The weekend of May 9-11, 2025, saw major cinematic releases continue to dominate U.S. box offices, with Marvel’s Thunderbolts securing the top spot for the second consecutive week. Meanwhile, A Minecraft Movie and the vampire thriller Sinners achieved significant financial milestones, reinforcing their staying power. With no major new releases to challenge them, these films capitalized on diverse audience appeal, from superhero fans to families and horror enthusiasts. The numbers highlight a robust period for blockbusters, driven by strategic marketing and strong audience reception.
The success of Thunderbolts in its second week was bolstered by a bold move from Disney and Marvel Studios. The studio revealed that the film, previously titled with an asterisk, would now be marketed as The New Avengers, sparking widespread discussion online. Below are key highlights of the weekend’s box office performance:
- Thunderbolts: $33 million, retaining the top spot with a 53% drop from its opening.
- Sinners: $23 million in its fourth week, surpassing $200 million domestically.
- A Minecraft Movie: $8 million in its sixth week, crossing $400 million in the U.S.
Rebranding fuels Thunderbolts’ momentum
Marvel Studios’ decision to rebrand Thunderbolts as The New Avengers shortly after its debut was a calculated effort to tie the film to the broader Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The announcement, accompanied by updated posters in cities like Los Angeles, generated buzz among fans eager for connections to Avengers: Doomsday, set for release in 2026. Directed by Jake Schreier, the film earned $9 million on Friday, May 9, and closed the weekend with $33 million, according to industry estimates.
The film’s 53% drop from its $74.3 million opening is among the smallest second-weekend declines for an MCU title, outperforming Captain America: Brave New World, which fell 68%. With an A- CinemaScore and 94% approval on Rotten Tomatoes, Thunderbolts benefited from positive word-of-mouth. Below are key factors driving its performance:
- High-profile cast, including Florence Pugh and Sebastian Stan.
- Tie-ins to Avengers: Doomsday teased in marketing.
- Limited competition from new releases.
Sinners achieves historic milestone
The vampire thriller Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Michael B. Jordan, continued its impressive run in its fourth week. Earning $23 million over the May 9-11 weekend, the film crossed the $200 million domestic threshold on Saturday, May 10. This milestone is particularly notable for an original film, unaffiliated with any existing franchise. On Friday alone, Sinners added $6.5 million, reflecting a modest 31% drop from the prior weekend, one of the strongest holds of 2025.
Internationally, Sinners has grossed approximately $60 million, bringing its global total to $260 million. Warner Bros. plans to re-release the film in IMAX 70mm theaters from May 15-21, a move expected to boost its earnings further. The film ranks as the second-highest domestic release of 2025, trailing only A Minecraft Movie.
Minecraft sustains blockbuster status
A Minecraft Movie, based on the iconic Mojang Studios game, remains a cornerstone of 2025’s cinematic landscape. In its sixth week, the film grossed $8 million, pushing its domestic total past $400 million. Globally, the Warner Bros. production has surpassed $900 million, making it Hollywood’s top-grossing film of the year. Starring Jack Black as Steve, the movie continues to draw families and gamers, benefiting from minimal competition in the family-friendly segment.
With a 35% to 40% drop from the previous week, the film’s staying power is evident, and it is on track to hit $1 billion globally in the coming weeks. In the U.K. and Ireland, A Minecraft Movie has amassed $71.1 million, making it the region’s biggest hit of 2025. Below are its top international markets:
- U.K.: $71.1 million.
- China: $45 million.
- Australia: $28 million.
- Mexico: $22 million.
Marketing strategies drive engagement
The rebranding of Thunderbolts as The New Avengers was more than a name change; it was a strategic pivot to align the film with the MCU’s future. A promotional video featuring Sebastian Stan, who plays Bucky Barnes, tearing down a Thunderbolts poster to reveal the new title went viral, despite some criticism for spoiling the film’s ending. The move rekindled interest among MCU fans, particularly those anticipating Avengers: Doomsday.
Sinners leaned on the star power of Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan, whose previous collaborations include Black Panther. Warner Bros. emphasized the film’s 1930s setting and blend of horror and social commentary, appealing to a broad audience. A Minecraft Movie capitalized on partnerships with gaming influencers and in-game events, keeping the Minecraft community engaged.
Global markets reflect strong performance
Internationally, the three films maintained robust earnings. Thunderbolts grossed $86.1 million across 52 markets in its opening week and added $42 million in its second weekend, reaching $204 million worldwide. Key markets included the U.K. ($7.9 million opening) and China ($5.7 million). The film’s global appeal stems from its all-star cast and the promise of MCU connectivity.
Sinners earned $14.1 million in the U.K. and saw steady growth in Australia and Germany. A Minecraft Movie leads 2025’s global box office, with significant contributions from Asia and Europe. Below are the top five international markets for A Minecraft Movie:
- U.K.: $71.1 million.
- China: $45 million.
- Germany: $30 million.
- Australia: $28 million.
- France: $25 million.
Critical reception boosts ticket sales
Critical praise has played a pivotal role in the success of all three films. Thunderbolts earned a 94% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviewers lauding its irreverent tone and ensemble chemistry. Its A- CinemaScore reflects strong audience approval, positioning it as a return to form for the MCU after mixed responses to Captain America: Brave New World.
Sinners garnered a 92% Rotten Tomatoes score, with critics praising Coogler’s reinvention of the vampire genre and Jordan’s commanding performance. A Minecraft Movie, despite a 78% approval rating, resonated with younger audiences for its fidelity to the game’s aesthetic. Positive social media buzz further amplified the films’ visibility.
Limited competition aids holdovers
The lack of major new releases over the May 9-11 weekend allowed Thunderbolts, Sinners, and A Minecraft Movie to dominate. Smaller films like A24’s Friendship earned $500,000 across six theaters, while Juliet & Romeo grossed $350,000 in 1,350 locations. The absence of direct competitors gave established blockbusters room to attract diverse audiences, from superhero fans to families.
The upcoming release of Final Destination: Bloodlines on May 16, projected to open with $30 million to $40 million, will introduce stiffer competition. Until then, Thunderbolts will retain exclusive access to IMAX and premium formats, while Sinners benefits from its IMAX 70mm re-release. A Minecraft Movie is poised for its digital debut the following week.
Diverse audiences sustain earnings
The films’ box office success reflects their appeal to varied demographics. Thunderbolts drew primarily young adults and MCU fans, with a 60% male audience and a core 18-34 age group. Premium formats like IMAX and Dolby Cinema were popular among its viewers. Sinners attracted a broader crowd, with 55% women and a 25-44 age range, driven by its horror and historical elements.
A Minecraft Movie dominated the family segment, with 70% of its audience consisting of parents and children under 14. Below are the audience profiles:
- Thunderbolts: 60% male, 18-34 years, strong IMAX attendance.
- Sinners: 55% female, 25-44 years, horror and drama fans.
- A Minecraft Movie: 70% families, children under 14, matinee sessions.
Comparison to 2025’s top films
The 2025 box office has been defined by major hits, with A Minecraft Movie leading at $900 million globally. Sinners, with $260 million, outpaces Captain America: Brave New World ($416 million) and ranks as a breakout success. Thunderbolts shows promise for growth, particularly with its premium format re-releases and ties to Avengers: Doomsday.
Other 2025 standouts include Ne Zha 2, a Chinese production with $2.13 billion globally. Domestically, Sinners ranks sixth among all-time horror films, between Get Out and A Quiet Place. Thunderbolts sits between Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and Eternals for second-weekend MCU performance.
New releases struggle to compete
While blockbusters thrived, smaller films faced challenges. Friendship posted 2025’s highest per-theater average at $83,000 but was limited to six locations. Juliet & Romeo earned just $350,000 across 1,350 theaters, underscoring audiences’ preference for established titles. The arrival of Final Destination: Bloodlines next week should shift the landscape, drawing horror fans.
The dominance of holdovers like Thunderbolts and Sinners highlights the difficulty new releases face against films with strong brand recognition. Marvel’s rebranding of Thunderbolts likely pulled attention from smaller titles, which lack comparable marketing muscle.
Digital market preparations
As A Minecraft Movie nears its digital release the following week, Warner Bros. is ramping up promotion on streaming platforms. The move aims to capture new viewers, particularly in markets where the film is no longer in theaters. Sinners is set for a streaming push tied to Halloween 2025, leveraging its horror appeal.
Thunderbolts will remain in theaters for at least two more weeks, capitalizing on its theatrical window before hitting digital platforms. Disney is banking on the film’s longevity, fueled by teases of Avengers: Doomsday. Below are planned digital strategies:
- A Minecraft Movie: Digital launch next week, tied to gaming platforms.
- Sinners: Halloween-themed streaming campaign.
- Thunderbolts: Extended theatrical run through June, with Avengers tie-ins.
Outlook for coming weeks
The box office is poised for a shake-up with Final Destination: Bloodlines, expected to draw horror fans with a $30 million to $40 million opening. Thunderbolts faces its first major test but should hold steady with its IMAX exclusivity. Sinners is likely to gain from its IMAX 70mm re-release, while A Minecraft Movie transitions to digital with a loyal fanbase ensuring continued relevance.
The May 9-11 weekend underscored the power of established blockbusters in a low-competition environment. As new releases enter the fray, the market will test the staying power of these films, which have already cemented their place in 2025’s cinematic landscape.