Pixar's Elio Hits Record Low Debut Amid 28 Years Later Boom

Pixar's latest film, Elio, has delivered the studio's worst-ever box office opening, while How to Train Your Dragon continues its dominant run.

The original animated film launched with a global total of $35 million, comprising $21 million domestically and a concerningly low $14 million from international markets. This marks the weakest three-day debut in Pixar's history, falling short of even Elemental's $44.5 million opening in 2023. For perspective, Pixar's Inside Out 2 soared to a massive $295 million worldwide in its opening weekend just last year.

Pixar and its parent company Disney are likely hoping Elio mirrors Elemental's recovery, as that film ultimately earned close to $500 million globally during its theatrical release. Elio has yet to debut in key markets such as China, Japan, and Spain, and it will remain in theaters as schools let out for summer break next month. The film has also been well-received critically. IGN's Elio review awarded it a 9/10, stating: "Pixar's latest animated feature, Elio, showcases stunning animation complemented by even more remarkable emotional depth."

Elio's disappointing opening weekend performance was likely impacted by the sustained success of the family film How to Train Your Dragon, which has now reached $350 million worldwide in its second weekend and remains the top-grossing film in the U.S. A sequel is already in development.

Elio also faces competition from Disney's own live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch, which has grossed $910.3 million globally after only five weekends and appears poised to become the first film of 2025 to cross the $1 billion mark.

Another notable new release was 28 Years Later, the horror zombie sequel directed by Danny Boyle and written by Alex Garland. It had a strong start, earning $60 million globally. The domestic figure of $30 million is the highest opening for a Boyle-directed film, while the $30 million international debut outperformed that of Sinners.

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The key question for Boyle is whether 28 Years Later performs well enough to secure approval for the planned third installment in this new trilogy, given that the second film has already been shot. IGN's review of 28 Years Later scored it a 9/10, commenting: "28 Years Later is as powerful and relevant an examination of societal conflict as the original, with Danny Boyle and Alex Garland masterfully weaving visceral horror and moving drama."

For movie enthusiasts tracking other major releases, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning has now reached $540.9 million after five weekends, the John Wick spin-off Ballerina stands at $104.5 million, Final Destination Bloodlines has grossed $280.1 million, and Sinners has compiled an impressive $363.8 million worldwide.