Which movies made waves this summer and which ones sank without a trace?
The summer of 2024 started with a chill in the air, both in temperature and in Hollywood’s box office expectations. After the explosive success of last year’s “Barbenheimer” (which raked in nearly $2.4 billion globally), the industry was hopeful that this summer would bring similar financial success. However, early predictions seemed shaky as several big-budget films underperformed, raising concerns about whether the magic of cinema was fading once again. Fortunately, a series of unexpected hits turned the tide, making this summer one for the books.
Disney’s Comeback: A Magical Kingdom Restored
Disney had faced a string of underwhelming releases over the past few years, with both animated and live-action films failing to meet expectations. However, this summer saw a return to form for the House of Mouse. “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” emerged as a modest success, bringing in $397 million globally. But it was “Inside Out 2” that truly stole the show, grossing $1.6 billion worldwide and breaking records to become the highest-grossing animated film of all time. The film’s success was a reminder that when Disney gets it right, audiences will flock to theaters.
In addition to “Inside Out 2,” Disney scored another billion-dollar hit with “Deadpool & Wolverine,” a Marvel film that cleverly poked fun at the superhero genre. Grossing $1.2 billion and becoming the highest-grossing R-rated film ever, it marked a new direction for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The summer ended on a high note with “Alien: Romulus,” a midquel that outperformed expectations with a global haul of $225 million and counting. Disney’s diverse and successful lineup has reaffirmed its dominance in the industry, accounting for an estimated 42% of the summer’s total box office revenue.
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds: The Power Couple of the Summer
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds dominated the summer box office, proving that their influence extends far beyond their off-screen personas. “It Ends With Us,” a relationship drama starring Lively, turned out to be a surprise hit, grossing $243 million worldwide on a modest $25 million budget. The film’s success underscored the enduring appeal of melodramatic, female-led narratives in a market often dominated by action and adventure.
Meanwhile, Reynolds continued his reign as the king of the antihero genre with “Deadpool & Wolverine,” further cementing his box office clout. The couple’s dual success, both critically and commercially, has solidified their status as Hollywood’s most bankable duo.
Lionsgate’s Summer Struggles
While Disney soared, Lionsgate stumbled with two of the summer’s biggest flops. The long-awaited adaptation of the video game “Borderlands” flopped spectacularly, earning just $25 million against its $110 million budget. Similarly, the reboot of “The Crow” was met with poor reviews and lackluster box office numbers, making just $4.6 million in its opening weekend. These failures highlight the risks of investing heavily in untested franchises, especially in an increasingly competitive market.
Horror’s Surprising Resurgence: “Longlegs” Breaks the Mold
2024 has been a challenging year for horror films, with several anticipated releases underperforming. However, “Longlegs,” a serial killer thriller from indie studio Neon, defied the odds. With a smart marketing campaign and a gripping narrative, the film grossed over $100 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing independent film of the year. Its success suggests that there’s still a strong appetite for original horror content, especially when it’s marketed creatively.
Will Smith’s Triumphant Return
After facing intense scrutiny following the infamous Oscars slap, Will Smith made a triumphant return to the box office with “Bad Boys: Ride or Die.” Despite its hefty $100 million budget, the film grossed over $400 million globally, proving that Smith’s star power remains undiminished. This success bodes well for his upcoming projects, including a highly anticipated sequel to “I Am Legend” co-starring Michael B. Jordan.
The Fade of Aging Stars
Not all stars shone brightly this summer. Films led by older actors, such as “The Fall Guy” starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, and Kevin Costner’s western “Horizon,” struggled to find an audience. This trend suggests that while there’s still a market for established stars, it may no longer be in traditional cinema. Streaming platforms, where stars like Jennifer Lopez and Eddie Murphy found success this summer, may now be the preferred venue for their projects.
A Summer of Ups and Downs
The summer of 2024 was a rollercoaster of highs and lows, with unexpected hits and disappointing flops. While Disney’s dominance was reaffirmed, and new power players like Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds emerged, the struggles of studios like Lionsgate highlighted the challenges of today’s competitive market. The success of films like “Longlegs” and “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” also demonstrated that audiences are still hungry for original content and beloved franchises alike. As the industry looks forward to the fall and winter releases, the lessons of this summer will undoubtedly shape the strategies of studios and filmmakers moving forward.
