The box office landscape of 2024 has been largely disappointing, with ticket sales struggling and a scarcity of blockbusters, a fallout from the ongoing strikes and the lingering effects of COVID-19, which significantly halted production. Many films that managed to premiere in the first half of the year, such as “Argylle,” likely should have bypassed theaters entirely.
However, amidst the gloom, a few films managed to draw crowds and defy expectations. Notable successes include “Dune: Part Two,” “Inside Out 2,” and the indie film “Late Night With the Devil.” Moreover, Will Smith redeemed his star power with another installment of “Bad Boys,” and the animated “Garfield” movie charmed audiences, proving that some classics still resonate.
Hollywood Box Office Hits
“Inside Out 2” emerged as the biggest hit of the year, grossing $800 million globally against a $200 million budget. Pixar’s unique take on anxiety resonated with audiences, benefiting from positive word-of-mouth and wide appeal, positioning it to join the $1 billion club. “Dune: Part Two” also performed spectacularly, earning $711 million worldwide, surpassing its predecessor by $300 million.
This was particularly impressive given the challenges of its predecessor’s simultaneous HBO Max release during the pandemic. “Bob Marley: One Love” capitalized on a strategically quiet February release, grossing $179 million despite mediocre reviews, demonstrating the enduring appeal of musical biopics.
Indie and Animated Triumphs
“Late Night With the Devil,” a low-budget Australian horror film, was a standout in the indie scene, grossing $12.3 million and becoming one of the most-watched films on the horror streaming service Shudder. The success of “The Garfield Movie” was another highlight, earning $230 million globally.
Despite harsh reviews, the film attracted younger audiences and benefited from strong brand recognition and a lack of family-friendly competition. Meanwhile, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” solidified Will Smith’s comeback, grossing $289 million and demonstrating the enduring popularity of the franchise.
Hollywood Box Office Disappointments
However, not all films found success. “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” struggled, barely breaking even with $168 million against its production budget. “IF,” a kid-friendly fantasy directed by John Krasinski, also underperformed, failing to recover its $110 million budget with a $181 million gross. Similarly, “The Fall Guy,” starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, flopped, earning $171 million against a $140 million budget.
Other notable flops included “Madame Web” and “Argylle,” both of which failed to meet expectations, with “Madame Web” grossing $100 million and “Argylle” earning a dismal $96 million against a hefty $200 million budget. Finally, “The Watchers,” a horror film directed by Ishana Night Shyamalan, grossed only $29 million, marking a significant misstep in a typically reliable genre.