by 
Updated on December 10, 2021
“American Sniper” came in first place again this weekend at the box office, earning $64.4 million (-27.9% from last weekend) and grossing $200 million domestically to date.
Elsewhere in the box office, “Paddington” continues to see decent business, coming in third place and earning $12.4 million (-34.7%). So far, the film’s earned $40 million domestically, but $129.5 million overseas, for a global total of $169.6 million. It’s particularly doing well in its native United Kingdom.
“The Imitation Game” came in sixth place, adding a few more theaters and earning $7.1 million (+4.9%). So far, the Turing biopic’s earned $60.6 million domestic, $50.2 million overseas, and $110.8 million globally.
2015’s first major animated disappointment is likely this weekend’s debut of “Strange Magic,” the George Lucas-written film. The film debuted in seventh place, earning $5.5 million. Why it did this poorly? It might be the muddled looking TV ads that ran, not making clear what this film was about. There’s also still competition from “Paddington.”
In eighth place is “Selma,” which earned another $5.5 million (-37.4%). Its totals currently stand at $39.2 million (all domestic). Don’t suppose there’ll be an overseas release for this film, or is it not as “relatable” to overseas audiences as, um, a film about an American sniper?
Rounding out the top 10 is “Into the Woods” in tenth place, earning $3.9 million (-42.6%). So far, it’s earned $121.5 million domestic, $34 million overseas, and $155.5 million globally.
Falling out of the top 10 is “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies,” which has grossed $249.6 million domestically and $616.9 million overseas, or $866.5 million globally.
Next weekend sees opening drama “Black or White,” thriller “The Loft,” and sci-fi film “Project Almanac.” I don’t expect any of these films to make a huge impact, especially with the Super Bowl going on. The following weekend should be much more interesting, however, with a few major films opening (the new “SpongeBob SquarePants” film, among others).
