Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 Scores Record-Breaking Opening Despite Poor Reviews

The horror sequel Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 has shocked the film industry. It earned a massive $63 million in its first three days. This set a new record for the post-Thanksgiving weekend.

Audiences flocked to theaters despite terrible reviews from critics. The film’s success highlights a major divide between professional opinions and fan enthusiasm. It proves the power of a dedicated fanbase.

A Historic Box Office Debut

The numbers are undeniably impressive. According to Deadline, the film’s $63 million domestic debut is historic. It shattered the previous post-Thanksgiving record held for two decades.

That record was set by *The Last Samurai* in 2003 with $24.2 million. The new film more than doubled that figure. Its global opening reached $109 million.

This performance stunned many industry analysts. The post-holiday period is typically a slow time for new releases. The sequel turned it into a major event.

The Stark Critic-Audience Divide

Critical reception was brutally negative. On Rotten Tomatoes, the critic score sits at a dismal 12%. Reviews called the film messy and unscary.

Audience reactions tell a completely different story. The same site shows an 88% approval rating from viewers. This gap is even wider than for the first film.

Fans of the video game series showed up in force. They were eager for more animatronic horror. Their support drove the record ticket sales.

This pattern is becoming a hallmark for Blumhouse Productions. The studio consistently connects with genre audiences. They prioritize fan service over critical acclaim.

Blumhouse’s Winning Formula

Blumhouse produced the sequel with a modest budget. This strategy is their signature. It allows for huge profitability even with middle-tier box office returns.

The first film cost around $20 million to make. It earned nearly $300 million worldwide. The sequel is on a similar profitable path.

The production reunited key talent. Director Emma Tammi returned alongside star Josh Hutcherson. This continuity pleased the existing fan community.

Marketing focused heavily on the game’s loyal players. Trailers highlighted iconic characters and jump scares. The campaign ignored critic quotes entirely.

Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 has rewritten the rulebook on box office success. It demonstrates that a strong brand and passionate fans can overcome any negative review. The film’s record-breaking opening weekend is a lesson in modern franchise power.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the new post-Thanksgiving box office record?

Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 set the new record with a $63 million domestic opening. It broke the 20-year record held by *The Last Samurai*. The previous record was $24.2 million.

How did critics react to the film?

Critics largely panned the movie. It holds a 12% score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 84 reviews. Many called it a disappointing sequel.

Did audiences agree with the critics?

No, audience reactions were overwhelmingly positive. The film has an 88% audience score on the same website. This shows a massive disconnect with critics.

How does this opening compare to the first movie?

The first film opened to $80 million in October 2023. The sequel’s $63 million debut is lower but still massive. It performed exceptionally for a traditionally slow weekend.

Will there be a Five Nights at Freddy’s 3?

Given this strong box office performance, a third film is very likely. Blumhouse has a successful horror franchise on its hands. No official announcement has been made yet.