The global box office saw an unexpected leader this weekend, as the concert film Stray Kids: The dominATE Experience
topped charts with an estimated $19.9 million worldwide. The film, documenting the K-pop group’s sold-out performances at SoFi Stadium, marks a significant win for both Universal International and Bleecker Street’s new event cinema label, Crosswalk.
The success of Stray Kids: The dominATE Experience
is particularly notable given the typically quiet box office landscape surrounding the Super Bowl. Studios generally avoid releasing major new titles during this period, anticipating competition from the television event. However, Stray Kids capitalized on the opportunity, securing the number one spot globally and domestically.
Bleecker Street CEO Kent Sanderson expressed his excitement, stating, We at Bleecker are ecstatic that our first Crosswalk release is dominating at both the U.S. And global box office.
He further noted the film’s broad appeal, The film worked in all formats as fans flocked to theaters to experience their favorite band in concert, and we look forward to continuing its success in lockstep with our partners at Live Nation Studios and Universal.
The film’s performance broke down as $5.7 million domestically from 1,724 locations and $14.2 million internationally. Mexico led international markets with an estimated $2.1 million, claiming the top spot in the territory’s weekend box office. Germany and the UK/Ireland followed closely with $1.6 million and $1.4 million respectively, representing the largest openings for a K-pop concert event in those regions. South Korea, however, saw a more modest $226,000, with the local market led by the historical drama The King’s Warden
with $4.9 million.
Universal Pictures International scored a first with this release, marking its debut in the K-Pop concert film space. Stray Kids: The dominATE Experience
is already outperforming comparable concert films, including those featuring Taylor Swift, BTS, and other musical acts. IMAX screenings contributed significantly to the film’s success, though specific figures were not immediately available.
While Stray Kids: The dominATE Experience
claimed the global crown, Disney’s Zootopia 2
secured the number one MPA title for the weekend, though landing at number two globally, with $16.8 million worldwide ($12.8 million overseas and $4 million domestically). The sequel has already amassed $1.8 billion globally.
Other notable performers included The Housemaid
(Lionsgate) with $16.5 million ($14.7 million internationally), and Send Help
(Disney) with $16.3 million ($6.3 million domestically). Avatar: Fire and Ash
(Disney) continued its strong run with $15.7 million, while Shelter
earned $9 million. Smaller releases like Marsupilami
, Iron Lung
, Hamnet
, and Solo Mio
rounded out the top ten.
The quiet weekend overall underscores the impact of the Super Bowl on theatrical releases. Studios appear to be strategically holding back major launches, allowing Stray Kids: The dominATE Experience
to capitalize on the reduced competition. The film’s success demonstrates the growing global appeal of K-pop and the potential for concert films to draw significant audiences to theaters.
The performance of Send Help
, while not topping the charts, is also noteworthy. The film is expected to win the weekend, despite a 61% decline from its opening Friday, grossing an estimated $2.8 million on its second Friday. This suggests continued interest in the film, even amidst the competition from Stray Kids
and the looming presence of the Super Bowl.
The box office results for highlight a unique dynamic in the entertainment landscape. While major studio releases were largely absent, the success of Stray Kids: The dominATE Experience
proves that targeted releases, catering to dedicated fan bases, can thrive even during traditionally slow periods. The film’s performance will likely encourage further investment in concert films and similar event-driven releases.
