The May 2025 box office kicked off the summer movie season with a strong showing, led by Marvel’s Thunderbolts*, which debuted with $74.3 million domestically, securing the top spot. The film, featuring a team of antiheroes like Yelena Belova and Bucky Barnes, marked a solid start despite a lower opening compared to other Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) entries.
Meanwhile, Ryan Coogler’s Sinners continued its impressive run, earning $20 million in its fourth weekend, showcasing remarkable staying power for an R-rated horror film. Lionsgate’s Shadow Force, starring Kerry Washington and Omar Sy, entered the scene with a modest $3.9 million, facing challenges due to mixed reviews. These films reflect a diverse range of genres, from superhero action to horror and action-thrillers, setting the stage for a competitive summer.
Box Office Performance of Thunderbolts*, Sinners, and Shadow Force
Marvel’s Thunderbolts* Leads with Strong Debut
Thunderbolts*, the 36th MCU film, opened on May 2, 2025, earning $74.3 million domestically across 4,330 theaters, with a global total of $181.6 million by its second weekend. Directed by Jake Schreier, the film follows antiheroes like Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova and Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes, rebranded as the “New Avengers” post-release. Its $180 million budget was nearly recouped in the first weekend, aided by $86.1 million internationally, including $10.4 million from China.
The film’s 88% Rotten Tomatoes score and A- CinemaScore suggest strong audience approval, though its opening trailed Captain America: Brave New World’s $88.8 million. A second-weekend drop of 53% to $35 million indicates decent staying power, outperforming Brave New World’s 68% drop. The film faces competition from Final Destination: Bloodlines on May 16.
Sinners Maintains Impressive Hold on the Box Office
Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, a vampire horror film starring Michael B. Jordan, grossed $20 million domestically in its fourth weekend, down 30% from the prior week, bringing its domestic total to $202.9 million and global tally to $260.7 million. The film’s third weekend saw $33 million, with only a 28% drop, a rare feat for an R-rated horror movie.
Losing IMAX screens to Thunderbolts* did not hinder its performance, and 70MM IMAX screenings are set to return from May 15 to 21. With a $90 million budget, Sinners has surpassed profitability, potentially nearing $300 million worldwide. Its domestic success outpaces international earnings, which stand at $57 million, but its consistent holds make it a standout, ranking fifth globally in 2025.
Shadow Force Struggles at the Box Office
Lionsgate’s Shadow Force, an action-thriller starring Kerry Washington and Omar Sy, debuted on May 9, 2025, with $3.9 million across 2,170 screens. Directed by Joe Carnahan, the film follows an estranged couple on the run from their former employer. It earned $200,000 in Thursday previews but faced challenges with a 50% Rotten Tomatoes score, impacting audience turnout.
The film’s opening fell short of expectations, competing with Thunderbolts* and Sinners for attention. Despite the star power of Washington and Sy, critical reception and a crowded market limited its performance. Posts on X noted its underwhelming start, with some users citing lackluster marketing as a factor. The film’s future box office trajectory remains uncertain as it faces upcoming releases.
A Quick look at other movies box office collection
Beyond Thunderbolts*, Sinners, and Shadow Force, other films contributed to May’s box office. A Minecraft Movie earned $8 million in its sixth weekend, reaching $401 million domestically and $900 million globally, driven by international markets like China. The Accountant 2 grossed $5 million, totaling $44.7 million after two weeks.
IFC’s Clown in a Cornfield opened with $5 million, buoyed by an 80% Rotten Tomatoes score and $600,000 in previews. The summer season’s start reflects a recovery from 2024’s strike-impacted releases, with upcoming films like Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning and Lilo & Stitch expected to sustain momentum. The box office’s diversity, from superhero epics to horror and niche thrillers, highlights varied audience interests.
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Hilfa, Senior Writer at Hilvaro, excels in pop culture journalism. She crafts engaging content on movies, TV, & trends, fueled by her love for storytelling & entertainment.
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