2019 has officially begun. Like last year, 2019 begins with kids and college students wrapping up Christmas break. With that in mind, most holdovers should see strong holds. New releases tend to be wild cards. However, overall business looks to lag behind the start of last year, when Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle had a strong hold to take #1 in its third weekend with $37.2 million. Meanwhile, Insidious: The Last Key overperformed in second with a strong $29.6 million.
Here is the projected Top 10:
#1: Aquaman ($33 million, -37%)
I would not expect this superhero flick to hold quite as strong as Jumanji did, but it should still have a strong hold regardless. In the meantime, the film will have earned more than $250 million by this point. The worldwide tally will pass $800 million this week as well.
#2: Escape Room ($20 million)
It's not unusual for a horror flick to open the New Year. And, they are unpredictable. Some really break out while others just pull in a decent crowd. Loosely based on a recent cultural fad, Escape has been marketed heavily but it hasn't pulled in any serious buzz. That being said, the PG-13 rating will help bring in a younger crowd. It could overperform still (due to a lack of any real horror flicks in the marketplace in awhile), but I think it's more likely to end up around here.
#3: Mary Poppins Returns ($19 million, -33%)
This Disney sequel has been playing like a champ through Christmas break, and should hold strong in its third frame.
#4: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse ($13.5 million, -28%)
With kids looking to see movies again before school really kicks back into gear and strong word-of-mouth, I believe Spider-Verse might have its legs kick in this weekend.
#5: Bumblebee ($13 million, -38%)
This one has gotten lost in the mix of so many appealing options for kids and families. But it too should benefit from students looking for movies to see before school start.
#6: The Mule ($8.5 million, -30%)
With no new real options for older moviegoers, I would not be surprised if this had one of the weekend's strongest holds.
#7 (tie): Second Act ($5 million, -33%)
A lack of options for females should keep Jennifer Lawrence's latest afloat in its third weekend.
#7 (tie): Vice ($5 million, -36%)
The mixed word-of-mouth from audiences does bring some concern, but 6 Golden Globe nominations (and the awards ceremony itself on Sunday) should help cushion the potential blow.
#9: Ralph Breaks the Internet ($4.5 million, -33%)
Similar to the other kid-friendly titles in the list, Ralph should remain a solid competitor as Christmas break comes to a close.
#10: Holmes and Watson ($3 million, -60%)
The walk-outs and negative reception from critics and audiences all point to a fast fade here.
