Summary
Danny Boyle’s 28 Years Later topped the box office on June 20, 2025, with a strong $14 million opening day and is projected to earn $28–$30 million over the weekend. The film introduces evolved "Alpha" zombies and has been praised for its intense storytelling and smart horror elements. In contrast, Pixar’s Elio underperformed with just $9 million on Friday, marking one of the studio’s weakest debuts. Meanwhile, the live-action How to Train Your Dragon remake held strong in second place, earning nearly $11 million and showing strong staying power into its second weekend.
The box office saw a major shake-up on Friday, June 20, 2025, as three major titles vied for dominance. Danny Boyle’s 28 Years Later opened to a powerful debut, while Pixar’s Elio failed to meet expectations. Meanwhile, Universal’s live-action How to Train Your Dragon held its ground, maintaining a strong second-place position.
Here’s the full breakdown of this weekend’s box office contenders—and what it means for the summer movie season.
‘28 Years Later’ Starts Strong With $14M Friday
Danny Boyle’s much-anticipated horror sequel, 28 Years Later, opened to an impressive $14 million on its first day, marking a triumphant return to the post-apocalyptic franchise that began over two decades ago.
Key Highlights:
- Projected weekend gross: $28M–$30M
- Critics are praising the film’s gritty tone and smart storytelling
- Introduces a new breed of “Alpha” zombies—smarter, faster, and more terrifying than ever
Fans have praised Boyle for keeping the series grounded in realistic horror while updating the mythology with deeper emotional stakes and societal themes.
With strong audience reception and positive reviews, 28 Years Later is expected to perform well throughout the next few weeks, especially with minimal genre competition.
Pixar’s ‘Elio’ Disappoints With Just $9M
While Pixar has traditionally been a powerhouse, its newest release Elio has stumbled out of the gate. The animated sci-fi adventure opened with only $9 million on Friday, one of the studio’s weakest debuts to date.
Why the Weak Start?
- Critics cite a disjointed storyline and lack of emotional depth
- Despite vibrant animation, audiences say it lacks the Pixar magic
- Stiff competition from both 28 Years Later and Dragon
This marks the second consecutive box office miss for Pixar after Lightyear’s underperformance. Many industry analysts are now questioning whether Pixar’s once-unshakable reputation for animated hits is beginning to fade.
‘How to Train Your Dragon’ Remake Holds Steady
Universal’s live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon continues to show solid box office legs, taking in nearly $11 million on Friday, just one week after its debut.
What’s Driving Its Success?
- Loyal fanbase from the original animated trilogy
- Strong word-of-mouth and positive family audience reviews
- Visually stunning recreation of the world of Berk and beloved characters
Projected to earn over $30 million in its second weekend, Dragon proves there’s still room in the market for high-quality remakes—when done with care.
Box Office Top 3: June 20, 2025
| Rank | Film | Friday Earnings | Weekend Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 28 Years Later | $14 million | $28–$30 million |
| 2 | How to Train Your Dragon | $11 million | $30–$32 million |
| 3 | Elio | $9 million | $20–$22 million |
What This Means for the Summer Box Office
This weekend’s results tell an interesting story:
- Audiences are still hungry for original storytelling in the horror genre (28 Years Later)
- Animated films must offer emotional substance to compete in a saturated market
- Nostalgia-driven projects like Dragon continue to perform—when quality is prioritized
With films like Deadpool & Wolverine, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, and Twisters on the horizon, the summer slate is still heating up.
Why ‘28 Years Later’ Is a Critical Turning Point
Danny Boyle’s return to the franchise after nearly two decades has revitalized interest in post-pandemic horror. The film not only delivers action and gore but also explores themes of survival, family, and moral compromise.
Early reviews praise Cillian Murphy’s return (in a surprising cameo) and Jodie Comer’s standout performance as a new protagonist navigating the broken world.
This kind of storytelling—gritty, thought-provoking, and character-driven—is what horror fans crave.
Pixar’s Challenge: Can ‘Elio’ Bounce Back?
It’s not all doom for Elio, but Pixar has work to do. Once considered unbeatable, the studio has recently struggled to recapture its former glory.
With audiences calling Elio “visually pretty but emotionally flat,” the studio may need to rethink its approach to storytelling and marketing. Mid-week family traffic may give it a small boost, but it’s unlikely to see a major turnaround without strong word-of-mouth.
Final Thoughts
The June 20 box office shows the continued power of compelling storytelling and strong brand recognition. 28 Years Later is on track to become one of the year’s standout horror hits, while Elio may struggle to make an impact beyond its opening weekend. How to Train Your Dragon proves nostalgia still sells—especially when paired with quality production.
Moviegoers are sending a clear message: They want substance, not just spectacle.
Also Read : How HBO Became the Gold Standard of Television
FAQs
How much did 28 Years Later make on opening day?
It earned $14 million on Friday, June 20, with a projected weekend total of $28–$30 million.
Is Elio Pixar’s worst opening ever?
It’s among Pixar’s lowest openings, debuting with just $9 million—well below expectations for a summer release.
Is the How to Train Your Dragon remake successful?
Yes. With a strong second Friday haul of $11 million, it is expected to surpass $30 million for its second weekend.
What’s driving the success of 28 Years Later?
Strong direction, fan anticipation, smart horror elements, and the introduction of more evolved “Alpha” zombies.
Will Elio recover at the box office?
Unlikely, unless it gains strong midweek attendance and family appeal. Early reviews have been lukewarm.
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