Overall business will fall way short of this same weekend last year, when Star Wars: The Last Jedi had the second-biggest opening weekend on record at $220 million.
Here is the projected Top 10:
#1: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse ($43 million)
This animated film has been getting strong buzz for weeks. With the current superhero movie craze, plus the unique take on the webslinger and the strong critical reception, this has big hit written all over it. The difficult thing to predict will be the fact that big films usually don't open as strong in December as they do in the summer. They usually open more moderately and then hold that number over the next two weeks. While Spider-Verse will have some competition to deal with for superhero and family crowds, there will still be plenty of room for it over the next several weeks. If it reaches my prediction and plays like a December release, it could be Sony Animation's first film to reach $200 million.
#2: Mortal Engines ($15 million)
Meanwhile, Universal and Peter Jackson are trying to make the next fantasy saga with this young adult adaptation. Unfortunately, awareness and buzz have been very light so far. And with Aquaman and Bumblebee both aiming for the same audience next weekend, this looks like its going to get lost in the midst of much more appealing options. Overseas will have to be relied on to save it (it carries a $100 million budget).
#3: The Mule ($13.5 million)
Clint Eastwood returns as director and the star of this adult drama. While awards season prospects are very minimal at this point, Eastwood does have a solid fanbase. This seems like a movie that will open slow, but possibly pick up some steam later with older audiences. Marketing has been strong, but overall buzz has been quiet.
#4: The Grinch ($9 million, -40%)
This Christmas-themed animation will drop a bit in the face of Spider-Man but will remain afloat thanks to its yuletide theme.
#5: Ralph Breaks the Internet ($8.5 million, -47%)
This is the film that will likely take the biggest hit from Spider-Man. However, Disney Animation should still be a solid player through the holidays with this sequel.
#6: Creed II ($6.5 million, -37%)
This sequel will benefit from a lack of any real new options for its crowd, especially with Mortal Engines not generating much excitement.
#7: Bohemian Rhapsody ($4 million, -34%)
Thanks to some awards season buzz, this will continue to be a strong player.
#8 (tie): Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald ($3.5 million, -49%)
Added competition for kids and teens will likely trip up this particular sequel.
#8 (tie): Instant Family ($3.5 million, -38%)
Meanwhile, audiences looking for a more low-key film will likely continue going out for this crowd-pleaser.
#10: Green Book ($3 million, -23%)
With awards season getting in full swing, this should have the best hold in the list.
