LOS ANGELES — Pixar’s animated blockbuster *Hoppers* defied mid-March box office doldrums by securing the top spot for a second consecutive weekend, grossing $28.5 million in its sophomore outing, according to studio estimates released Sunday. The film’s modest 37% drop from its $45.3 million debut signals strong staying power for the original animated feature, which has already amassed $164.7 million globally. Meanwhile, Colleen Hoover’s *Reminders of Him*—the third film adaptation of the bestselling author’s work—surprised analysts by debuting in second place with $18.3 million, while indie horror film *Undertone* emerged as a sleeper hit with a $9.3 million opening. These results highlight the divergent strategies driving 2025’s box office recovery, as audiences seek both family-friendly entertainment and mature-themed adaptations.
- Pixar’s *Hoppers* earned $28.5M in its second weekend, a 37% decline from its $45.3M debut, proving resilience for original animated films.
- Colleen Hoover’s *Reminders of Him* overperformed with $18.3M in its opening weekend, extending the author’s dominance in film adaptations.
- A24’s micro-budget horror *Undertone* grossed $9.3M, positioning itself as a critical and commercial sleeper hit.
- Year-to-date ticket sales are up 15.2% compared to 2024, signaling a rebound in moviegoing ahead of Oscar weekend.
Why 'Hoppers' Is Pixar’s Latest Box Office Contender
Since the debut of *Inside Out 2* in June 2024—a film that went on to gross $1.7 billion worldwide—Pixar has faced scrutiny over the performance of its original, non-sequel properties. *Elemental*, released in June 2023, opened with a disappointing $29.6 million domestically but ultimately earned $496.4 million globally, proving that Pixar’s originals often require time to gain traction. *Hoppers*, which tells the story of a young woman who transforms into a beaver to save her pond from corporate development, has followed a similar trajectory. With a 94% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an ‘A’ CinemaScore from audiences, the film’s critical acclaim and word-of-mouth buzz suggest it has the legs to sustain its box office run through the spring.
The Role of Critical Reception and Audience Scores
Critical reception has played a pivotal role in *Hoppers’* box office success. Unlike many animated films that rely solely on family appeal, *Hoppers* has cultivated a broader demographic with its environmental themes and mature storytelling. Reviewers have praised its animation, humor, and surprisingly nuanced narrative, which resonates with both children and adults. The film’s ‘A’ CinemaScore—typically reserved for high-performing family films like *The Super Mario Bros. Movie*—indicates strong audience satisfaction, a key driver of repeat viewings and word-of-mouth promotion. This bodes well for its global expansion, particularly in international markets where Pixar has historically struggled to match Disney’s dominance.
Competition and Market Dynamics in March 2025
The weekend’s box office was notably devoid of major new releases, creating a rare opportunity for mid-tier films to thrive. The next significant competitor, Amazon MGM’s *Project Hail Mary*, is set to expand into IMAX screens later this month, potentially siphoning off family audiences. However, *Hoppers*’ early lead and strong reviews position it to fend off this challenge. Meanwhile, Warner Bros.’ *The Bride!*—a $80–90 million adaptation of *The Bride of Frankenstein*—collapsed to just $2.1 million in its second weekend, a 70% drop that underscores the risks of reimagining classic properties without clear audience appeal.
Colleen Hoover’s Box Office Midas Touch Continues with 'Reminders of Him'
Colleen Hoover’s dominance over the box office shows no signs of waning. *Reminders of Him*, the third film adaptation of her novels after 2024’s *It Ends With Us* ($351 million worldwide) and 2025’s *Regretting You* ($91 million), debuted with $18.3 million—a figure that exceeded industry expectations for a mid-budget drama starring Maika Monroe. While the film received mixed reviews (56% on Rotten Tomatoes) and a lukewarm ‘B’ CinemaScore, Hoover’s cult-like fanbase has proven resilient in converting literary devotion into box office gold. The success of *Reminders of Him* highlights the growing trend of leveraging bestselling novels to mitigate the financial risks of original screenplays in an era of rising production costs.
A24’s 'Undertone' Proves Horror Can Thrive on a Micro-Budget
In an era where blockbuster budgets routinely exceed $200 million, A24’s *Undertone* stands out as a testament to the power of restraint and creativity. The $500,000 horror film, written and directed by Ian Tuason, opened with $9.3 million—a figure that would be impressive even for a studio-backed production. The film’s premise—a paranormal podcaster (played by Nina Kiri) caring for her dying mother in a single, claustrophobic setting—has drawn comparisons to A24’s breakout horror hit *Hereditary* (2018), which helped cement the studio’s reputation for innovative genre filmmaking. *Undertone*’s success underscores A24’s strategy of nurturing low-budget, high-concept horror films that resonate with niche audiences while delivering outsized returns.
The Broader Context: A Box Office Rebound Ahead of Oscar Weekend
The trio of *Hoppers*, *Reminders of Him*, and *Undertone* collectively lifted weekend ticket sales 15.2% year-over-year, according to Comscore, defying the traditional slowdown that precedes the Academy Awards. Historically, Oscar weekend has been a challenging period for theaters, as audiences and industry attention pivot to the glitz of Hollywood’s biggest night. However, 2025’s pre-Oscar slate has demonstrated surprising resilience, with films like *Hoppers*—which appeal to family audiences—and *Reminders of Him*—which targets mature moviegoers—finding success across different demographics. This diversity in offerings suggests a maturing box office landscape where original, non-franchise films can thrive alongside established properties.
The Role of Franchises vs. Original Films in 2025’s Box Office
The contrast between *Hoppers*—an original Pixar property—and *The Bride!*—a high-budget franchise reimagining—highlights a broader industry shift. While franchises and sequels dominate the top of the charts, original films are increasingly carving out space by leveraging strong critical reception, niche audiences, or unique marketing strategies. *Hoppers*’ ability to sustain its box office run without relying on pre-existing IP demonstrates that original animated films can still command attention in a crowded market. Meanwhile, *The Bride!*’s struggles reflect the risks of betting big on nostalgia-driven projects without a clear path to audience engagement.
What’s Next for the Spring Box Office?
As *Hoppers* prepares for its global rollout, the film faces its next major test with the impending release of Amazon MGM’s *Project Hail Mary* on March 21. Directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller, the sci-fi adventure stars Ryan Gosling and has already generated significant buzz for its IMAX-friendly action sequences. Meanwhile, A24 is expected to further capitalize on the success of *Undertone* by expanding its marketing for the film into additional markets. For Colleen Hoover, *Reminders of Him*’s strong debut paves the way for future adaptations, with industry analysts eyeing her back catalog as fertile ground for cinematic storytelling. With Oscar weekend just days away, the next few weeks will be critical in determining whether 2025’s box office rebound is sustainable or merely a seasonal anomaly.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much did 'Hoppers' make in its second weekend at the box office?
- Pixar’s 'Hoppers' grossed $28.5 million in its second weekend, a 37% decline from its $45.3 million debut. The film has earned $164.7 million globally thus far.
- Why did 'Reminders of Him' perform better than expected?
- 'Reminders of Him' benefited from Colleen Hoover’s loyal fanbase and moderate marketing. The film’s $18.3 million debut exceeded industry expectations for a mid-budget drama.
- What makes A24’s 'Undertone' a sleeper hit?
- A24’s 'Undertone' earned $9.3 million on a $500,000 budget, proving the studio’s ability to deliver high returns on micro-budget horror films. Its single-setting premise and strong sound design have drawn comparisons to A24’s breakout hit 'Hereditary'.
