‘GOAT’ Surpasses ‘Wuthering Heights’ to Claim Top Spot

In the latest box office rankings, the animated film “GOAT” has secured the top spot, surpassing the gothic romantic drama “Wuthering Heights.” This victory comes during a slow winter weekend, demonstrating the strong appeal of family-friendly films.

Box Office Performance

“GOAT” earned $17 million from 3,863 theaters, reflecting a 36% decline from its opening weekend. Meanwhile, “Wuthering Heights” grossed $14.2 million from 3,682 venues, showing a steeper drop of 57% from its debut.

To date, “GOAT” has amassed $58.3 million in domestic earnings and $102 million globally. The film’s budget was set at $80 million, with the hope that it will replicate the success of previous animated releases.

Comparison with Other Films

• “Wuthering Heights” has generated a total of $151.7 million worldwide, with $59.5 million coming from North America.
• The production cost for “Wuthering Heights” was also $80 million, excluding substantial promotional expenses.
• In comparison, the sequel “I Can Only Imagine 2” achieved the No. 3 spot with $8 million despite a higher budget of $18 million.
• Other newcomers, including “How to Make a Killing,” debuted poorly with only $3.5 million.

Implications for the Film Industry

The success of “GOAT” highlights the vital role of family films in boosting cinema revenues, especially as the industry continues to recover from the pandemic. With projections indicating a promising upcoming slate of films, including “Scream 7” and Disney’s “Hoppers,” the box office may rebound further in the next few weeks.

Industry responses suggest optimism, with hopes that audiences will continue to engage with new releases despite recent weather-related challenges. The competition is fierce, but the appreciation for animated films remains strong, as evidenced by the ongoing success of “GOAT.”