Melania Documentary Tops $8M in Strong Box Office Debut

A new documentary called 'Melania' brought in $8 million at the box office over its opening weekend. The film follows the former first lady during 20 days leading up to Donald Trump's second inauguration last year. It opened in theaters across North America on January 30, 2026, and in 27 countries. This strong start marks the best debut for a documentary in more than a decade.

Background

The film gives a close look at Melania Trump's life as she prepared for her husband's return to the White House. It includes footage from meetings, private talks, and places not seen before. Directed by Brett Ratner, the movie runs 104 minutes and carries a PG rating for some thematic elements. Amazon MGM Studios handled the release after paying $75 million for distribution rights and marketing. This makes it the most expensive documentary ever made.

Melania Trump served as an executive producer. The project came from Muse Films, a company she started late last year. Muse Films and Television worked with New Element Media and RatPac Entertainment on production. The movie focuses on her return to a major public role. It opened wide in the U.S. and select international markets like Australia, Italy, Japan, and Brazil.

The premiere took place Thursday in Washington, D.C., at the Trump Kennedy Center. Guests included Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Dr. Mehmet Oz, Nicki Minaj, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, and former New York Mayor Eric Adams. The event drew attention before the film's nationwide rollout.

Key Details

Box office numbers show 'Melania' earned $8 million from its debut. Early reports pointed to $7 million or more, but final tallies hit $8 million. This put it in third place for the weekend. It trailed two horror films: 'Iron Lung' and 'Send Help,' starring Rachel McAdams. The documentary still beat Jason Statham's action movie 'Shelter.'

Ticket buyers over 55 made up 78% of the audience. Women in that age group accounted for 72%. Rural theaters brought in 46% of sales, higher than usual for a new release. Top states for ticket sales were Florida, Texas, and Arizona.

Audience Reactions

Viewers showed strong support in some screenings. One man from Staten Island, age 60, said he went to the theater just for this film. He told reporters he wanted to see it challenge Hollywood. At least one showing ended with applause during Trump's swearing-in scene. Some in the crowd shouted 'Trump 2028!'

Reviews split down the middle. Some called the film too controlled and like an ad for the Trump team. Others noted its polished style. Critics pointed out it stays close to Mrs. Trump's daily routine without much drama.

"She is incredibly astute. She is incredibly involved. She does everything with grace. She has taken the punches right next to him and always held herself out with such grace. And I'm happy that for a woman who's a girl boss, who's literally a legend, and should have been on the cover of Vogue, she's going to have her time to shine." – U.S. Attorney Alina Habba

Habba spoke at the premiere. Her words captured the view from supporters who see the film as a fair portrait.

The movie played in 1,778 North American theaters. Its domestic share stands at 100% of worldwide totals so far. Early rankings place it at number 7,698 on all-time domestic box office lists with $2.9 million adjusted for inflation in initial reports.

What This Means

This debut sets 'Melania' apart from most documentaries. Few non-music docs open this big. The last to do better was Michael Moore's 'Fahrenheit 9/11' in 2004. That film made $119 million, or about $208 million today after inflation adjustments. 'Melania' now holds the record for best opening in over 10 years.

The audience makeup points to a specific draw. Older viewers, especially women, and rural crowds turned out in force. This differs from typical movie openings that pull younger city folks. States like Florida, Texas, and Arizona led sales, matching areas with strong Trump support.

Amazon's big investment paid off early. The $75 million spend on rights and ads shows faith in the project. As an executive producer, Melania Trump helped shape the final cut. Her company Muse Films gets a boost from this success.

For theaters, the film added to a weekend led by horror. 'Send Help' took first place, with 'Iron Lung' close behind. 'Melania' slipped in at third but topped wider releases like 'Shelter.' This mix shows docs can compete when they hit a nerve.

Going forward, the film heads to Prime Video later in 2026. International play continues in markets like Japan and Mexico. Strong word of mouth from fans could push totals higher. Mixed critic scores might limit broader appeal, but fan turnout suggests steady legs.

The release comes amid interest in the Trump family's public life. With Donald Trump back in office, eyes stay on Melania's role. This film fills a gap with personal footage from key days. Its box office run tests how much appetite exists for such stories.

Rural theaters' high share signals uneven draw. City multiplexes saw less action, while smaller venues packed in crowds. This pattern echoes political events more than standard entertainment.

Overall, the $8 million haul beats early guesses. It proves documentaries on political figures can draw crowds. The weekend total reflects real turnout, not just hype. As numbers finalize, 'Melania' stands as a rare doc hit in a field ruled by fiction.