The Walt Disney Co.’s “Mufasa” has taken the North American box office by storm, claiming the top spot in its third weekend since its release in 2025. The photorealistic prequel to “The Lion King” brought in an impressive $23.8 million, solidifying its place as a crowd favorite.
But it wasn’t an easy victory for “Mufasa,” as Paramount’s “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” was close behind with a weekend estimate of $21.2 million. However, “Mufasa” managed to reign supreme and has now earned a total of $169.2 million domestically.
In third place was Focus Features’ “Nosferatu” remake, which defied the usual fate of horror films by only falling 39% in its second weekend. With ticket sales of $13.2 million, the film has already surpassed its reported production budget of $50 million and is well on its way to becoming a box office success.
It’s worth noting that there were no new wide releases opening this weekend, allowing for holdovers from previous weeks to dominate the box office once again. Some of these films have been in theaters since Thanksgiving, including Disney’s “Moana 2,” which claimed the fourth spot with $12.4 million in its sixth weekend.
Another standout film was the Bob Dylan biopic “A Complete Unknown,” which only saw a slight dip in its second weekend, earning $8.1 million. This film, distributed by Searchlight and acquired by Disney in 2019, has already grossed a total of $41.7 million.
A24’s erotic drama “Babygirl” also held steady, adding 49 locations and bringing in $4.5 million. And Universal’s movie musical “Wicked” rounded out the top five with $10.2 million, even though it was also made available for purchase on VOD on Jan. 31.
But it wasn’t just new releases that made an impact this weekend. The IMAX re-release of David Fincher’s 4K restoration of “Seven” earned over $1 million from 200 locations. This just goes to show that classic films still have a place in the box office, especially when given a new and improved presentation.
Overall, the 2025 box office year is off to a great start, with a 20% increase from the same weekend last year. This is a promising sign for the film industry, which has faced many challenges in recent years.
The success of “Mufasa” and other films in the top 10 is a testament to the power of storytelling and the loyalty of moviegoers. Despite the rise of streaming services and other forms of entertainment, the big screen continues to draw audiences with its immersive experience and larger-than-life stories.
Disney, in particular, has a reputation for creating blockbuster hits and “Mufasa” is no exception. With its stunning visuals and heartwarming story, it’s no surprise that it has been dominating the box office since its release.
But it’s not just about box office numbers. The film has also been met with positive reviews from both critics and audiences alike. It has managed to capture the magic of the original “Lion King” while also offering a fresh and unique perspective.
As we continue to navigate through these uncertain times, films like “Mufasa” provide a much-needed escape and remind us of the power of hope, love, and family. They also showcase the incredible talent of filmmakers, actors, and everyone involved in the production process.
The 2025 box office year is just beginning, and with highly anticipated releases such as “Gladiator II,” “Homestead,” and “The Fire Inside” still to come, there’s no doubt that the film industry will continue to thrive. So let’s sit back, relax, and enjoy the magic of the big screen as we embark on another exciting year of cinema.
