The Return of Beetlejuice: A Box Office Success Story

After a lackluster Labor Day weekend and a slow August at the box office, the fall movie season kicked off with an electrifying start. The long-awaited sequel to Tim Burton’s iconic film, “Beetlejuice,” finally hit theaters after 36 years, setting the box office on fire with a whopping $110 million debut weekend.

Michael Keaton reprised his role as the mischievous spirit, Beetlejuice, joined by Catherine O’Hara, Winona Ryder, Jenna Ortega, Willem Dafoe, Monica Bellucci, and Justin Theroux. The star-studded cast, combined with Burton’s unique style, proved to be a winning formula for the film.

The success of “Beetlejuice” marks the third-best opening weekend of the year, trailing only behind “Inside Out 2” and “Deadpool & Wolverine.” It also secures its spot as the second-highest-grossing September movie in history, surpassing the 2019 sequel, “It Chapter 2.”

Despite the original “Beetlejuice” film earning a modest $8 million in its opening weekend in 1988, the sequel’s resurgence proves that there is indeed life in the afterlife. Warner Bros., which had initially projected an $80-90 million opening weekend, is now optimistic about the film’s long-term success, especially as the Halloween season approaches.

Paul Dergarabedian, a senior media analyst, attributed the film’s triumph not only to nostalgia but also to the inclusion of younger actors like Jenna Ortega, who brought in a new generation of audiences. The film’s appeal lies in its ability to bridge the gap between old and new, combining seasoned actors with fresh talent.

Aside from “Beetlejuice,” other films like “Deadpool & Wolverine,” “Reagan,” “Alien: Romulus,” and “It Ends With Us” maintained their positions on the box office charts, showcasing a diverse range of genres and styles in the current movie landscape.

As the fall movie season unfolds, “Beetlejuice” sets a high bar for upcoming releases, proving that classic films can still captivate audiences decades later. With its blend of humor, horror, and heart, the return of Beetlejuice is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling in cinema.

1. “Beetlejuice,” $110 million.

2. “Deadpool & Wolverine,” $7.2 million.

3. “Reagan,” $5.2 million.

4. “Alien: Romulus,” $3.9 million.

5. “It Ends With Us,” $3.8 million

6. “The Forge,” $2.9 million.

7. “Twisters,” $2.3 million.

8. “Blink Twice,” $2.1 million.

9. “The Greatest of All Time,” $2 million.

10. “Despicable Me 4,” $1.8 million.