025’s biggest disappointments, unable to capture the genre’s usual draw.

‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’ (2025)

With a mere $7.6 million globally on a $15 million budget, ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’ fell far short. This sci-fi thriller, centered on a time-travel mystery, struggled with a confusing plot and limited marketing. Even a talented cast couldn’t save it from fading quickly at the box office. It’s a cautionary tale of high ambition gone wrong.

The film’s bold ideas didn’t translate to ticket sales, leaving it as one of the year’s smallest earners. Its low profile and lack of clarity doomed its chances early.

‘Elio’ (2025)

Pixar’s ‘Elio’ crashed hard, earning just $34.9 million in its opening weekend against a $150 million budget. The story of a boy’s cosmic adventure failed to spark with audiences, marking Pixar’s worst debut ever. Mixed reviews and a lack of clear appeal hurt its chances, despite the studio’s usual magic.

The film’s high budget and low returns put it in dire straits. It’s a rare misstep for Pixar, showing that even animation giants can stumble without a strong hook.

‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’ (2025)

Despite grossing $540.8 million worldwide, this action epic’s $400 million budget made it a financial letdown. Tom Cruise’s final outing as Ethan Hunt delivered jaw-dropping stunts, but its massive costs and competition from family films like ‘Lilo & Stitch’ kept it from breaking even. It’s a bittersweet end to the franchise.

The film’s ambition was clear, but its price tag was too steep. Even with strong global numbers, it couldn’t climb out of the red, marking a rare miss for Cruise.

‘Snow White’ (2025)

Disney’s live-action ‘Snow White’ flopped with $205 million globally against a $250 million budget. Starring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, the remake faced backlash over its modernized take and failed to capture the original’s charm. A weak $72 million domestic total sealed its fate as a costly misfire.

The film’s controversies and lackluster reviews sank its chances early. It’s a stark reminder that not every Disney classic can be reborn successfully in live-action.

Which 2025 movie surprised you most at the box office, or is there a hidden gem we missed? Drop your thoughts in the comments!