This weekend looks to be pretty interesting, with three different movies looking to pull in different audiences. Overall, business will likely be behind last year again, which had The LEGO Batman Movie on top with Fifty Shades Darker and John Wick: Chapter 2 both doing strong also.
Here is my predicted Top 10:
#1: Fifty Shades Freed ($37 million)
Yes, it does look like Christian Grey will take the top spot again. However, the polarizing reception for both previous Fifty Shades installments does seem to point to another (albeit smaller) decline from the previous movie's $46 million debut. One thing is for sure is that this last installment in the controversial franchise will be a huge moneymaker overseas.
#2: The 15:17 to Paris ($23 million)
The true story military film has acclaimed director Clint Eastwood behind it. Eastwood remains a popular draw with audiences, especially after the successes of American Sniper and Sully. Thanks also to a strong marketing effort, I would not be surprised if this overperforms, honestly.
#3: Peter Rabbit ($18 million)
This is a puzzling one to predict. While family audiences are definitely in need of new entertainment, I don't think this one is going to be a big hit. For one, the trailers have been getting mixed reception (I don't think it looks anything like the original books in feel or in character). Two, despite strong buzz, there doesn't seem to be much excitement for it. Look for this to still have a strong hold over President's Day Weekend the next weekend, however.
#4: Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle ($7 million, -36%)
Likely to drop a little harder due to more intense competition, Sony's video game adaptation nonetheless should remain a solid player in its eighth(!) weekend of release.
#5: The Greatest Showman ($5.5 million, -30%)
Also likely to remain in the Top 5 for an eighth-straight weekend is this critically-adored musical. While families will have another distraction, many will still flock to a movie that is continuing to get excellent word-of-mouth.
#6: Maze Runner: The Death Cure ($5 million, -51%)
Added extra competition plus lukewarm word-of-mouth continues to signal a fast burn-out for this final installment.
#7 (tie): Winchester ($4 million, -57%)
As usual for horror flicks (and with the negative critical reception in mind also), this one should be no different.
#7 (tie): The Post ($4 million, -23%)
The Steven Spielberg historical drama should stabilize from here with the Oscars getting closer.
#9: The Shape of Water ($3.5 million, -19%)
Same reason as The Post.
#10: Hostiles ($3 million, -46%)
Scott Cooper's western continues to fall at a standard rate considering the crowded marketplace.
Additional Note: While they charted above Shape of Water last weekend, while it is possible that 12 Strong or Den of Thieves could remain in the list this weekend, its' likely they will have stronger drops thanks to The 15:17 to Paris stealing its' male target audience.
