Predator: Badlands Takes Over the Box Office

The movie "Predator: Badlands" has taken the box office by storm, making a huge splash with $40 million in its first weekend.

• This is the highest opening ever for a "Predator" movie, surpassing the 2004 film "Alien vs. Predator."
• The "Predator" series has been around since 1987, with Arnold Schwarzenegger starring in the first one.

A Breath of Fresh Air for the Movie Industry

• October was a rough month, with movies like "Tron: Ares" and "The Smashing Machine" not doing well.
• "Badlands" turned things around, thanks to good reviews and positive word-of-mouth.
• It even received an "A-" grade on CinemaScore, a significant achievement.

Key Factors in Its Success

• PG-13 rating helped it reach a wider audience.
• Premium formats like Imax and 3D made up a big chunk of its earnings.
• Internationally, it made another $40 million, bringing its total to $80 million.
• Great news for Disney, which has had struggles recently with movies like "Tron: Ares."

Director and Storyline

• Dan Trachtenberg directed "Badlands," a standalone story about an outcast alien hunter and his unlikely ally.
• Critics say it's the best "Predator" movie since the original.
• It beat out other new releases like "Die My Love" and "Nuremberg," which didn't do as well.

Other Notable Releases

• "Sarah's Oil" was the surprise hit among newcomers, making $4.5 million and getting an "A+" on CinemaScore.
• A feel-good movie about a young Black girl who finds oil on her land and becomes a millionaire.
• "Nuremberg," starring Rami Malek, also did well, debuting at No. 5 with $4.1 million.

Underperformers

• "Die My Love" and "Christy" didn't do as well.
• "Die My Love" got a "D+" on CinemaScore.
• "Christy," starring Sydney Sweeney, only made $1.3 million.

Legacy Films

• "Regretting You" and "Black Phone 2" showed some staying power.
• "Regretting You" made $7.1 million.
• "Black Phone 2" made $5.3 million.

Limited Release Success

• "Sentimental Value" made $200,000 from just four theaters, a big deal.
• A drama about a father and daughter who reunite after years apart.

The movie industry is hoping this success continues through November.