Based on my predictions, overall business should easily be ahead of this same weekend last year, which had Solo ($29.4 million) and Deadpool 2 ($23.2 million) remain on top ahead of newbie Adrift ($11 million).
Here's the projected Top 10:
#1: Godzilla: King of the Monsters ($62 million)
This sequel to 2014's Godzilla has received some solid buzz heading into its' release. The film also is coming off of the strong performance/solid reception of 2017's Kong - Skull Island ($168 million stateside). One thing that really helps here is that this is the first real PG-13 action flick to open since Avengers: Endgame, which will bring in teenagers. Plus, with the promise of a Godzilla vs. Kong movie next year, there should be audiences coming out in anticipation of what will lead to that particular film. While I don't think it will open as high as its' predecessors' $94 million launch, I think it should end up in the same vicinity as Kong's $61 million debut.
#2: Aladdin ($44 million, -51%)
Coming off of Memorial Day Weekend usually spells a heavy second weekend drop. But, with strong word-of-mouth, that could counteract that quite a bit. At this point, expect a drop right around 50% this weekend, with maybe the chance of it being a little less.
#3: Rocketman ($42 million)
Responding to the success of Bohemian Rhapsody ($900 million), Paramount is hoping their Elton John biopic will pull in similar numbers. While the Grammy winner has a huge fanbase, the R rating will likely keep this one from matching that film's $51 million launch from last November. However, with a strong marketing effort, Elton's fans, and very strong early reception from critics, it should earn reasonably strong numbers.
#4: Ma ($23 million)
This is a tough one to predict. Universal slated this film relatively last-minute with not much of a chance to get a strong marketing effort going. However, the Octavia Spencer flick is definitely appealing to a horror-thriller genre that hasn't had many films around lately. An R rating will hold it back a bit, but considering the solid buzz given so far, a low-20's millions debut seems fairly likely at this point.
#5: John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum ($13 million, -47%)
I'm not expecting this threequel to have strong holding power, as most of the fanbase came out over the past two weeks. But, its' still giving franchise-best business no matter how it holds from here.
#6: Avengers: Endgame ($9.5 million, -45%)
The hope of course right now is that Endgame will find some late-in-the-game stability (not that it needs it, however). But, even so, its still playing undeniably strong. But any chance of a strong hold may be squandered by Godzilla.
#7: Detective Pikachu ($9 million, -33%)
No competition for families this weekend means good news for Pikachu and company. Plus, the opportunity for a double-feature with another Warner Bros. movie (Godzilla) could bolster business.
#8: Booksmart ($4.5 million, -35%)
This is the holdover that might see the strongest hold. There's no added competition for its' female-driven, R-rated comedy competition. If critics and audience word-of-mouth is truly good, then it should hold decently this weekend.
#9: Brightburn ($4 million, -49%)
As for this superhero (sort-of), this one isn't benefiting from much word at all. I would not expect a strong hold here despite more of an indie feel.
#10: A Dog's Journey ($2.7 million, -35%)
No more PG films entering the marketplace should signal a decent hold for the pet sequel, even if it's not playing as well as many thought it could have.
