As the festive season winds down, the UK and Ireland box office charts reveal a vibrant tapestry of cinematic tastes, with familiar blockbusters reigning supreme alongside surprising breakout hits and a strong showing for diverse, international storytelling. Disney’s monumental sci-fi epic, “Avatar: Fire And Ash,” firmly cemented its dominance, securing the coveted No. 1 spot for a second consecutive weekend. The highly anticipated threequel added a robust £6.1 million ($8.2 million) to its coffers, propelling its total gross to an impressive £20.8 million ($28 million) in a remarkably short span. This performance underscores the enduring power of the Avatar franchise and Disney’s strategic prowess in captivating global audiences, effortlessly navigating a crowded holiday release schedule to emerge as the undisputed champion of the Christmas corridor.
The success of “Avatar: Fire And Ash” is more than just a win for Disney; it’s a testament to the audience’s appetite for immersive, large-scale cinematic experiences, particularly during a time when families and friends seek shared entertainment. James Cameron’s visionary world of Pandora continues to evolve, drawing viewers back with its breathtaking visuals, groundbreaking technology, and a narrative that, while epic in scale, often grounds itself in universal themes of family, nature, and cultural conflict. For many, the return to Pandora is an event, a journey into a meticulously crafted universe that offers escapism and wonder, appealing across demographics and generations. The film’s continued strength also signals a robust return to cinemas for tentpole features, proving that the magic of the big screen remains irresistible when a spectacle of this magnitude arrives.
While “Avatar” commanded the top spot, the Christmas period also saw significant triumphs for films catering to a more mature audience, notably Lionsgate U.K.’s erotic thriller, “The Housemaid.” Starring the formidable duo of Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried, the film made a striking debut in second place, pulling in a substantial $6 million. This impressive opening marks one of the strongest performances for an adult-skewing feature during a holiday frame traditionally dominated by family-friendly fare. The success of “The Housemaid” speaks volumes about the star power of its lead actresses and a burgeoning demand for sophisticated, compelling narratives that delve into complex themes. Sydney Sweeney, a rising star known for her captivating performances and fearless choices, alongside the seasoned talent of Amanda Seyfried, has clearly struck a chord with audiences eager for something beyond typical holiday escapism. Their combined presence offers a compelling draw, hinting at a market hungry for thrillers that blend suspense with sharp character studies, particularly those fronted by strong female leads navigating intricate emotional landscapes. This demonstrates a welcome diversification in cinematic offerings, ensuring that moviegoers of all tastes find something compelling at the multiplex.
Following closely in third place was Paramount’s animated offering, “The Spongebob Movie: Search For Squarepants,” which launched with a respectable $4.1 million. The enduring appeal of Spongebob Squarepants, a character beloved by children and adults alike for his whimsical humor and optimistic outlook, ensures a steady stream of family engagement. Animated features often serve as critical anchors during school holidays, providing wholesome entertainment for younger audiences. This latest installment reaffirms the franchise’s multi-generational charm and its ability to consistently deliver laughs and adventure, solidifying its place as a reliable performer in the competitive family film market.
Disney continued its strong presence within the top tier, with “Zootopia 2” holding its own impressively. In its fifth weekend, the animated sequel moved to No. 4, adding $2.1 million and pushing its cumulative total to a remarkable $30.4 million. The sustained success of “Zootopia 2” highlights the lasting appeal of its vibrant world and its powerful, timely themes of diversity, prejudice, and community. The film’s ability to maintain a strong box office presence weeks after its release speaks to its critical acclaim and positive word-of-mouth, cementing its status as a beloved animated classic that resonates deeply with families. Its consistent performance underlines the longevity that well-crafted animated storytelling can achieve, demonstrating that engaging narratives with meaningful messages have a significant impact long after their initial fanfare.
Adding to the diverse slate of new entries, Entertainment Film Distributors’ newcomer “Marty Supreme” debuted at No. 5 with $1.9 million. While less of a marquee name than its top-tier competitors, its presence in the top five signifies a healthy appetite for original or mid-budget films that can still carve out a significant audience share amidst the blockbusters. These films often rely on strong storytelling or specific genre appeal to attract viewers, proving that a compelling narrative can often compete effectively against sheer spectacle.
Further down the charts, the variety continued to impress. Sony’s “Anaconda” slithered into sixth place with $1.7 million. This new installment or revival of the classic horror-adventure franchise demonstrates the enduring draw of established genre properties, appealing to a niche audience that enjoys creature features and suspense. Its presence during the holiday season provides an alternative for those seeking thrills outside of the more traditional festive offerings. Meanwhile, Universal’s “Wicked: For Good” continued its phenomenal run, securing seventh place by adding another $1.1 million, elevating its staggering total to $60.3 million. This performance firmly cements its status as one of the year’s biggest cinematic triumphs. “Wicked: For Good,” the much-anticipated second part of the musical adaptation, has clearly captivated audiences with its enchanting narrative, powerful performances, and iconic songs. The film’s success is a cultural phenomenon, celebrating themes of female friendship, defying expectations, and finding one’s voice, resonating profoundly with women and musical theatre enthusiasts alike. Its critical and commercial success is a testament to the enduring power of its story and the masterful adaptation that has brought the beloved stage production to breathtaking life on the big screen.
The global nature of the UK and Ireland box office was vividly illustrated by several entries further down the chart. Moviegoers Entertainment’s Bollywood blockbuster “Dhurandhar” ranked eighth, adding $343,000 to push its cumulative gross to a respectable $3.4 million. This sustained performance highlights the significant and growing impact of Indian cinema in the region, driven by a vibrant diaspora audience and an increasing appreciation for its rich storytelling and elaborate productions. Following closely, Mubi’s “Sentimental Value” opened at No. 9 with $339,000. Mubi, known for its curated selection of arthouse and independent films, continues to play a vital role in bringing critically acclaimed and thought-provoking cinema to wider audiences, enriching the cinematic landscape with diverse perspectives and artistic merit. Rounding out the top 10 was Berkshire Dreamhouse’s Malayalam-language comedy “Sarvam Maya,” which garnered $228,000. The inclusion of a Malayalam film in the top ten is a remarkable indicator of the expanding reach and popularity of South Indian cinema, demonstrating how local stories from various corners of the world are finding enthusiastic audiences on the international stage. These diverse entries underscore the inclusive and cosmopolitan nature of the UK and Ireland’s film market, reflecting a global audience with varied tastes and cultural backgrounds.
Looking ahead, the new year promises another exciting wave of cinematic experiences, kicking off with several highly anticipated releases. The first major wide release of 2026 is set to arrive on Thursday, January 1, with Universal rolling out the musical drama “Song Sung Blue” across more than 300 locations. Directed by the acclaimed Craig Brewer, known for his distinctive storytelling, the film stars the charismatic duo of Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson. This combination of a celebrated director and two powerhouse actors in a musical drama genre is poised to attract significant attention, promising a heartfelt and powerful start to the new year’s cinematic offerings. Audiences can anticipate a compelling narrative infused with musicality, exploring human connections and emotional depth, particularly appealing to those who appreciate character-driven stories with a strong artistic flair.
Also opening on Thursday is Viavix’s “No Time for Goodbye,” a poignant Hong Kong drama directed by Don Ng and featuring the talents of Lam Yiu-Sing and Kitty Yu. This release further diversifies the cinematic landscape, offering a window into contemporary Asian storytelling and demonstrating the continued global appeal of non-English language films. Its presence provides an important counterbalance to the larger studio productions, catering to audiences who seek out international narratives and unique directorial voices.
Friday, January 2, will see a slate of equally compelling releases. Picturehouse Entertainment is set to release Ira Sachs’ “Peter Hujar’s Day,” a docudrama from a director celebrated for his intimate and insightful character studies. This film is likely to appeal to cinephiles and art enthusiasts, offering a nuanced exploration of its subject matter through Sachs’ distinctive lens. Simultaneously, BFI Distribution will open Frederick Wiseman’s culinary documentary “Menus-Plaisirs: Les Troisgros.” Wiseman, a legendary figure in documentary filmmaking, brings his meticulous observational style to the world of gastronomy, promising an immersive and detailed look into a renowned culinary institution. These two documentary-style releases underscore the vibrant non-fiction film scene and its ability to engage audiences with real-world stories and artistic perspectives.
Trinity Filmed Entertainment will also be making its mark with the historical science fiction film “Back To The Past.” Directed by Ng Yuen-fai and Jack Lai, and starring a stellar cast including Louis Koo, Jessica Hsuan, and Raymond Lam, this genre-bending feature will open on 25-plus sites. The blend of historical narrative with science fiction elements, coupled with prominent Asian talent both in front of and behind the camera, points to a thrilling and ambitious cinematic experience that will appeal to fans of intricate plots and cross-cultural storytelling.
Finally, Park Circus is bringing two high-profile anniversary releases back to cinemas, tapping into the power of nostalgia and cinematic heritage. The beloved animated hit “Happy Feet” will return for its 20th anniversary, delighting families across 100-plus locations. This re-release offers a chance for a new generation to experience the heartwarming story of Mumble, while adults can revisit a cherished animated classic. In stark contrast, David Lynch’s iconic “Blue Velvet” will mark its 40th anniversary with a similarly scaled reissue. This cult classic, known for its surrealism and psychological depth, will undoubtedly draw cinephiles and fans of Lynch’s unique vision back to the big screen, celebrating its enduring impact on filmmaking. These anniversary showings highlight the industry’s commitment to preserving and celebrating film history, offering audiences a chance to experience timeless stories in the communal setting of the cinema, further enriching the diverse tapestry of the UK and Ireland’s cinematic landscape.
