Netflix scores a box office win with Glass Onion theatrical release
It certainly is a strange world when the big winner of the Thanksgiving weekend box office might be ... Netflix?
For the first time, the streamer debuted a film in all three of the major U.S. theater chains over the holiday weekend, and it was a resounding success. Glass Onion, the sequel to Knives Out, played in about 600 U.S. theaters beginning Nov. 23 in what Netflix dubbed a "sneak preview event."
But despite its release being limited, Glass Onion grossed $13.3 million domestically over five days and is projected to make $15 million by Tuesday, Deadline reports. Netflix hasn't confirmed these numbers, but it would be the biggest theatrical opening for one of the streamer's movies.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
It also isn't that far below the $18.6 million five-day gross of Disney's Strange World, even though that was a wide release playing in thousands of theaters. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was number one at the box office with $64 million over five days, but it's possible Glass Onion could have come close to topping it had the film played on more screens. Knives Out grossed over $300 million worldwide.
Glass Onion's success came during an otherwise disappointing Thanksgiving weekend at the movies. Not only did Disney's Strange World bomb, but only $95 million was grossed over the three-day weekend across all movies, per IndieWire — down from $181 million over Thanksgiving 2019. Adult-oriented movies like The Fabelmans and Devotion also disappointed.
After years of Netflix clashing with theater chains, the box office success of Glass Onion could lead to more streaming films debuting at your local multiplex. Still, in a sign Netflix continues to prioritize streaming debuts, the company didn't commit to a traditional, wide theatrical release for Glass Onion — likely losing out on millions of dollars in additional ticket sales, experts said. Instead, the film will leave theaters after a week before hitting streaming on Dec. 23.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
Indie film's 'very brief' use of AI sparks backlash and calls for boycotts
Talking Points Did the creators of a new horror movie make a deal with the artificial intelligence devil?
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Could Taylor Swift swing the election?
Today's Big Question The pop star has outsized influence — and that extends beyond the music industry
By Anya Jaremko-Greenwold Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?
Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 wins
speed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Rust' armorer convicted of manslaughter
speed read The film's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by actor Alec Baldwin during rehearsal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
TV to watch in March, from 'The Regime' to 'The 3 Body Problem'
The Week Recommends An authoritarian regime run by Kate Winslet, a sci-fi adaptation from the 'Game of Thrones' creators and more
By Anya Jaremko-Greenwold Published
-
The Beatles are getting 4 intersecting biopics
Speed Read Director Sam Mendes is making four separate movies, each told from the perspective of one band member
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
15 toxic relationship movies for Valentine's Day skeptics
The Week Recommends Someone always has it worse than you do
By David Faris Published
-
Best Netflix UK series and films
The Week recommends Sofia Vergara in Griselda, a new One Day adaptation and season three of Bridgerton
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Last updated