This weekend’s box office saw a new action epic dominate while a preschool favourite continued to charm families. Horror also had a big presence as two new scary entries cracked the top five, and anime phenomenon Demon Slayer held strong further down the chart.

One Battle After Another Wins Opening Weekend

One Battle After Another

Debuting to $22.4 million, Warner Bros.’ One Battle After Another easily claimed the top spot. The action thriller benefited from positive buzz and a stacked cast, setting itself up for long-term success heading into October

Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie Draws In Families

In its debut weekend, Netflix’s preschool spinoff Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie pulled in parents and kids, earning another $13.7 million. With very little direct competition for younger audiences, the colourful adventure could draw repeat viewings and word-of-mouth from parents looking for kid-friendly options.

Horror Movies Back-To-Back In Top Five

Two horror titles landed back-to-back this weekend. Warner Bros.’ The Conjuring: Last Rites scared up $6.9 million in its fourth week, while Lionsgate’s The Strangers: Chapter 2 opened close behind with $5.9 million. Both are looking to capitalize on the Halloween corridor to build momentum.

Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Holds Strong

Aniplex’s anime juggernaut Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle brought in $4.9 million in its third weekend. Though down from its massive opening, the film continues to prove the staying power of the Demon Slayer brand in North American theatres.

Will The Smashing Machine Smash The Box Office?

The Smashing Machine

The Smashing Machine is currently tracking for a debut between $13 million and $18 million. I think it’ll make around $16 million. Early audience reactions and festival buzz have been notably positive, which, combined with the enduring appeal of sports biopics, positions the film for a healthy opening frame. If word-of-mouth holds, it could even stretch beyond projections as it rolls out nationwide.

As always, we’ll find out next week.

For more on Movies, stay locked on That Hashtag Show.

Keep Reading:

The 2025 Halloween Movie Marathon Schedule [Fright-A-Thon]