In a relatively slow weekend at the box office, DreamWorks Animation’s Dog Man managed to hold onto its top spot, fending off competition from two new releases, Heart Eyes and Love Hurts. The animated film, based on Dav Pilkey’s wildly popular graphic novel series, earned 13.7 million in its second weekend,according to studio estimates. This marked a significant 6213.7 million in its second weekend, according to studio estimates. This marked a significant 6254.1 million domestically, making it a solid performer given its modest $40 million production budget.
The weekend’s new releases—Heart Eyes, a Valentine’s Day-themed slasher film, and Love Hurts, an action-comedy starring KeHuy Quan—failed to make a significant impact, coming in second and third place, respectively. With the Super Bowl drawing much of the public’s attention, Hollywood opted to keep major releases on hold, instead using the event to promote upcoming blockbusters through high-profile trailers. This strategy left the box office relatively quiet, but the industry is gearing up for a busier season ahead.
Dog Man Continues to Charm Audiences
Dog Man, an adaptation of Dav Pilkey’s beloved graphic novel series, has been a hit with families and younger audiences since its release. The film follows the adventures of a half-dog, half-man hero as he battles villains and navigates the challenges of being a unique hybrid. Its lighthearted humor, vibrant animation, and heartfelt storytelling have resonated with viewers, making it a standout in the family-friendly genre.
Despite a steep decline in its second weekend, Dog Man has already proven to be a financial success. With 54.1 million in domestic earnings profit. Its strong performance is a testament to the enduring popularity of Pilkey’s books and DreamWorks’ ability to bring beloved characters to life on the big screen.
Heart Eyes and Love Hurts Struggle to Gain Traction
The weekend’s two new releases, Heart Eyes and Love Hurts, failed to challenge Dog Man’s dominance. Heart Eyes, a horror-romantic comedy hybrid, debuted in second place with 8.5 million from 3,102 theaters. Directed by Josh Ruben and starring Oliva Holt and Mason Gooding,the film attempts to blend the thrills of a slas her with the charm of a romantic comedy. While critics praised its unique premise and stylish execution , audience were less impressed, giving it a “B−”Cinema Score. With an 8.5 million from 3,102 theaters. With an18 million budget, Heart Eyes will need strong word-of-mouth to sustain its box office performance in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, Love Hurts, an action-comedy from 87North Productions (the studio behind John Wick and The Fall Guy), opened in third place with a disappointing 5.8 million from 3,055theaters.The film stars KeHuy Quan ,in his first major roles in his Oscar−winning performance in∗Everything Everywhere All at Once ∗ ,as a mild − manner “Love Hurts,” the action comedy from 87North Productions (“John Wick,” “The Fall Guy”), debuted with a paltry $5.8 million in 3,055 theaters. In his first big movie role since his Oscar-winning comeback in “Everything All at Once,” Ke Huy Quan stars as a mild-mannered realtor with a hitman past. Ariana DeBose co-stars. It, too, was modestly budgeted at $18 million. Audiences, however, mostly rejected the movie, giving “Love Hurts” a “C+”
Super Bowl Weekend: A Traditional Slow Period
Super Bowl weekend is historically one of the slowest periods for movie theaters, as many viewers prioritize the big game over trips to the cinema. This year was no exception, with studios opting to hold back major releases and instead focus on promoting upcoming films through trailers during the Super Bowl broadcast. The strategy allows Hollywood to capitalize on the massive audience tuning in for the game, generating buzz for future blockbusters.
While the box office may have been quiet, the weekend served as a brief pause before a more active period for the industry. Next weekend, two highly anticipated films—Marvel’s Captain America: Brave New World and Sony’s Paddington in Peru—are set to hit theaters. These releases are expected to draw large crowds and kick off a busy season for the box office.
Box Office Rankings
Here are the estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters:
- Dog Man – $13.7 million
- Heart Eyes – $8.5 million
- Love Hurts – $5.8 million
- Mufasa: The Lion King – $3.9 million
- Companion – $3 million
- One of Them Days – $3 million
- Becoming Led Zeppelin – $2.6 million
- Flight Risk – $2.6 million
- Sonic the Hedgehog – $1.8 million
- Moana 3 – $1.5 million
Looking Ahead: A Busy Season for the Box Office
While Dog Man continues to dominate, the upcoming release of Captain America: Brave New World and Paddington in Peru is expected to bring a much-needed boost to the box office. Marvel’s latest installment in the Captain America franchise and the beloved Paddington series are both poised to attract a wide range of audiences, from action fans to families.
Captain America: Brave New World promises to deliver the high-stakes action and compelling storytelling that Marvel fans have come to expect, while Paddington in Peru offers a heartwarming adventure for families and fans of the beloved bear. These releases are likely to draw large crowds and set the stage for a strong start to the year.
The Bigger Picture: What This Weekend Means for Hollywood
The quiet Super Bowl weekend highlights the ebb and flow of the movie industry. While some weekends are slow, they often serve as a prelude to more active periods, with studios strategically timing their releases to maximize impact. The success of Dog Man demonstrates the enduring appeal of family-friendly films, while the struggles of Heart Eyes and Love Hurts underscore the challenges of standing out in a crowded market.
As the industry looks ahead, the focus will be on delivering high-quality content that resonates with audiences. Whether it’s through big-budget blockbusters, innovative genre blends, or heartfelt family films, Hollywood continues to adapt and evolve to meet the changing tastes of viewers.
While Dog Man reigned supreme at the box office during a quiet Super Bowl weekend, the industry is poised for a busier and more exciting period ahead. With highly anticipated releases like Captain America: Brave New World and Paddington in Peru on the horizon, the coming weeks promise to bring fresh energy and excitement to theaters. As audiences eagerly await these new films, the success of Dog Man serves as a reminder of the enduring power of family-friendly storytelling and the magic of the movies.