“Dog Man,” an animated canine-crime-fighting film set in the “Captain Underpants” universe, kicked off with a solid $36 million from 3,885 theaters in its first weekend. The PG animation was expected to perform well, thanks to great buzz and demand for family films.
Another newcomer, “Companion,” a satirical sci-fi thriller, debuted at No. 2 with $9.5 million from 3,285 theaters. Despite being R-rated, the film has received stellar reviews (94% on Rotten Tomatoes) and solid audience feedback (“B+”), suggesting it could become a sleeper hit in late January or early February.
“Dog Man” performed better at home but struggled internationally with $4.2 million from 29 markets, taking its global total to $40.6 million. The film’s production budget was $40 million, making it well-positioned for its theatrical run despite softer overseas sales.
The domestic box office has seen a 14.4% increase compared to the same point last year and 3.5% from 2023. With family-friendly options dominating the charts, exhibitors are hoping for a rebound in 2025 after pandemic-induced setbacks.
Source: https://variety.com/2025/film/box-office/box-office-dog-man-opening-weekend-first-place-36-million-1236293975