Movies

"Aquaman" and "Mary Poppins Returns" Help Close Record Box Office Year

Domestic box office revenue for 2018 passed $11.8 billion on Sunday, beating the previous record of $11.4 billion in 2016.

"Aquaman" and "Mary Poppins Returns" Help Close Record Box Office Year
Warner Bros. / "Aquaman" Walt Disney Pictures / "Mary Poppins Returns"
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Holding on to the No. 1 spot and taking full advantage of the the holiday season is "Aquaman" bringing in an estimated $51.5 million in its second week out. That weekend total shows just a 24% loss in ticket sales which is fantastic for such a high-profile film. 

Last year, "Justice League" ticket sales dropped more than 55% during its second weekend in theaters plus it wasn't performing nearly as well overseas. 

Meanwhile, "Aquaman" has made more than $560 million at the foreign box office and will most likely reach a billion dollars before its theater run is over. 

At No. 2 this week and showing an even more impressive box office hold is "Mary Poppins Returns" which managed $28 million in its sophomore weekend. 

Emily Blunt and company actually saw an increase in ticket sales this weekend compared to its debut last week — a 19% jump. Most analysts blame the Christmas holiday for Mary Poppins sudden change of fortune. 

And finally at No. 3 is "Bumblebee" bringing in an estimated $20.5 million in its second week out. 

Now, if you're like me you gave up on the 'Transformers' franchise a long time ago, but as this movie proves, you can't judge a book by its cover — or its first 200 pages apparently. 

The Transformers franchise has never had a certified fresh film in its ranks, they rarely even snuck above 40% on the tomatometer. 

But much to surprise of film nerds across the industry "Bumblebee" is a good to great film and is receiving its just due from across the industry. 

Unfortunately though, Michael Bay has put out so many terrible films at this point, "Bumblee" is having trouble gaining traction at the domestic box office. "Bumblebee" cost $135 million to produce and has yet to crack $70 million in domestic ticket sales. 

As for next week, just because he's your adviser doesn't mean you have to take his advice.