‘Minions & Monsters’ Heading To $13M+ Opening Wednesday At U.S. Box Office
The latest entry in the Despicable Me animated franchise launched with a $13.75 million opening day in domestic markets, marking the seventh instalment in the $5.6 billion property. Directed by Pierre Coffin and produced by Chris Meledandri, the film chronicles the minions' early days as 1920s Hollywood stars whilst battling an alien invasion. The opening-day total positioned it fourth among animated films debuting in July, trailing behind the 2024 and 2013 Despicable Me sequels and 2009's Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs.
Industry projections forecasted a weekend gross ranging from $60 million to $90 million, with tracking estimates at $80 million. The film achieved the franchise's strongest critical reception, securing a 90 percent certified fresh rating—a notable distinction across its 16-year history. Production costs amounted to $85 million prior to marketing expenditure. The release arrives during an extended holiday weekend, with Independence Day falling on a Saturday, which typically influences audience attendance patterns. Pixar's Toy Story 5 claimed second position with Wednesday estimates of $7–8 million in its second week of release.
- Minions & Monsters opened with $13.75M on opening day, the fourth-best animated July launch
- The film earned the franchise's highest critical rating at 90% certified fresh
- Weekend projections ranged $60–90M amid an extended holiday weekend with July 4th on Saturday