IMAX Opening Grosses $20 Million

The sequel to the 2018 superhero blockbuster, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, achieved the second-highest global opening in IMAX history for an animated film, grossing $20 million over the weekend, according to film industry magazine Boxoffice Pro.

Domestic and International Success

The much-anticipated sequel grabbed $13.5 million in IMAX theatres domestically, or 11.2% of the U.S. market, the magazine said Monday. The movie clinched $6.5 million overseas, including $2.7 million in China, or 16.5% of the film’s Chinese box office, on only 1% of screens, Boxoffice Pro said.

Surpassing Predecessor, But Not The Super Mario Bros. Movie

Including standard theatres, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse posted a $120.5 million opening during the weekend in the US alone – more than three times its predecessor Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, which racked up $35.3 million five years ago in its opening. However, the animation fell short of overtaking The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which opened in April and earned $21.6 million in its opening weekend.

Expanding Demand for IMAX

\”The incredible market share we’ve seen lately with animated films – in some cases double what we’ve historically averaged with animated releases – speaks to the expanding demand for IMAX with new audiences,\” IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond said in a statement. IMAX uses 70-millimeter film, far larger than the standard 35-millimeter motion picture film format, thus offering higher resolution on a bigger screen and better sound than standard theaters.

Globally Garnered $208.6 Million in Opening Weekend

According to Boxoffice Pro, by reaping $88.1 million overseas, the sequel globally garnered $208.6 million in its opening weekend. That total figure places the sequel on the no. 52 spot for the opening weekend of all time and number eight for the biggest animated opening weekend in history, it added.