A Record Low for Movie Theaters Nationwide
The U.S. box office just recorded its worst-performing weekend in over three decades, signaling growing challenges for theaters during typically slow calendar periods. Across all films, total ticket sales reached only $31.8 million, the lowest weekend figure since the early 1990s. Industry trackers note that this year’s Halloween stretch was particularly sluggish, ranking among the weakest holiday weekends in modern cinematic history.
Analysts attribute the decline to a combination of factors limited new releases, streaming competition, and Halloween falling midweek, which often diverts audiences to local festivities instead of cinemas. The drop also highlights the post-pandemic volatility in audience habits, as studios experiment with release schedules and content strategies.
‘Regretting You’ Tops the Charts Amid Weak Competition
Despite the downturn, “Regretting You” managed to secure the number one position at the domestic box office. The romantic drama brought in an estimated $7.1 million during its second weekend a 48% decline from its debut but enough to keep it ahead of all competitors.
The film, centered around themes of heartbreak, forgiveness, and family bonds, has quietly built a loyal audience. While its performance might seem modest, industry observers view its hold as a relative win given the lack of strong contenders and the overall softness in theater attendance.
Other Releases Struggle to Find Viewers
Animated action feature “K-pop: Demon Hunters” debuted in second place with around $6 million, slightly below studio expectations. The film’s vibrant visuals and international fan base provided some momentum, but it couldn’t overcome the broader slowdown in audience turnout.
Meanwhile, the horror sequel “The Black Phone 2” continued to fade in its third week, earning about $4.5 million, bringing its cumulative domestic total to $52.5 million. Despite its steady pace, the sequel’s numbers reflect the general fatigue in the genre after a packed Halloween release slate.
Industry insiders believe the muted weekend underscores the importance of scheduling and marketing. With major year-end releases still ahead, studios are likely to see stronger attendance heading into the holiday season. However, the historic low serves as a reminder that even with beloved franchises and star power, timing remains everything at the box office.
As audiences turn their attention toward upcoming blockbusters and award-season contenders, theaters are hoping for a rebound. For now, the Halloween weekend of 2025 will be remembered as one of the quietest in box office history a moment that may push studios to rethink how they keep moviegoers engaged year-round.
