Joker has smashed a new record in its opening weekend. With a domestic launch of $93.5 million, the film has gone on to become the biggest October opening ever. Combined with this, Joker sits at number one domestically and internationally. This ultimately sums up to $234 million global launch.
Opening at 4,374 locations, Joker has opened at more screens than any other film during the month of October. When adding onto that the above-mentioned box office result, this is an impressive launch for an R-rated movie. It also brings the film very close to the gross of Justice League’s opening of $93.8 million in 2017.
The Critic and Audience Reaction to Joker
From the report by Box Office Mojo, the reaction to the film has been one of high acclaim.
The report says of audience and critic scores:
Opening day audiences gave the film a “B+” CinemaScore with the under-35 set giving it an “A-“. To go along with a solid critical opinion — 69% on RottenTomatoes — the film holds a 91% audience score on RottenTomatoes to go along with an impressive 9.1/10 from IMDb users. The opening weekend crowd skewed heavily male at 64% while 66% of the audience was under the age of 35.
Audiences have been more forgiving of the film’s shortcomings. However, the critical appraisal of the film has been largely strong. While there are some who disagree with the popular opinion of the film, the 69% on Rotten Tomatoes is telling that both critics and audiences agree on the quality of the film (for once!)
Who Sits Behind Joker At The Box Office?
While Joker is sitting comfortably at number one, there is quite a variety of films coming up behind. Coming in second is Universal’s animated feature Abominable, with Downton Abbey hanging around in third. What is remarkable here is the potential hint of an increase in mature audiences to the cinema when considering that Hustlers and It: Chapter Two rounds out the top five.
With only one of these five being targeted at a family audience, does this suggest an increased interest in visiting the movies, contrary to popular belief? It may well be an unwarranted reading or it may be a sign of things to come.
All we can say for certain is Joker is killing it at the box office!
Have you seen Joker yet? If not, will you? Let us know in the comments!