Box Office Blues: A Quiet Fall Looms for Theaters

Theaters are bracing for a case of the box office blues as a quiet fall season looms on the horizon. This comes despite a year of many high notes, including the breakout success of the horror film Weapons, which has earned a stellar $148.8 million worldwide.
The highs of 2025 were driven by a clear audience demand for fresh and exciting content. The massive $828 million success of Jurassic World Rebirth was a major event, while the popularity of original horror films proved that new ideas can still be incredibly profitable in the current market.
However, the tempo is about to slow down significantly. The release calendar for late August and September is sparse, lacking the kind of high-profile films that generate buzz and drive ticket sales. While a new Conjuring movie will provide some energy, the overall atmosphere is expected to be subdued.
The industry is looking to a blockbuster-filled fourth quarter to cure the blues. The arrival of Tron: Ares in October will be followed by a strong slate of major releases, including Mortal Kombat II and Wicked: For Good, which are expected to pack theaters and end the year on a high.