Movie

'Renaissance: A Film by Beyonce' opens slightly ahead of expectations with an estimated $21M in North America, but is far behind the opening of Taylor Swift's recent concert movie.

• Dec 4, 2023

AceShowbiz - Beyonce Knowles has stolen the spotlight in movie theaters. Having held one of the most successful tours of the year, the R&B diva now rules the North American box office with her latest pic "Renaissance: A Film by Beyonce".

Written, directed and produced by the singer herself, the documentary concert film opened slightly ahead of expectations with an estimated $21 million from 2,536 locations across the U.S. Distributed by AMC Theatres, it earned a coveted A+ CinemaScore from audiences and glowing reviews from critics.

"On behalf of AMC Theatres Distribution and the entire theatrical industry, we thank Beyonce for bringing this incredible film directly to her fans," said Elizabeth Frank, AMC Theatres executive vice president of worldwide programming, in a statement. "To see it resonate with fans and with film critics on a weekend that many in the industry typically neglect is a testament to her immense talent, not just as a performer, but as a producer and director."

The opening number of the "Renaissance" film ranks as one of the best for a concert film, though it doesn't come close to matching the $92.8 debut of "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour" movie, which is wrapping up its theatrical run soon with over $250 million globally.

Both Beyonce and Taylor Swift decided to bypass Hollywood studios and struck a pact with AMC Theatres to distribute their films. The two superstars are also supportive of each other, making surprise appearance at one another's film premiere.

In this notoriously sluggish post-Thanksgiving weekend, the "Renaissance" film defied the odds by becoming the first film to open over $20 million on this weekend in 20 years. The biggest opening for the first weekend of December belongs to Tom Cruise's "The Last Samurai" ($24.3 million), not adjusted for inflation.

Meanwhile, this week's box office sees previous champion "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" falling 50% to No. 2 with additional $14.5 million on its third weekend. Toho's Japanese film "Godzilla Minus One" in another new release that debuts in the top five, placing third with an estimated $11 million, thanks to younger men who made up 77% of ticket buyers on Friday.

"Trolls Band Together" added approximately $7.6 million to its domestic haul while holding on to the fourth spot. Disney's "Wish" follows close behind at No. 5 with an estimated $7.4 million, bringing its domestic gross to $42 million so far.

Top 10 of North American Box Office (Dec. 01-03, 2023):

1. "Renaissance: A Film by Beyonce" - $21 million
2. "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" - $14.5 million
3. "Godzilla Minus One" - $11 million
4. "Trolls Band Together" - $7.6 million
5. "Wish" - $7.4 million
6. "Napoleon" - $7.1 million
7. "Animal" - $6.1 million
8. "The Shift" - $4.4 million
9. "Silent Night" - $3 million
10. "Thanksgiving" - $2.6 million