Introduction

In a historic achievement that has Hollywood buzzing, Warner Bros. has become the first studio to release seven consecutive films, each opening with over $40 million at the domestic box office. The streak culminated with The Conjuring: Last Rites, breaking franchise records and reaffirming the studio’s dominance amid fierce competition in 2025.

Warner Bros.’ 7 Consecutive Box Office Hits

1. A Minecraft Movie – $162M
   Directed by Jared Hess and starring Jack Black and Jason Momoa, the adaptation of the blockbuster video game appealed to families and fans alike, grossing $957M worldwide.
2. Sinners – $48M
   Thriller starring Michael B. Jordan, praised for its gripping narrative and strong word-of-mouth, reaching $366M globally.
3. Final Destination: Bloodlines – $51.6M
   Reviving the popular horror franchise, the film earned $307M worldwide with a fresh take on suspense and inescapable death.
4. F1: The Movie – $57M
   A high-octane racing drama starring Brad Pitt, distributed for Apple, amassing $617M globally, and captivating audiences with adrenaline-packed sequences.
5. Superman – $125M
   James Gunn’s DC hero reboot featuring David Corenswet delivered a massive opening and achieved $613M worldwide, despite high production costs.
6. Weapons – $43.5M
   Zach Cregger’s horror-comedy impressed audiences with its unique blend of scares and humor, climbing toward $251M globally.
7. The Conjuring: Last Rites – $83M
   The latest installment in the supernatural horror series, directed by Michael Chaves and starring Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, became the highest-grossing opening in the franchise with $187M globally.

Factors Behind the Success

Analysts attribute Warner Bros.’ winning streak to:

• Diverse genres: From family-friendly adventures to horror and superhero films.
• Smart marketing campaigns: Leveraging nostalgia, franchise appeal, and social media engagement.
• Creative risk-taking: Greenlighting unique concepts like Weapons and F1: The Movie.
• Resilient distribution strategy: Mid-budget films alongside tentpole releases to maintain momentum.

David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research stated, “Warner Bros. is making bold creative choices, and it’s paying off. The industry is volatile, but the studio’s current streak shows the power of calculated risk.”

Profit and Industry Impact

After suffering losses in late 2024 with films like Joker: Folie à Deux and The Alto Knights, Warner Bros. has rebounded strongly. Year-to-date theatrical profits are estimated at $600 million, with Superman alone contributing $125M. This demonstrates that theatrical releases continue to hold value even in a streaming-dominated era.

Upcoming Warner Bros. Releases

To maintain momentum, Warner Bros. plans releases including:

• One Battle After Another – Drama by Paul Thomas Anderson
• Wuthering Heights – Emerald Fennell’s remake starring Margot Robbie
• The Bride – Directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal
• DC films: Supergirl and Clayface
• Flowervale Street – Starring Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor

FAQs

Which Warner Bros. film had the highest opening?

A: A Minecraft Movie opened at $162M domestically.

Did The Conjuring: Last Rites break franchise records?

A: Yes, it recorded the highest domestic opening in the franchise at $83M.

How has Warner Bros. rebounded from previous losses?

A: Through diverse genres, strategic marketing, and calculated creative risks, generating $600M in profits year-to-date.

Are these films performing well globally?

A: Yes, most films have achieved strong worldwide grosses, from $251M to $957M.

Conclusion

Warner Bros.’ historic achievement of seven consecutive $40M-plus openings is more than just a streak; it’s a reflection of strategic foresight, calculated risk-taking, and the enduring appeal of theatrical cinema. While streaming has changed the landscape, the studio’s diverse slate—from family-friendly adventures to horror and superhero epics—demonstrates that audiences still crave shared cinematic experiences.

This record also highlights Hollywood’s inherent unpredictability: studios can rise and fall rapidly, but Warner Bros. has shown that innovation, strong franchises, and bold marketing can turn the tide, cementing its position as a powerhouse in 2025 and beyond.