As the entire industry was forced to halt production, some chose to wait out the pandemic by pushing release dates, others chose to make the most of the captive audience as the world was trapped in front of their TV’s. Dealing with the evolving realities of the pandemic meant that studios and distributors were incentivised to release movies via streaming or on demand the same day as the cinematic release, bringing the short-lived era of ‘day and date’ cinema.
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Spare the rare exception, the pandemic box office was dominated by sequels, cinematic universes and existing IP. Taking into account worldwide total gross earnings, here are the most successful movies released during our lockdown period.
Wonder Woman 1984— $166 million
StarringGal GadotandKristen Wiig,the follow-up to the hugely successful 2017Wonder Womanreceived mixed reviewsupon its release early on in the pandemic.
As one of the first major releases of the ‘day and date’ release era via HBOMax,Wonder Woman 1984did not receive a wide cinematic release, instead it was used to launch the newly rebranded streaming service.
DirectorJames Gunnaimed to breathe new life into the DC Comics franchise that spawned the universally critiqued 2016Suicide Squad.Also premiering on HBOMaxThe Suicide Squadwas a carefully calculated reimagining of the property, as the movie this time successfully blends the grim violence with offbeat comedy that the first film was aiming for.
Evenspawning a HBOMax spinoffforJohn Cenaas Peacemaker,the modest box office is not quite telling of the film’s success with both audiences and critics.
A Quiet Place Part II- $297 million
Helmed by Hollywood power couple, starEmily Bluntand Director/Co-starJohn Krasinski,the sequel to the 2018 hitA Quiet Placealmost surpassed its predecessor even during a pandemic.
The modern prestige horror subgenre has continued to prove financially viable, continuing the trend of similar hits likeHerditary,MidsommarorGet Out.
Tenet- $363 million
StarringJohn David WashingtonandRobert PattinsonalongsideElizabeth Debicki,the latest entry intoChristopher Nolan’strademarkslick sci-fi canon was both written and directed by Nolan.
Featuring the usual mind-bending, high concept, premise conventions of Nolan’s work, the movie’s unique take on time travel interspersed with grounded action made this movie must see pandemic viewing.
Dune- $400 million
Timothée Chalemetled the way for the latest adaption ofFrank Herbert’s classic sci-fi epic, starring as the messianic Paul Atreides. WithOscar IsaacandRebecca Fergusonalso playing large roles, the stacked cast and award-winning visual effects were enough to land the film the greenlight for a much anticipated sequel.
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Plus notable appearances byJosh BrolinandJason Mamoa,the film also managed10 academy award nominationsincluding Best Picture, winning for best sound, best visual effects and best cinematography.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings- $432 million
While a far cry from the usual billion-dollar Marvel box office baseline of years past, not even the pandemic could stop audiences from the studio’s latest entry. Released exclusively in cinemas, the superhero and martial arts movie crossover starredSimu Liuas the titular Shang-Chi.
Also featuringAwkwafina, plus powerful performances byTony LeungandMichelle Yeoh, the film was largely well received by Marvel fans and critics alike.
Godzilla vs. Kong— $468 million
The sequel to the2017Kong: Skull Islandand the2019Godzilla: King of Monsters,this clash of the iconic giants reached almost half a billion dollars in the box office while the world was still deep within the midst of the pandemic.
As a ‘day and date’ release on HBOMax and on demand, the movie was simultaneously released in cinemas and making its financial success even more surprising.
Venom: Let There Be Carnage- $506 million
TheTom Hardystarring follow up to the 2018Venom,Let There Be Carnagelooked to continue the Spider-man villain led cinematic universe in the works at Sony. IntroducingWoody Harrelsonas serial killer Cletus Kasady, the sequel maintained the same campy energy of the first film.
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Avoiding many of the downfalls of thelater entry into the Sony series,Morbius, Venom 2 instead gained audience favor by focussing on the fun tone and performances of the original.
F9: The Fast Saga- $726 million
A far cry from the series' humble roots, the latest entry into the franchise now boasts an expansive roster of both friends and foes, includingCardi B,Helen Mirren,Kurt RussellandCharlize Theron.
Also introducingJohn Cenaas a long-lost Torretto brother, the ninth entry of the franchise continued its expansion into the world of high-tech cyber criminals and international spies. With the same focus on family and bringing back once dead characters, while entirely reimagining others, the franchise still excels when behind the wheel.
No Time To Die- $774 million
The latest entry into the modern Bond franchise held out almost two years for a full international cinematic release forDaniel Craig’s final appearance after a decade in the tuxedo.
Featuring the first villainous turn for Oscar winnerRami Malek,Lashana Lynchas the new 007 andAna de Armisas a rookie spy, the movie earns it’s near three hour runtime as it attempts to respect the entirety of the franchise, concluding the modern incarnation of the character.
