Theater counts: Ghostbusters remains widest release as it fends off Godzilla x Kong

March 28, 2024

As no surprise, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire easily topped the box office charts in its opening week, pushing previous number ones, Dune: Part Two, and Kung Fu Panda 4 to the second and third place spots respectively. The latest installment fired up just over $45 million in its opening weekend, catapulting the franchise over the $1 billion mark, where it currently sits with $1.014 billion in earnings. This week looks to be a one and done at the top for Frozen Empire as Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire smashes into theaters.

The last few weeks have been dominated by franchise films and this week is no exception. Beginning its run in 3,861 theaters, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire follows up the explosive showdown between the two monster titans from 2021’s Godzilla vs Kong, this time teaming up together to battle an even greater threat. The film is the fifth feature in the Monsterverse franchise which started with 2014’s Godzilla and has tallied up an impressive $1.94 billion in global box office from four previous films. Adam Wingard, who directed Godzilla vs Kong returns to direct the sequel.

Also opening in wide release this week is the newest action-thriller starring Liam Neeson with the debut of In the Land of Saints and Sinners. The film, which is set in Ireland during the 1970s, follows a troubled ex-assassin who seeks atonement by leading a peaceful life. But when a menacing crew of terrorists arrive, he is drawn into an increasingly vicious game of cat and mouse, forcing him to choose between exposing his secret identity or defending his friends and neighbors. The Robert Lorenz-directed movie will be available in 896 movie houses.

Rounding out the top films this week is the previously-mentioned current box office champ, Frozen Empire, keeping its opening count of 4,345, once again making it the widest film of the week. Occupying the third place spot is Kung Fu Panda 4, showing in a still solid 3,582 cinemas, followed by Dune: Part Two, available in 3,136 theaters.

Looking ahead to next week, we once again see the debut of two wide releases with the opening of The First Omen, and Monkey Man. The former is expected to arrive in approximately 3,200 locations. We will update the latter as those counts become available.

Filed under: Theater Counts, Ghostbusters, Kung Fu Panda, MonsterVerse, Dune, Liam Neeson, Robert Lorenz, Adam Wingard