The romantic comedy Materialists from A24 has surprised audiences and critics alike, smashing through a significant box office milestone. Directed and written by Celine Song, who previously made waves with her directorial debut in Past Lives, the film explores the intricate love life of successful matchmaker Lucy Mason, played by Dakota Johnson. With her past and future colliding, Lucy must choose between her charming ex-cater waiter John, portrayed by Chris Evans, and the suave financier Harry, played by Pedro Pascal. Rounding out the supporting cast are Sawyer Spielberg, Zoë Winters, and Marin Ireland.
According to The Numbers, Materialists has officially surpassed the $50 million mark at the global box office, amassing an impressive $35.64 million domestically and $14.4 million internationally. This achievement elevates its total to $50.04 million, marking it as A24’s 13th highest-grossing film of all time.
The film’s success is particularly noteworthy as it has surpassed prominent titles like Past Lives, Midsommar, and Ex Machina, proving that romantic tales can resonate widely, especially when paired with A24’s unique storytelling approach.
Box Office Positioning
Potential Challenges Ahead
For a time, Materialists held the title of the second highest-grossing romance film of the year, trailing behind Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy. However, as the film’s theatrical run nears its end, climbing higher on A24’s chart seems increasingly challenging. Only $3.96 million stands between it and the 2022 film The Whale, yet the ticking clock of its release may hinder its advancement into A24’s Top 10.
Here’s a snapshot of the movies that currently outrank Materialists:
|
Rank |
Title |
Worldwide Box Office |
|---|---|---|
|
#9 |
We Live in Time (2024) |
$57.1 million |
|
#10 |
The Whale (2022) |
$54 million |
|
#11 |
The Zone of Interest (2023) |
$52.5 million |
|
#12 |
The Brutalist (2024) |
$50.2 million |
|
#13 |
Materialists (2025) |
$50.04 million |
While forecasts suggest Materialists may earn less than $500,000 in its upcoming frame, a narrow trajectory could allow it to surpass The Brutalist, temporarily boosting its ranking before its premium VOD release on July 22, which might mark its conclusion as a box office contender.
Anticipating Future Impact
Future Box Office Dynamics
The question remains: how far can Materialists climb before disappearing from theaters? With The Fantastic Four: First Steps set to launch on July 25, this could significantly impact its performance. The simultaneous release of two films featuring Pedro Pascal might draw fans away from this romance, or conversely, create a notable buzz surrounding both films.
As anticipation builds around the upcoming Oppenheimer release, Materialists prepares to navigate a landscape filled with cinematic heavyweights. With a unique voice from Celine Song and a star-studded cast, this film’s future continues to interest moviegoers and industry experts alike.
Source: The Numbers