Weapons Smashes Box Office With $70 Million Opening Weekend

Zach Cregger’s mystery-horror thriller Weapons has made an explosive debut at the global box office, claiming the top spot with a staggering $70 million opening weekend. The film, starring Oscar-nominee Josh Brolin, captivated audiences with its chilling tale of a mysterious disappearance involving multiple children from the same school class.

Released on Friday, August 8, 2025, the Warner Bros. production earned $42.5 million domestically across 3,202 theaters and an additional $27.5 million internationally, making it the seventh No. 1 opening for Warner Bros. this year. It also marks the studio’s sixth consecutive film to debut with more than $40 million in domestic earnings — an impressive record in today’s competitive cinema landscape.

Why ‘Weapons’ Dominated the Box Office in Its Debut

The combination of Weapons’ gripping storyline, star power, and strategic August release date appears to have paid off. According to industry analysts, late summer releases often benefit from less competition from blockbuster franchises, giving strong original thrillers an open runway to attract audiences.

Josh Brolin’s magnetic performance and Zach Cregger’s reputation after his breakout hit Barbarian have also fueled anticipation. Early audience feedback points to high word-of-mouth momentum, which could help the film sustain strong numbers in the coming weeks.

Warner Bros.’ marketing push also tapped into the current resurgence of interest in psychological thrillers, especially those with ensemble casts and mystery-driven plots. The film’s cryptic trailers, avoiding major spoilers, have intrigued moviegoers and created a must-see curiosity factor.

‘Weapons’ Versus the Competition

While Weapons took first place, Disney’s Freakier Friday — a sequel to the beloved Freaky Friday starring Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis — followed closely, raking in $44.5 million globally in its opening weekend. That figure includes $29 million from 3,975 North American theaters.

Meanwhile, Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps slipped to third in its third weekend, adding $15.5 million domestically. Since its July 25 release, the superhero film has reached $434 million globally, with $230 million of that from domestic markets.

What’s Next for ‘Weapons’

Industry forecasts suggest Weapons could cross the $150 million mark worldwide before the end of its theatrical run if positive reviews and audience buzz continue.

As streaming platforms increasingly compete for first-release rights, strong box office performances like this underline the enduring appeal of the big-screen experience — especially for high-stakes thrillers.

With its powerful start, ‘Weapons’ has not only strengthened Warner Bros.’ 2025 slate but also proven that original storytelling still has the potential to dominate in a superhero-saturated marketplace.

You Must Know:

What is ‘Weapons’ about?
Weapons is a mystery-horror film directed by Zach Cregger, centered on the eerie disappearance of multiple children from the same school class. The narrative unfolds with psychological twists and an ensemble cast, led by Josh Brolin.

How much did ‘Weapons’ earn in its opening weekend?
The film grossed $70 million globally, with $42.5 million from domestic theaters and $27.5 million from international markets.

Is ‘Weapons’ part of a franchise?
No, Weapons is an original film and not connected to any existing franchise, though its success could spark interest in sequels or spin-offs.

What other films competed against ‘Weapons’ this weekend?
Disney’s Freakier Friday and Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps were its main competitors in the domestic and international box office.

Why is ‘Weapons’ significant for Warner Bros.?
It is Warner Bros.’ seventh No. 1 debut of 2025 and the sixth consecutive film to open with over $40 million domestically, cementing the studio’s strong year.