Overall business should remain safely ahead of this same weekend last year, which featured the debut of one of this year's Oscar contenders, Get Out ($33 million).
Here is the forecasted Top 10:
#1: Black Panther ($92 million, -55%)
Despite strong word-of-mouth, I don't expect Black Panther to hold as strong as other $200+ million openers. Coming off of an extended holiday weekend and upfront fan rush is going to make it challenging for it to have a drop less than 50%.
#2: Game Night ($18 million)
Very good reviews (89% on Rotten Tomatoes) and a lack of any real comedy films in the marketplace the last few months bode very well for the Jason Bateman flick. The R rating may hold back from a stronger debut, however.
#3: Peter Rabbit ($11 million, -37%)
The lack of any real additional options for families should allow this adaptation to hold well in its third weekend.
#4: Fifty Shades Freed ($9 million, -48%)
The final installment in the R-rated trilogy should continue to play, but also fade fairly fast.
#5: Annihilation ($8 million)
Despite a strong up and coming director (Alex Garland), and being based on a fairly popular sci-fi novel, the Natalie Portman sci-fi flick has generated very little buzz or excitement. There hasn't been much marketing either. Distributor Paramount needs a hit, they probably won't find it here despite strong reviews (89% on Rotten Tomatoes).
#6: Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle ($5.5 million, -30%)
With Black Panther's opening out of the way, Jumanji should continue to be a strong option over the next few weeks.
#7: The 15:17 to Paris ($5 million, -34%)
Clint Eastwood's normally older audience should find their way to this movie as the true-story thriller continues further into its' run.
#8: The Greatest Showman ($3.7 million, -25%)
While it may be starting to wind down, the family musical hit should continue to pull in some audiences in its 10th weekend of release.
#9: Every Day ($2.5 million)
Very little is known about this romantic dramedy, which will open in 1,500 locations. It could pull in some date night couples, but little awareness may make it even challenging for it to reach this number.
#10: Early Man ($2.3 million, -29%)
A lack of options for families and animation fans should keep this in the Top 10 for another week.
