The multiplex was packed, the smell of popcorn thick in the air. Anticipation hung heavy as the lights dimmed, but something felt off. The screen flickered to life, not with the lush jungles of Pandora, but a snarling primate—a stark reminder that even in escapism, there’s no escaping the unpredictable.
It’s a new year, and that means new movies, starting with Primate. Despite coming off like a very January movie—a monkey raised by humans going berserk against his family and murdering them anytime they try to escape—it opened in theaters pretty solidly.
Per Variety, the horror film currently has a global tally of $13.4 million USD (€12.4 million) worldwide. Of that, $11.3 million USD (€10.4 million) came from North America, with generally solid reviews from critics and audiences alike. Trailers for this were ahead of several movies last year, and it helps there were secret screenings to further build up hype. Paramount really wanted you to know this is a big screen experience with a crowd, hence one promotional video telling you to “witness it for yourself.”
For as well as Primate did, though, it couldn’t take the top spot in the box office from Avatar: Fire and Ash. After hitting the $1 billion USD (€924 million) mark last weekend, it’s now added another $21.3 million USD (€19.7 million), bringing the domestic total to $342.6 million USD (€316.5 million) and $1.23 billion USD (€1.13 billion) globally. According to analyst Luiz Fernando, it keeps doing especially well overseas, and it maintains its place as 2025’s third highest-grossing movie behind Ne Zha II and Zootopia 2. And speaking of Zootopia, its global total is now $1.65 billion USD (€1.52 billion), and Fernando predicts come next week, it’ll beat Inside Out 2’s $1.7 billion USD (€1.57 billion) box office and become the highest-grossing animated movie in Hollywood history.
Primate isn’t the only horror movie this month, as 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple and Night Patrol hit theaters on Friday. Other big genre films of the month include Mercy and Return to Silent Hill on January 23, then Send Help and Iron Lung on January 30.
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Pandora Still Reigns: Avatar’s Staying Power
The local cineplex was abuzz; everyone was talking about the new ape-gone-rogue flick, wondering if it would finally dethrone James Cameron’s behemoth. But as the weekend numbers rolled in, the Na’vi held their ground. It’s clear that the world of Pandora isn’t just a film; it’s a cultural touchstone, a cinematic universe that continues to draw audiences back for more.
Avatar: Fire and Ash continues its dominance, raking in another $21.3 million USD (€19.7 million) domestically. This brings its total domestic haul to a staggering $342.6 million USD (€316.5 million), with a global total soaring past $1.23 billion USD (€1.13 billion). The film’s success, according to box office analyst Luiz Fernando, is significantly fueled by overseas audiences, maintaining its grip as the third highest-grossing film of 2025, trailing only Ne Zha II and Zootopia 2. For Cameron, this is not just a win; it’s confirmation of his Midas touch in filmmaking.
How Does ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ Continue to Dominate the Box Office?
Consider this: Avatar isn’t just a movie; it’s an experience. Paramount recognized this, pushing for big-screen viewings to capitalize on the immersive nature of the film. Much of Avatar‘s ongoing success is likely due to repeat viewings and the sheer scale of the cinematic spectacle, which simply can’t be replicated at home. Also, think of James Cameron as a seasoned chef who understands the recipe for success, mixing stunning visuals with compelling storytelling. This enduring appeal, combined with strategic marketing, keeps filling seats week after week.
Primate’s Promising Debut
Whispers surrounded Primate before its release; I even overheard a group speculating whether it would be the surprise horror hit of the season. The film’s premise is simple: a primate, raised among humans, unleashes its primal rage on those who try to contain it. Primate garnered $13.4 million USD (€12.4 million) globally, with $11.3 million USD (€10.4 million) coming from North America. Solid reviews and a clever marketing strategy, including secret screenings, certainly fueled the hype.
What Marketing Strategies Did ‘Primate’ Use to Generate Hype?
Secret screenings are the cinematic equivalent of a speakeasy—exclusive and tantalizing. By generating buzz through word-of-mouth and limited access, Primate created a sense of urgency and intrigue. Paramount amplified this with a strong social media push, urging audiences to “witness it for yourself” on the big screen. This multi-pronged approach successfully planted Primate firmly in the public consciousness.
Horror on the Horizon
The local listings are filling up with new frights: this month promises a barrage of horror releases, aiming to capitalize on the audience’s insatiable appetite for thrills and chills. 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple and Night Patrol arrived recently, with Mercy, Return to Silent Hill, Send Help, and Iron Lung slated to terrorize audiences later in January. Will any of these films manage to dethrone the current king of the box office, or will Pandora’s bioluminescent forests continue to draw us in?
Will New Horror Releases Challenge Avatar’s Box Office Dominance?
While horror films often enjoy strong opening weekends, their staying power can be unpredictable. Avatar, with its broad appeal and immersive experience, has proven to be a formidable contender. It remains to be seen whether any of these new horror entries possess the necessary ingredients to topple Cameron’s cinematic empire.
Will Avatar‘s reign continue, or is the box office poised for a shakeup?