“Barbenheimer” has taken the world by storm and made viewers from all around the world wonder who would win in the Barbie vs Oppenheimer sales. Raking in an astounding $235.5 million in its domestic debut, the cooperation of both movies sends the box office into a frenzy of excitement.
Although both movies do promote each other rather than racing each other, there has been a friendly competition on the table from day 1, for which many were expecting the results of the comparison of Barbie vs Oppenheimer sales. Well, the numbers are in, and the winner is clear. If you’re curious, take a look down here!
Who’s the winner of the Barbie vs Oppenheimer sales comparison?
The much-anticipated film “Barbie” emerged as the indisputable champion, amassing an impressive $155 million during its first three days in theaters, securing its place as the highest-grossing opening of 2023. Its counterpart, “Oppenheimer,” held its own with an estimated $80.5 million in ticket sales during its debut. The final figures for the debut of this dynamic duo will be unveiled on Monday, leaving industry insiders on the edge of their seats.
BoxOffice.com’s chief analyst, Shawn Robbins, marveled at the unexpected success of “Oppenheimer” and “Barbie,” stating that the cinematic experience has reached a level of communal excitement typically seen in major Marvel and Star Wars franchises. The films’ appeal has transcended genre limitations, captivating audiences far and wide, and proving the enduring allure of the big screen without relying on established franchises.
Data from EntTelligence revealed that over 18.5 million tickets were sold for the combined showings of Warner Bros.’ “Barbie” and Universal’s “Oppenheimer,” with 12.8 million tickets for “Barbie” and 5.8 million for “Oppenheimer.” These numbers attest to the overwhelming response from moviegoers who eagerly embraced the opportunity to witness two compelling and original stories unfold on the silver screen.
Michael O’Leary, President, and CEO of the National Association of Theatre Owners expressed his delight at the historic weekend, affirming that the box office momentum of 2023 continues to soar. The success of “Barbenheimer” serves as a testament to the enduring love of audiences for the communal experience of watching great films in theaters.
Both “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” have earned critical acclaim, boasting “Fresh” ratings of over 90% on Rotten Tomatoes. The films even inspired fans to immerse themselves in the magic of cinema, with some dressing in pink from head to toe or donning suits and hats during screenings, further enhancing the celebratory atmosphere.
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When combined with the ticket sales from other blockbuster films such as Paramount’s “Mission Impossible,” Sony’s “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” and Angel Studios’ “The Sound of Freedom,” the total weekend box office of both Barbie vs Oppenheimer sales is expected to reach a staggering $302 million. This figure will solidify it as the highest-grossing weekend in 2023, according to Comscore data.
Paul Dergarabedian, Senior Media Analyst at Comscore, praised the exceptional performance of “Barbenheimer” and its contribution to the revival of movie theaters as cultural hubs and centers of social interaction.
“Barbenheimer” has secured its place as the fourth-highest weekend gross in history, just below the legendary opening weekend of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” in December 2015, which generated $313 million. The second-highest weekend haul is $314 million, achieved in April 2018 with “Avengers: Infinity War.”
Industry experts anticipate that the official weekend numbers, to be released on Monday, may surpass the initial estimates and propel “Barbenheimer” even higher in the record books. Nonetheless, it’s unlikely to dethrone the reigning champion, “Avengers: Endgame,” which roared into theaters in April 2019, accumulating a jaw-dropping $357 million and contributing to a staggering $402 million weekend total.
The success of “Barbenheimer” comes as a much-needed boost for the domestic box office, which had faced challenges with underperforming adult-aimed blockbusters and questions about shifts in consumer preferences. Films like “The Flash” from Warner Bros. and Pixar’s “Elemental” struggled to attract audiences, raising concerns about the allure of Hollywood productions.
However, the triumph of Barbie vs Oppenheimer sales numbers and “Barbenheimer” serve as a testament to the power of fresh and innovative storytelling. Audiences have demonstrated their enthusiasm for a diverse range of content, inspiring hope for the future of counter-programming strategies in the industry.
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