Why Elio’s Box Office Opening is Pixar’s Lowest Yet—Despite Glowing Reviews

Pixar’s latest movie, Elio, has faced tough times at the box office, earning just about $21 million in North America and $14 million internationally during its opening weekend. Despite some warm reviews, it struggled against bigger competition like the live-action How to Train Your Dragon, which made $37 million during its second weekend, and 28 Years Later, which brought in $30 million in North America.

The story of Elio revolves around an orphaned boy who dreams of being taken away by friendly aliens. Unfortunately, Pixar, known for classics like Toy Story and Finding Nemo, has had a hard time selling new, original stories lately. They anticipated modest results for Elio as many original animations now struggle to compete with established franchises and remakes.

While Pixar has found great success with its own sequels, like Inside Out 2, which earned roughly $155 million in its opening weekend, it’s clear that unique ideas are harder to market. Comparably, Elemental, another original title from the studio, opened to nearly $30 million last year, while Coco once brought in $49 million during its debut in 2017.

Reactions from audiences have been mostly positive. Exit polls show that viewers, especially children, gave Elio an impressive A CinemaScore, with some even rating it an A+. Critics noted its charm but also pointed out that parts of the movie felt predictable. One reviewer remarked on its blend of childhood vulnerability and adventure.

Historically, the highest opening weekend for Pixar came with Incredibles 2, which grossed an astonishing $182.6 million in North America in 2018. In recent years, other animation studios have also faced challenges, as audience preferences shift towards familiar franchises.

It’s worth noting that original stories once ruled the box office. Data from recent surveys show that families increasingly choose sequels or remakes over new narratives. This trend suggests a gap that studios must bridge, finding fresh ways to captivate audiences while competing in a crowded market.

For more insights on the trends in animated films, you can explore this report on recent box office performances.

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