North America's box office earnings for October have plummeted to levels not seen since the late 1990s. The month ended with cinema takings totaling $425 million - a far cry from last year's October total of $323 million, which wasn't adjusted for the pandemic.
Industry insiders point to a lackluster lineup of big-budget films as a major contributor to the slump. Despite the hype surrounding Tron: Ares, the movie grossed just $67 million domestically and $133 worldwide on a budget of $180 million. Other highly anticipated releases like The Smashing Machine, After the Hunt, and Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere failed to impress audiences.
The Halloween weekend is typically a strong box office performer, but this year's event was marred by low turnout and lackluster film choices. Black Phone 2 managed a paltry $8 million over the four-day period, while Shelby Oaks tanked at just $770,000 from its wide release in over 1,700 theaters.
The timing of Halloween falling on a Friday also seemed to work against it, as many fans would have been distracted by the conclusion of baseball's World Series. "Simple as that," said box office analyst Jeff Bock. "There weren't enough horror films to entice moviegoers."
However, not all news was bleak. Taylor Swift's concert film, The Official Release Party of a Showgirl, saw significant success over its one weekend in theaters, raking in $34 million.
Overall, the North American box office has ended October on a dismal note, with low earnings and poor performances from several high-profile releases.
Industry insiders point to a lackluster lineup of big-budget films as a major contributor to the slump. Despite the hype surrounding Tron: Ares, the movie grossed just $67 million domestically and $133 worldwide on a budget of $180 million. Other highly anticipated releases like The Smashing Machine, After the Hunt, and Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere failed to impress audiences.
The Halloween weekend is typically a strong box office performer, but this year's event was marred by low turnout and lackluster film choices. Black Phone 2 managed a paltry $8 million over the four-day period, while Shelby Oaks tanked at just $770,000 from its wide release in over 1,700 theaters.
The timing of Halloween falling on a Friday also seemed to work against it, as many fans would have been distracted by the conclusion of baseball's World Series. "Simple as that," said box office analyst Jeff Bock. "There weren't enough horror films to entice moviegoers."
However, not all news was bleak. Taylor Swift's concert film, The Official Release Party of a Showgirl, saw significant success over its one weekend in theaters, raking in $34 million.
Overall, the North American box office has ended October on a dismal note, with low earnings and poor performances from several high-profile releases.
I think this slump is pretty telling of where our entertainment industry is headed. Like, what's up with all these big-budget flicks that just don't translate to box office gold? 
I mean, we're basically getting 1/3 of the budget back for every dollar made - it's crazy talk! And don't even get me started on the Halloween weekend, which is like, one of the biggest events in cinema history. To see it tank so hard just because there weren't enough horror films to go around? 
It's like, what happened to our love for scary movies?! 
. Maybe we can learn a thing or two from her about how to connect with audiences on a deeper level... 
i swear, the box office is just so unpredictable right now, some movies do amazingly well while others tank hard. like, can we pls just see more good horror films? Black Phone 2 was like...what even is that? 
anyway, it's all good cuz Taylor Swift's concert film did really well, so i guess u gotta find the silver lining in the box office drama 
I mean i was so hyped for tron: ares but $67 mil domestically?? like what even 
and dont even get me started on black phone 2 $8 mil over 4 days 
taylor swifts concert film tho though raked in some decent cash $34 mil is def better than nothing 
so yeah id say the main culprit here was a lackluster lineup of big budget films 
The lack of good horror movies to choose from was definitely a major turn-off, especially with Halloween being on a Friday and all that jazz. It's not all bad though - Taylor Swift's concert film did pretty well! $34 million is no joke 
that's like, what even is that?! on the other hand tho, taylor swift's concert film is EVERYTHING 
i mean who doesn't love a good showgirl movie? 
at least something went right for her! 
maybe next october will be better? 
! Maybe it just goes to show that people still wanna spend money on live events or something? Anyway, hope next month brings better news 
. I mean, what happened to some decent horror flicks that can actually draw a crowd?
. I mean, who wouldn't want to watch a movie about T-Swift's concert? It's not like she's doing anything else with her time 
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. Maybe we should be looking to more artist-focused content instead of big budget blockbusters 
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. I mean, who needs mindless blockbusters when you can have thoughtful indie flicks that actually say something? The fact that Taylor Swift's concert film raked it in is a great sign – people want to experience music and art on the big screen, not just formulaic Hollywood fare 
. Bring on some weird and wonderful films that actually challenge us! 
. On the other hand, Taylor Swift's concert film is a total win! Who wouldn't want to see Taylor perform live on the big screen? 
! Like, what's going on? 
You'd think the big-budget films would be all the rage 
, but this year was just a mess! 
, and Shelby Oaks tanked so hard it almost didn't make it out alive 
! I mean, who doesn't love T-Swift? 
And that $34 million? That's like, a small fortune 
!
. The Smashing Machine and After the Hunt were like total snoozefests 
. BUT on the bright side, Taylor Swift's concert film is killing it $34 million? That's some serious cash 
.
34 million dollars is no joke! I guess that just goes to show that even in a tough month for movies, there are still ways to bring in the cash 
Anyway, at least Taylor Swift's concert film did well! She's always been super popular, I guess 
. and dont even get me started on thesmashingmachine... lol. i mean im all 4 taylor swift tho!!! her concert film was lowkey lit