Horror Fans Defy Critics: 'Five Nights at Freddy’s 2' Dominates Box Office Despite Harsh Reviews
The weekend box office results are in, and they’re sparking some serious debates! 'Five Nights at Freddy’s 2' has clawed its way to a staggering $63 million opening, proving that fans are still hungry for the franchise—even if critics aren’t. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite being slammed by reviewers (dropping to a mere 12% on the Tomatometer), the film is raking in profits, leaving many to wonder: Do critics really matter when fans show up in droves?
Let’s rewind a bit. Last weekend, families flocked to theaters for the animated world of 'Zootopia 2', but this weekend, it was all about returning to the eerie pizza parlor haunted by killer animatronics. Many predicted a lackluster performance for the sequel, given the first film’s mixed reception and steep box office drop-off. Yet, Freddy’s fans proved the naysayers wrong, turning out in force despite Universal’s decision to release the film simultaneously on Peacock—a move that historically hasn’t boded well for theatrical numbers. But this is the part most people miss: even with a 76.2% drop in its second weekend, the first installment still grossed over $291 million globally against a $20 million budget. Now, with the sequel doubling its budget to $51 million and already crossing $109 million worldwide, it’s clear this franchise isn’t slowing down. But the question remains: Is this a victory for fan loyalty or a sign that critical acclaim is becoming less relevant?
Speaking of victories, 'Zootopia 2' continues its march toward the $1 billion mark, currently sitting at $915 million globally. Domestically, it’s pacing closer to 'Minions: The Rise of Gru' than 'Moana 2', but with China contributing a whopping $430 million, the billion-dollar milestone seems inevitable. This would make it the 30th film under the Disney banner to hit that mark—an impressive feat, but also a reminder of Disney’s dominance in the industry. Is this a testament to Disney’s magic, or are audiences craving more original stories?
Meanwhile, 'Wicked: For Good' is holding its own, adding $16.7 million to its total and positioning itself as the sixth-best November release ever after 17 days. While its drop is steeper than its predecessor, it’s still on track to finish between $325-$345 million domestically, with a global total approaching $500 million. But with both films combined nearing $1.25 billion, one has to ask: Are audiences growing fatigued with franchise extensions, or is there still room for more?
In other news, GKids’ 'Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution' debuted in fourth place with $10.1 million, marking the studio’s second-biggest opening ever. With a Tomatometer score hovering around 80%, it’s a win for anime fans and GKids alike. And while 'Now You See Me: Now You Don’t' continues to perform well internationally, pushing past $210 million, Lionsgate might want to consider wrapping up the franchise before it overstays its welcome.
On the indie front, Chloe Zhao’s 'Hamnet' expanded to 744 theaters, grossing $2.3 million. With awards season around the corner, could this be the next sleeper hit? And let’s not forget Quentin Tarantino’s 'Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair', which grossed $3.2 million in limited release. At 4.5 hours with an intermission, it’s a bold move—but is the world ready for such an epic re-release?
Finally, James L. Brooks’ 'Ella McCay' marks his return to theaters after 15 years, boasting a star-studded cast. But with so many remakes and sequels flooding the market, are we losing sight of original storytelling?
Full Box Office Results: December 5-7, 2025
1. Five Nights At Freddy’s 2 – $63.0 million ($63.0 million total)
2. Zootopia 2 – $43.0 million ($220.4 million total)
3. Wicked: For Good – $16.7 million ($296.9 million total)
4. Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution – $10.1 million ($10.1 million total)
5. Now You See Me: Now You Don’t – $3.5 million ($55.3 million total)
6. Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair – $3.2 million ($3.2 million total)
7. Eternity – $2.7 million ($9.5 million total)
8. Hamnet – $2.3 million ($4.1 million total)
9. Dhurandhar – $1.9 million ($1.9 million total)
10. Predator: Badlands – $1.8 million ($88.2 million total)
What’s your take? Are critics losing their influence, or is fan loyalty the new kingmaker? Let us know in the comments!
