The pre-Thanksgiving frame is officially here, which begins one of the most exciting box office stretches of the year. That being said, overall business looks to be a little bit behind last year, which featured Justice League debuting at #1, with Wonder overperforming in second place.
#1: Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald ($66 million)
Two years after the original movie was a leggy hit (it earned $800 million worldwide), the second in what is looking to be a five-film series from J.K. Rowling arrives. Crimes of Grindelwald has been marketed heavily, and is looking to bring in fans of the Harry Potter universe. However, buzz and anticipation hasn't overall been quite as strong as the original. Johnny Depp's surprise reveal as a villain in the first film and expanded role here is also generating a bit of controversy. Sequels usually either slip a little bit from their predecessor or lose a lot of steam. I would expect the former for this one, with maybe room for a bit of upside if Potter fans come out more in force.
#2: The Grinch ($43 million, -36%)
Thankfully for this title, Fantastic Beasts is a PG-13 title likely to not attract younger kids. With the Christmas theme and no other real PG competition, expect this to hold up well this weekend.
#3: Bohemian Rhapsody ($20 million, -36%)
With strong word-of-mouth and Fantastic Beasts not really after its more adult and musical audience, Freddie Mercury should also continue to play strong in its third frame.
#4: Instant Family ($16 million)
Mark Wahlberg is back for the second time this year with this family comedy (well, for families with older children, as this is a PG-13 film). This particular title tested very well with test audiences, which made distributor Paramount move this up from its original February release. While this weekend is a bit too competitive for the film to reach the heights of the Daddy's Home movies, I still would expect this to deliver decent numbers, followed by a very solid Thanksgiving weekend.
#5: Widows ($13 million)
The other new nationwide release is looking to be an awards contender, and target older adults. Steve McQueen's latest has assembled a huge cast, including Viola Davis, Robert Duvall and Liam Neeson. Overall buzz hasn't been real exciting, but I would expect more of a low-key debut here. And, if awards season buzz picks up, it could have a long life in the list.
#6: The Nutcracker and the Four Realms ($6 million, -41%)
Nutcracker should also get a bit of a break this weekend thanks to Fantastic Beasts and Instant Family both being rated PG-13. That being said, it doesn't save any real face from what's sure to be red ink for the Mouse House.
#7: A Star is Born ($5.5 million, -32%)
While Widows will provide some competition, the strong word-of-mouth and awards season buzz should keep this title going as well.
#8: Overlord ($5 million, -51%)
Horror flicks usually don't hold strong. I don't expect this one to be any different.
#9 (tie): Nobody's Fool ($3.5 million, -47%)
Tyler Perry and Tiffany Haddish will continue to fade fast here, but they should earn enough to remain in the list one more week.
#9 (tie): The Girl in the Spider's Web ($3.5 million, -55%)
The mixed word-of-mouth and limited buzz means this adult book adaptation will continue to get lost in the midst of much more appealing options.
