Two of the Biggest Hollywood Releases of the Year Fly Past Their Projected Opening Weekend Box Office Scores, Sending One Film to Break 2023’s Biggest Opening Day.
Whether fans are dressed in all pink or ready to watch close to three hours of the story of the creation of the atomic bomb, Barbie and Oppenheimer have surpassed their projected opening box office scores, making it one of the biggest weekends in Hollywood. Each film, unique and skillfully crafted in and of itself, has, in part, had such a successful opening weekend because of their supposed “competition” against each other. While one might think competition would deter an audience from one film, it seems to have worked in each movie’s favor.
The Rave Over All Things Pink
The Barbie movie was announced in July of 2019, and exactly four years later, it hit its opening weekend running, breaking 2023’s box office record of $70 million on opening weekend, far surpassing its budget of $145 million. Barbie was written and directed by Greta Gerwig in collaboration with Heyday Pictures, Luckychap Entertainment, and Mattel Pictures and released to theaters worldwide on July 21, 2023. Its star-studded cast features Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken, both of whom deliver note-worthy performances and elevate the film to the next level.
The movie follows Barbie through an existential crisis, questioning her reality and role as a public figure in the real world. It’s a movie that gives everyone something to love: memories, laughter, and something to ponder over, even after the movie has long finished. But the movie’s real draw lies in the world-building; from the wardrobe to the set design, viewers can immerse themselves in Barbie’s world.
And isn’t that what moviegoers are looking for? A chance to submerge themselves in new worlds and stories that break away from everyday life? Barbie delivers just that and more, making going to the movies a fun and unique experience.
Christopher Nolan Strikes Again
Oppenheimer was announced in 2020 and released to theaters worldwide on July 21st, 2023, blasting its way through expected opening numbers with a staggering $33 million and far surpassing its budget of $100 million. The film was written and directed by Christopher Nolan and produced by Syncopy Inc and Atlas Entertainment, featuring Cillian Murphy as Robert Oppenheimer, Emily Blunt as Kitty Oppenheimer, and Robert Downey Jr. as Lewis Strauss (just to name a few from the long list of A-lists starring in the movie).
It is no secret that Nolan has delivered another masterpiece yet again. Oppenheimer follows the life and legacy of Robert Oppenheimer, the creator of the atomic bomb. Not only is the cinematography some of the best viewers have seen out of Nolan and the script and storyline delicately crafted; the real magic lies in the performances given by Murphy, Damon, Blunt, Pugh, Downey Jr., and so many more. They made the story relatable, which could have easily been skewed in a movie based on past historical events.
Oppenheimer is exceptionally well-crafted and thought out, making it a masterpiece and a must-see, drawing people worldwide to the theaters.
The Rivalry that Fueled Box Office Scores
It became clear and inevitable that Barbie and Oppenheimer would clash when they each announced the weekend of July 21st as their box office release date. When comparing the Barbie and Oppenheimer “rivalry,” one can’t help but remember the weekend Mamma Mia and The Dark Knight Rises (ironically also directed by Christopher Nolan) hit theaters worldwide on the same day back in 2008. Both were highly successful films that drew different types of moviegoers to the box office, a phenomenon the cinemas are witnessing again as moviegoers get to choose from two very different but equally entertaining movies to watch.
TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter have been filled with memes and content centered around Barbie and Oppenheimer as the topic of debate and conversation as people discuss which they will see on opening night, speaking to the power of social media and its now transparent role in promoting films and box office numbers. It not only created a fervent buzz about the movies themselves but actually got people to the theaters, something that has declined in the last few years with the rise of streaming platforms.
The competition, as it was portrayed on social media, has driven people to the theaters, increasing the box office numbers and promoting the magic of film, making going to theaters fun and exciting again.
Both Barbie and Oppenheimer are Must Sees
Barbie and Oppenheimer’s box office numbers will only continue to soar after opening weekend. Each movie has something different to offer audiences, and people are living for the fun world of Barbie and the dark and twisted world of Oppenheimer, finding a little something for themselves in each. Fans of Christopher Nolan will not be disappointed with his latest masterpiece, while fans of the old Barbie movies and Barbie herself will find themselves immersed in her world. Both Barbie and Oppenheimer can be seen in theaters worldwide, and seeing as they were released only a few days ago, will be in the theaters for viewers to enjoy for the foreseeable future.
Oppenheimer (2023) Official Trailer
You Might Also Be Interested In:
Source: Dead Talk Live
Contact Information:
Email: news@deadtalknews.com
Phone: +1 (646) 397-2874
Dead Talk Live is simultaneously streamed to: YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitch, Twitter, Vimeo, and LinkedIn
Shop official Dead Talk Live Merchandise at our Online Store
Author
| I am an aspiring author living and working out of Honolulu, Hawaii. I received my bachelor's degree in Art History at Westmont College and then pursued a master's in Museum Studies at the University of Hawaii. I am currently working on a few novels, and am thankful for the opportunity to expand my creative writing voice at Dead Talk Live. |
