Despite receiving only modest critical enthusiasm, “Minions” resonated significantly with moviegoers. And after a strong Friday performance, the film is on track for an opening weekend in the $120 million territory.
The “Despicable Me” prequel/spin-off earned a whopping $46.2 million in Friday receipts. Thanks to its appeal to matinee-going families, it will remain hot throughout the weekend.
Even if it completely cooled off, it would have no trouble claiming a dominant #1 at the weekend box office.
“Inside Out,” the next-best Friday performer, earned only $5.4 million. #3 film “Jurassic World” enjoyed a similar $5.4 million haul. Since both are expected to earn $18-20 million this weekend, neither film’s weekend total will even be able to compete with the Friday “Minions” gross.
“The Gallows” ranked as Friday’s #4 film. The critically panned new horror release earned a modest $4.5 million.
Fifth on Friday ($4.1 million), “Terminator: Genisys” may overtake “The Gallows” by the time the weekend concludes.
New release “Self/Less,” which was also panned by critics, claimed #7 on Friday. It earned a paltry $2.0 million and will barely break $5 million for the weekend.
— “Despicable Me” earned $21.3 million on its first Friday and $56.4 million in its first weekend. “Despicable Me 2,” which had a Wednesday release, grossed $30.5 million on its first Friday and $83.5 million in its first weekend (its gross was up to $143.1 million at that point).
