You may have heard thatInterstellaris back in theaters for its 10-year anniversary. So, how has it performed?
The fan-favorite is no stranger to box office success.In its original theatrical run, the sci-fi epic grossed$188 million in the United States and was yet another feather in the cap of writer-directorChristopher Nolan.
That was November 2014. A decade later, would anyone be interested? Especially with the film screening in less than 200 locations.
You know what they say, “If you screen it, they will come.”Interstellarhas grossed a phenomenal $7.83 million in only 6 days. That pushes the domestic total to $195.On Wednesday alone, it made $1.11 million.
To put that into perspective,Kraven the Hunter, the newest superhero film, grossed $2 million on its opening Thursday, and it was in 3,000 theaters.
The Nolan Effect
Two things have contributed toInterstellar’s numbers.
First and foremost, Christopher Nolan. Nolan’s early independent projects likeFollowingandMementoled to his Batman blockbusters. He then combined the two styles into this blend of spectacle and substance. The results have been diverse, thrilling, and lucrative. They’ve made Nolan one of the 21st century’s most beloved artists.
10 Best Batman Movies, Ranked
Grab your bat-snacks and settle in to watch hits like Batman Returns, Justice League, and Batman Begins.
After all, who else could set box office records with a 3-hour biopic about J. Robert Oppenheimer?
That brings us to the second factor. The rise in popularity of IMAX
The IMAX Experience
The reason thatInterstellaris playing in so few theaters is that it’s an IMAX exclusive. Despite the limited locations, it’s been successful because audiences have shownincreased interestin the premium theater experience.
When movie tickets were under $10, they were a good excuse to leave the house. Now that they’reway more expensive, combined with the fact that home viewing has drastically improved, people need a good reason to leave the house. IMAX is a good reason. The huge screen and glorious sound system turn watchingInterstellarinto an event.
How Long canInterstellar Stay in Theaters?
The question now is how longInterstellarwill stay in theaters. IMAXannounceda third week of screenings. If daily returns stay above the $1 million mark, does that become a fourth? A fifth?
As amazing as that would be to watch, a few major movies are right around the corner.The Brutalist,A Complete Unknown,Mufasa: The Lion King, andNosferatu, to name a few. So a fourth week is probably out of the question.
Re-releases are Worth It
Personally, I hope we see more re-releases like this. Maybe they won’t be as successful asInterstellar’s, but there’s a reason the Alamo Drafthouse has a wholetime capsule series—people want to see their favorite films on the big screen.
IMAX has tickets available for the 2025 re-issue of David Fincher’sSe7en, starting January 3rd.
