Oppenheimer Sets The Weirdest Box Office Record
Almost a month into its theatrical release, the highly popular Oppenheimer is close to breaking a unique record. As of August 16, the film is poised to become the highest-earning movie that never reached number one at the domestic box office. The previous record was held by the 2016 film Sing, which amassed $270 million.
According to ComicBook.com, Oppenheimer is only $400,000 away from passing that milestone. The Christopher Nolan film is also part of the ten top-earning R-rated films in history, with global earnings of $577 million and counting. The biographical thriller surpassed the 1984 movie Beverly Hills Cop, securing a spot in the domestic top 10.
Oppenheimer is close to becoming the highest-earning movie that never reached number one at the domestic box office.
The following films on the R-rated list are The Hangover Part II with $254 million, The Hangover with $277 million, and The Matrix Reloaded with $281 million. Globally, Oppenheimer surpassed the R-rated Fifty Shades of Grey for the number 10 spot. Other films on the international list are Logan, with $614 million, and The Passion of the Christ, with $622 million.
Oppenheimer secured its R rating due to its focus on psychological horror elements. Nolan described the film’s impact on viewers during early screenings as deeply unsettling. While the thriller has been well-received overall, it hasn’t been without its share of controversies. A nude scene featuring Florence Pugh and a scene involving a poisonous apple have both had polarizing reactions.
Adapted from Kai Bird’s 2005 biography, American Prometheus, Oppenheimer revolves around the titular figure’s role in developing the first atomic bombs during World War II.
Interestingly, both aspects of the film sparked several informal debates about censorship and cultural differences on social media. However, Charles Oppenheimer, the real-life grandson of J. Robert Oppenheimer, expressed his reservations about the inclusion of the poisonous apple scene due to concerns about its historical accuracy.
Shot using large-format cameras to perfectly fit IMAX screens, Oppenheimer seems poised to add to its impressive box office tally. Initially scheduled for a three-week period, the film’s presence in IMAX theaters is growing due to surging audience interest. In response, Universal has extended Oppenheimer’s run in IMAX theaters until August 31.
The movie is expected to earn significant recognition at major awards ceremonies, including the Oscars.
Adapted from Kai Bird’s 2005 biography, American Prometheus, Oppenheimer revolves around the titular figure’s role in developing the first atomic bombs during World War II. Cillian Murphy takes the lead role and is accompanied by a notable ensemble cast, including Robert Downey Jr. as Lewis Strauss, Emily Blunt as Katherine Oppenheimer, Florence Pugh as Jean Tatlock, and Matt Damon as General Leslie Groves.
The film was released on July 21 as a highly promoted double-feature with Warner Bros.’ Barbie. Oppenheimer has garnered enthusiastic reviews, with Murphy and Downey, in particular, being praised for their performances. The movie stands as one of Christopher Nolan’s most highly regarded films thus far, achieving an impressive 93 percent average critical rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The movie is expected to earn significant recognition at major awards ceremonies, including the Oscars. While Oppenheimer’s momentum shows no signs of waning, there are other movies enjoying prosperous box office runs, including Barbie, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, and the somewhat controversial The Sound of Freedom.
