Los Angeles —
Exciting news from the North American box office this New Year’s weekend! The fantasy musical “Wonka” has bounced back to the top spot, bringing a new wave of entertainment to audiences as they bid farewell to a somewhat lackluster year for film.
The Warner Bros. film raked in an estimated $24 million for the three-day weekend in the U.S. and Canada, and a whopping $31.8 million when New Year’s Day is included. With a domestic total of over $140 million and a global haul of $244 million, “Wonka” has proven to be a hit with audiences worldwide.
As industry analyst David A. Gross explained, this robust performance comes at the end of a challenging year for Hollywood, with box office numbers lagging approximately 20 percent below the three-year pre-pandemic average. The shift in audience tastes, from high-stakes action films to more relatable stories, has been palpable.
One such relatable story is that of “Wonka,” featuring actor Timothee Chalamet as a young Willy Wonka. The film has delighted families with its heartwarming tale, complemented by an unforgettable performance from Hugh Grant as a grumpy, green-haired Oompa Loompa.
Trailing behind “Wonka,” we have Warner Bros.’ “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” which took in $19.5 million for three days ($26.3 million for four). In this installment, Jason Momoa returns to play the superhero as he teams up with his former foe to combat environmental turmoil and climate change.
Another crowd-pleaser is Illumination and Universal’s animated comedy “Migration,” following the adventures of a family of mallard ducks as they fly from New England to Jamaica. The film earned $17.2 million for three days ($23 million for four).
Additionally, Warner Bros. also secured a solid showing with the new musical adaptation of “The Color Purple,” coming in fourth at $13 million ($17.7 million). The compelling film, based on Alice Walker’s beloved novel, showcases the struggles and successes of Celie, a young Black woman in rural Georgia during the early 20th century.
Finally, Sony’s rom-com “Anyone But You” wraps up the top 5 with $9 million ($11.5 million). Starring Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell, the film presents a charming love story with a Shakespearean twist, set against the backdrop of Sydney Harbour.
Capping off the rankings for the weekend, the top 10 are as follows:
1. “Wonka,” $24 million.
2. “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” $19.5 million.
3. “Migration,” $17.2 million.
4. “The Color Purple,” $13 million.
5. “Anyone But You,” $9 million.
6. “The Boys in the Boat,” $8.3 million.
7. “The Iron Claw,” $5 million.
8. “Ferrari,” $4.1 million.
9. “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” $2.9 million.

