The box office has been missing a significant piece lately – family films. While there have been a few kid-friendly hits that have helped boost ticket sales, many family features either debuted on streaming platforms or were released so far apart from each other that any momentum in ticket sales quickly dissipated. However, in recent months, there has been a steady stream of family-friendly movies arriving in cinemas, each building on the success of the last and revitalizing the box office.
Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” made a huge impact, bringing in $155 million during its opening weekend. This success not only restored the animation studio’s reputation following a rough patch but also provided hope for a stronger second half of the year for movie theater operators. According to Chris Johnson, the CEO of Classic Cinemas, momentum plays a crucial role in driving ticket sales. Currently, the domestic box office is down 23% from last year but trails by 40% from 2019, standing at $3.08 billion.
The Definition of Family-Friendly Films
The term “family-friendly” films encompass a wide range of genres, and the definition can vary among box-office analysts. While some consider the film’s rating as the qualifier, others look at the content of the film itself. As Shawn Robbins, founder and owner of Box Office Theory, pointed out, family movies can include superhero flicks, live-action adventures, and comedies. The key is to create content that is friendly, accessible, and relatable to a broad demographic.
The Impact of the Pandemic
The pandemic had a significant impact on the family film genre, with parents being reluctant to take their families to theaters during the height of the situation. However, in 2024, family films have become the bright spot in what has been a challenging summer for the industry. Prior to the pandemic, more than two dozen family films were released in 2019, with several Disney classics making up the top-grossing films. In contrast, in 2020, the number of family films released was significantly lower due to production shutdowns.
Paul Dergarabedian, a senior media analyst at Comscore, emphasized the importance of the family audience. He noted that, despite challenges, family films continued to thrive and were crucial in driving the box office performance. Johnson from Classic Cinemas also highlighted the significance of family-friendly fare, noting how they could not ignore the family audience and its impact on box office numbers. The success of films like “Inside Out 2” has reaffirmed the importance of catering to families in the industry.
Looking ahead, upcoming releases like “Despicable Me 4” are expected to continue the trend of family-friendly hits. The film is projected to bring in between $60 million and $80 million during its debut, in line with previous installments in the franchise. The momentum generated by recent releases and the anticipation surrounding family-friendly films are crucial in driving the box office forward.
Family-friendly films have played a critical role in reviving the box office post-pandemic. The success of recent releases has demonstrated the resilience of the genre and its ability to attract a wide audience. As the industry continues to recover, focusing on family-friendly content will be essential in sustaining momentum and driving future growth in the box office.