The animated film GOAT took the number one spot at the North American box office this weekend, edging out Wuthering Heights in a tight race during a slow late-February frame. GOAT, which follows a determined goat chasing athletic dreams, pulled in $17 million from 3,863 theaters. That's down from its huge opening, but enough to beat the competition. The movie hit theaters on February 13 and quickly became a family hit.
Key Takeaways
- GOAT earned $17 million in its second weekend, topping charts after a $27.2 million opening.
- Total domestic gross now stands at $45.2 million after eight days.
- Wuthering Heights held strong but fell to second with steady earnings.
- This win marks a bright spot for original animated films in a sequel-heavy market.
Background
GOAT tells the story of a small goat with big dreams. He gets a rare chance to join professional sports. The film mixes action, adventure, comedy, and family elements. It's rated PG for mild rude humor and language. Runtime is 100 minutes. Sony Pictures Animation made it, with help from Columbia Pictures and others. Production countries include the US, Brazil, Japan, and Singapore. Budget was $80 million.
It opened on February 13, right before Presidents' Day. That timing helped. Families flocked to theaters over the holiday. Friday brought $7.1 million. Saturday jumped to $11.8 million, up 66%. Sunday added $8.3 million. The four-day holiday weekend hit $35.1 million. That's the 17th best four-day Presidents' Day opening ever. And the third largest for an original animated film this decade.
But theaters faced a quiet winter. Fewer big releases meant less buzz. Still, GOAT stood out. Its per-theater average topped charts early on. Kids loved the talking animals and underdog tale. Parents appreciated the sports theme. Stephen Curry produced it, adding real cred.
Wuthering Heights, a live-action erotic drama from Warner Bros, entered the mix. It debuted strong over the holiday with $37.5 million domestic. Global take reached $88 million fast. The two films battled head-to-head. GOAT led Sunday and Monday. But Wuthering Heights kept pace through the week.
And here's the thing. Both films did well on their terms. Animation families versus drama crowds. No clear loser. Just a solid box office story in tough times.
Key Details
GOAT's daily breakdown shows the ride. After the holiday peak, drops came. Tuesday fell 63% to $2.9 million. Wednesday eased to $1.6 million. Thursday ticked up slightly to $1.7 million. Friday rebounded with $3.9 million, down 45% from opening day. Cumulative domestic now $45.2 million. International adds $15.6 million. Worldwide total: $60.8 million.
That's 0.8 times the budget so far. Not huge profits yet. But legs matter. The film held theaters steady at 3,863. No big cuts. Average per screen hovered around $1,000 Friday. Solid for week two.
Competition Breakdown
Wuthering Heights earned $2.4 million Thursday. No drop from Wednesday. Its domestic cume: $45.8 million. Global pushed past $114 million. Strong for a drama. But GOAT's family pull won out.
Other films lagged. No major new releases. Holdovers filled the rest. GOAT's drop was typical post-holiday. Yet it stayed number one. Analysts watch the multiplier. Current legs at 1.66. Decent. Could stretch like older hits.
"GOAT nearly quintupled its Friday gross over the holiday. It's Sony's best original toon start in years." – Industry analyst Scott Mendelson
Production details highlight the effort. Original screenplay. Digital animation. Keywords: sports comedy, animal lead, basketball, underdog. Compared to Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. Fans see echoes in the wish-fulfillment arc.
GOAT Box Office Performance
This win signals hope for Sony Animation. Their first full animated theatrical since 2019's Angry Birds Movie 2. No Spider-Verse boost here. Pure original draw. Third biggest non-sequel toon debut this decade. Behind only Pixar's Onward and Elemental.
Studios react fast. Sony bumped their next film, Buds, to December 2027. Post-Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse. Smart slot. Holiday family season. GOAT proves originals can work. Even in a sequel world.
Winter box office stays glacial. Fewer tentpoles. But families show up. GOAT tapped that. Its global rank: 2,841 all-time. Domestic animation list: 165th. Numbers grow weekly.
What does this mean for theaters? Steady traffic. No blockbuster void. Families choose fun over drama sometimes. Wuthering Heights grabs adults. GOAT owns kids. Balanced weekend.
And links to broader trends. Animation rebounds slow post-pandemic. Sony joins Illumination, Pixar in the fight. Budget control key. $80 million pays off if legs hold.
Theater chains keep screens lit. No panic pulls. Audiences mix ages. Sports tie-in draws dads too. Curry's name helps. Word of mouth builds. Drops manageable.
What This Means
GOAT's lead reshapes the frame. It enters week two strong. Projections call for $12-15 million. Enough to hold top? Maybe. Wuthering Heights fades slower perhaps. Drama legs often longer.
For Sony, green light on originals. Buds moves up. Confidence boost. Animation market needs wins. Sequels dominate. But underdogs rise.
Families win most. Fresh story. No franchise fatigue. Theaters need this. Slow season tests loyalty. GOAT delivers.
Broader impact? Studios eye slots. Presidents' Day works. Originals viable. Global chase starts. $15.6 million overseas already. More markets open.
Competition heats soon. But this sets tone. Positive. Measurable. Real earnings matter.
Winter drags on. Yet hits emerge. GOAT proves it. Small goat, big punch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GOAT about?
GOAT follows a little goat dreaming of pro sports glory. He fights odds to make the team. Full of laughs, action, and heart.
How much has GOAT made so far?
Domestic total is $45.2 million after eight days. Worldwide reaches $60.8 million.
When does Buds come out now?
Sony shifted Buds to December 22, 2027. Right after Spider-Verse.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GOAT about?
GOAT follows a little goat dreaming of pro sports glory. He fights odds to make the team. Full of laughs, action, and heart.
How much has GOAT made so far?
Domestic total is $45.2 million after eight days. Worldwide reaches $60.8 million.
When does Buds come out now?
Sony shifted Buds to December 22, 2027. Right after Spider-Verse.
