The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
| Theatrical Performance | ||
| Domestic Box Office | $383,381,648 | Details |
| International Box Office | $742,764,991 | |
| Worldwide Box Office | $1,126,146,639 | |
| Further financial details... | ||
Metrics
| Opening Weekend: | $72,629,713 (18.9% of total gross) |
| Legs: | 5.28 (domestic box office/biggest weekend) |
| Domestic Share: | 34.0% (domestic box office/worldwide) |
| Production Budget: | $94,000,000 (worldwide box office is 12.0 times production budget) |
| Theater counts: | 3,703 opening theaters/3,703 max. theaters, 10.1 weeks average run per theater |
| Infl. Adj. Dom. BO | $747,408,727 |
Movie Details
| Domestic Releases: | December 17th, 2003 (Wide) by New Line June 28th, 2011 (Special Engagement) by Warner Bros. February 12th, 2021 (IMAX) by Warner Bros. April 13th, 2023 (Wide) by Fathom Events (20th Anniversary Extended Edition) June 10th, 2024 (Special Engagement) by Fathom Events (4K Remastered) January 18th, 2026 (Special Engagement) by Fathom Events (Extended Edition) |
| International Releases: | December 17th, 2003 (Wide) (United Kingdom)
December 17th, 2003 (Wide), released as O Senhor dos Anéis: O Regresso do Rei (Portugal) December 17th, 2003 (Wide), released as El Señor De Los Anillos: El Retorno del Rey (Mexico) December 17th, 2003 (Wide), released as El Señor de los Anillos: El Retorno del Rey (Spain) December 18th, 2003 (Wide) (New Zealand) |
| Video Release: | December 14th, 2004 by New Line Home Video, released as Lord of the Rings, The: The Return of the King |
| MPA Rating: | PG-13 for intense epic battle sequences and frightening images |
| Running Time: | 201 minutes |
| Franchise: | Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings |
| Award nomination: | 2004 Oscars Best Picture Nominee |
| Award win: | BAFTA Best Adapted Screenplay Winner, BAFTA Best Film Winner, Critics’ Choice Winner Best Director, Critics’ Choice Winner Best Picture, Directors Guild of America Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Theatrical Feature Film Winner, Golden Globe Winner Best Director—Motion Picture, Golden Globe Winner Best Picture—Drama, Oscars Best Picture Winner, Producers Guild of America Best Theatrical Motion Picture Winner, Screen Actors Guild Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture Winner |
| Cast, crew, or production detail: | Character's Journey Shown on Map, Motion Capture Performance, Visual Effects |
| Filming location (city or town): | Matamata, New Zealand, Twizel, New Zealand, Wellington, New Zealand |
| Filming location (country): | New Zealand |
| Filming location (locale): | Mount Ruapehu, New Zealand, Pūtangirua Pinnacles, New Zealand, Rangipo Desert, New Zealand |
| Filming location (production facility): | Hobbiton Movie Set, Matamata, New Zealand, Stone Street Studios, Wellington, New Zealand |
| Source material: | Lord of the Rings |
| Subgenre: | Heroic Adventure |
| Source: | Based on Fiction Book/Short Story |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Production Method: | Animation/Live Action |
| Creative Type: | Fantasy |
| Production/Financing Companies: | Wingnut Films, New Line Cinema |
| Production Countries: | United States, New Zealand |
| Languages: | English |
Weekend Box Office Performance
| Date | Rank | Gross | % Change | Theaters | Per Theater | Total Gross | Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 19, 2003 | 1 | $72,629,713 | 3,703 | $19,614 | $124,100,534 | 1 | |
| Dec 26, 2003 | 1 | $50,598,104 | -30% | 3,703 | $13,664 | $222,268,708 | 2 |
| Jan 2, 2004 | 1 | $28,180,378 | -44% | 3,703 | $7,610 | $290,456,888 | 3 |
| Jan 9, 2004 | 1 | $14,209,098 | -50% | 3,532 | $4,023 | $312,366,863 | 4 |
| Jan 16, 2004 | 3 | $10,219,470 | -28% | 3,003 | $3,403 | $326,858,029 | 5 |
| Jan 23, 2004 | 5 | $6,785,756 | -34% | 2,558 | $2,653 | $337,863,925 | 6 |
| Jan 30, 2004 | 4 | $5,310,803 | -22% | 2,256 | $2,354 | $345,377,742 | 7 |
| Feb 6, 2004 | 7 | $4,293,671 | -19% | 1,878 | $2,286 | $351,179,270 | 8 |
| Feb 13, 2004 | 8 | $4,187,000 | -2% | 1,663 | $2,518 | $356,510,502 | 9 |
| Feb 20, 2004 | 10 | $2,850,455 | -32% | 1,407 | $2,026 | $361,164,861 | 10 |
| Feb 27, 2004 | 11 | $2,174,665 | -24% | 1,112 | $1,956 | $364,161,539 | 11 |
| Mar 5, 2004 | 7 | $3,037,822 | +40% | 1,903 | $1,596 | $368,256,097 | 12 |
| Mar 12, 2004 | 9 | $2,021,501 | -33% | 1,307 | $1,547 | $371,193,721 | 13 |
| Mar 19, 2004 | 11 | $1,350,748 | -33% | 1,021 | $1,323 | $373,405,484 | 14 |
| Mar 26, 2004 | 15 | $705,817 | -48% | 661 | $1,068 | $374,602,499 | 15 |
| Apr 2, 2004 | 19 | $373,903 | -47% | 348 | $1,074 | $375,250,477 | 16 |
| Apr 9, 2004 | 21 | $289,233 | -23% | 338 | $856 | $375,713,160 | 17 |
| Apr 16, 2004 | 27 | $227,321 | -21% | 295 | $771 | $376,104,478 | 18 |
| Apr 23, 2004 | 27 | $194,730 | -14% | 268 | $727 | $376,383,359 | 19 |
| Apr 30, 2004 | 35 | $154,631 | -21% | 221 | $700 | $376,602,510 | 20 |
| May 7, 2004 | 35 | $103,709 | -33% | 190 | $546 | $376,762,255 | 21 |
| May 14, 2004 | 40 | $92,571 | -11% | 153 | $605 | $376,898,929 | 22 |
| May 21, 2004 | 43 | $72,176 | -22% | 135 | $535 | $377,004,892 | 23 |
| May 28, 2004 | 73 | $25,304 | -65% | 61 | $415 | $377,059,000 | 24 |
| Jan 16, 2026 | 12 | $2,276,432 | 1,655 | $1,375 | $381,886,740 | 1,153 | |
| Jan 23, 2026 | - | $1,400,000 | -39% | 244 | $5,738 | $383,381,648 | 1,154 |
Daily Box Office Performance
| Date | Rank | Gross | %YD | %LW | Theaters | Per Theater | Total Gross | Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 17, 2003 | 1 | $34,450,834 | 3,703 | $9,303 | $34,450,834 | 1 | ||
| Dec 18, 2003 | 1 | $17,019,987 | -51% | 3,703 | $4,596 | $51,470,821 | 2 | |
| Dec 19, 2003 | 1 | $21,811,549 | +28% | 3,703 | $5,890 | $73,282,370 | 3 | |
| Dec 20, 2003 | 1 | $27,492,053 | +26% | 3,703 | $7,424 | $100,774,423 | 4 | |
| Dec 21, 2003 | 1 | $23,326,111 | -15% | 3,703 | $6,299 | $124,100,534 | 5 | |
| Dec 22, 2003 | 1 | $13,563,208 | -42% | 3,703 | $3,663 | $137,663,742 | 6 | |
| Dec 23, 2003 | 1 | $12,476,242 | -8% | 3,703 | $3,369 | $150,139,984 | 7 | |
| Dec 24, 2003 | 1 | $7,544,400 | -40% | -78% | 3,703 | $2,037 | $157,684,384 | 8 |
| Dec 25, 2003 | 1 | $13,986,220 | +85% | -18% | 3,703 | $3,777 | $171,670,604 | 9 |
| Dec 26, 2003 | 1 | $19,152,196 | +37% | -12% | 3,703 | $5,172 | $190,822,800 | 10 |
| Dec 27, 2003 | 1 | $17,249,267 | -10% | -37% | 3,703 | $4,658 | $208,072,067 | 11 |
| Dec 28, 2003 | 1 | $14,196,641 | -18% | -39% | 3,703 | $3,834 | $222,268,708 | 12 |
| Dec 29, 2003 | 1 | $10,052,588 | -29% | -26% | 3,703 | $2,715 | $232,321,296 | 13 |
| Dec 30, 2003 | 1 | $9,615,240 | -4% | -23% | 3,703 | $2,597 | $241,936,536 | 14 |
| Dec 31, 2003 | 1 | $7,509,391 | -22% | n/c | 3,703 | $2,028 | $249,445,927 | 15 |
| Jan 1, 2004 | 1 | $11,950,000 | +59% | -15% | 3,703 | $3,227 | $261,395,927 | 16 |
| Jan 2, 2004 | 1 | $10,602,130 | -11% | -45% | 3,703 | $2,863 | $272,878,640 | 17 |
| Jan 3, 2004 | 1 | $10,563,221 | n/c | -39% | 3,703 | $2,853 | $283,441,861 | 18 |
| Jan 4, 2004 | 1 | $7,015,027 | -34% | -51% | 3,703 | $1,894 | $290,456,888 | 19 |
| Jan 5, 2004 | 1 | $2,382,000 | -66% | -76% | 3,703 | $643 | $292,838,927 | 20 |
| Jan 6, 2004 | 1 | $2,180,000 | -8% | -77% | 3,703 | $589 | $295,017,927 | 21 |
| Jan 7, 2004 | 1 | $1,921,000 | -12% | -74% | 3,703 | $519 | $296,939,927 | 22 |
| Jan 8, 2004 | 1 | $1,652,000 | -14% | -86% | 3,703 | $446 | $298,157,927 | 23 |
| Jan 9, 2004 | 2 | $3,600,000 | +118% | -66% | 3,532 | $1,019 | $301,745,927 | 24 |
| Jan 10, 2004 | 1 | $6,439,410 | +79% | -39% | 3,532 | $1,823 | $308,274,135 | 25 |
| Jan 11, 2004 | 1 | $4,092,728 | -36% | -42% | 3,532 | $1,159 | $312,366,863 | 26 |
| Jan 12, 2004 | 1 | $1,177,000 | -71% | -51% | 3,532 | $333 | $313,542,927 | 27 |
| Jan 13, 2004 | 1 | $1,218,000 | +3% | -44% | 3,532 | $345 | $314,761,927 | 28 |
| Jan 14, 2004 | 1 | $1,057,000 | -13% | -45% | 3,532 | $299 | $315,818,927 | 29 |
| Jan 15, 2004 | 1 | $1,036,000 | -2% | -37% | 3,532 | $293 | $316,638,927 | 30 |
| Jan 16, 2004 | 4 | $2,376,259 | +129% | -34% | 3,003 | $791 | $319,014,818 | 31 |
| Jan 17, 2004 | 2 | $4,614,194 | +94% | -28% | 3,003 | $1,537 | $323,629,012 | 32 |
| Jan 18, 2004 | 2 | $3,229,017 | -30% | -21% | 3,003 | $1,075 | $326,858,029 | 33 |
| Jan 19, 2004 | 3 | $2,228,291 | -31% | +89% | 3,003 | $742 | $329,086,320 | 34 |
| Jan 20, 2004 | 2 | $762,000 | -66% | -37% | 3,003 | $254 | $329,847,927 | 35 |
| Jan 21, 2004 | 2 | $599,000 | -21% | -43% | 3,003 | $199 | $330,446,927 | 36 |
| Jan 22, 2004 | 3 | $642,000 | +7% | -38% | 3,003 | $214 | $331,077,927 | 37 |
| Jan 23, 2004 | 6 | $1,500,000 | +134% | -37% | 2,558 | $586 | $332,545,927 | 38 |
| Jan 24, 2004 | 6 | $3,158,167 | +111% | -32% | 2,558 | $1,235 | $335,745,982 | 39 |
| Jan 25, 2004 | 3 | $2,117,943 | -33% | -34% | 2,558 | $828 | $337,863,925 | 40 |
| Jan 26, 2004 | 3 | $536,000 | -75% | -76% | 2,558 | $210 | $338,399,927 | 41 |
| Jan 27, 2004 | 3 | $556,000 | +4% | -27% | 2,558 | $217 | $338,955,927 | 42 |
| Jan 28, 2004 | 3 | $590,000 | +6% | -2% | 2,558 | $231 | $339,545,927 | 43 |
| Jan 29, 2004 | 3 | $552,000 | -6% | -14% | 2,558 | $216 | $340,066,927 | 44 |
| Jan 30, 2004 | 7 | $1,400,000 | +154% | -7% | 2,256 | $621 | $341,445,927 | 45 |
| Jan 31, 2004 | 4 | $2,739,574 | +96% | -13% | 2,256 | $1,214 | $344,177,922 | 46 |
| Feb 1, 2004 | 4 | $1,199,820 | -56% | -43% | 2,256 | $532 | $345,377,742 | 47 |
| Feb 2, 2004 | 4 | $403,000 | -66% | -25% | 2,256 | $179 | $345,780,927 | 48 |
| Feb 3, 2004 | 4 | $416,000 | +3% | -25% | 2,256 | $184 | $346,196,927 | 49 |
| Feb 4, 2004 | 4 | $381,000 | -8% | -35% | 2,256 | $169 | $346,577,927 | 50 |
| Feb 5, 2004 | 4 | $352,000 | -8% | -36% | 2,256 | $156 | $346,885,927 | 51 |
| Feb 6, 2004 | 9 | $900,000 | +156% | -36% | 1,878 | $479 | $347,745,927 | 52 |
| Feb 7, 2004 | 7 | $2,014,866 | +124% | -26% | 1,878 | $1,073 | $349,808,275 | 53 |
| Feb 8, 2004 | 7 | $1,370,995 | -32% | +14% | 1,878 | $730 | $351,179,270 | 54 |
| Feb 9, 2004 | 7 | $308,000 | -78% | -24% | 1,878 | $164 | $351,487,270 | 55 |
| Feb 10, 2004 | 6 | $286,000 | -7% | -31% | 1,878 | $152 | $351,772,927 | 56 |
| Feb 11, 2004 | 6 | $267,000 | -7% | -30% | 1,878 | $142 | $352,039,927 | 57 |
| Feb 12, 2004 | 5 | $303,000 | +13% | -14% | 1,878 | $161 | $352,323,927 | 58 |
| Feb 13, 2004 | 8 | $800,000 | +164% | -11% | 1,663 | $481 | $353,145,927 | 59 |
| Feb 14, 2004 | 7 | $1,957,907 | +145% | -3% | 1,663 | $1,177 | $355,081,022 | 60 |
| Feb 15, 2004 | 7 | $1,429,675 | -27% | +4% | 1,663 | $860 | $356,510,697 | 61 |
| Feb 16, 2004 | 6 | $903,281 | -37% | +193% | 1,663 | $543 | $357,413,783 | 62 |
| Feb 17, 2004 | 7 | $335,000 | -63% | +17% | 1,663 | $201 | $357,747,927 | 63 |
| Feb 18, 2004 | 7 | $298,000 | -11% | +12% | 1,663 | $179 | $358,046,927 | 64 |
| Feb 19, 2004 | 6 | $293,000 | -2% | -3% | 1,663 | $176 | $358,313,927 | 65 |
| Feb 20, 2004 | 12 | $600,000 | +105% | -25% | 1,407 | $426 | $358,945,927 | 66 |
| Feb 21, 2004 | 10 | $1,299,866 | +117% | -34% | 1,407 | $924 | $360,267,974 | 67 |
| Feb 22, 2004 | 7 | $896,887 | -31% | -37% | 1,407 | $637 | $361,164,861 | 68 |
| Feb 23, 2004 | 11 | $207,000 | -77% | -77% | 1,407 | $147 | $361,371,927 | 69 |
| Feb 24, 2004 | 10 | $215,000 | +4% | -36% | 1,407 | $153 | $361,586,927 | 70 |
| Feb 25, 2004 | 11 | $188,000 | -13% | -37% | 1,407 | $134 | $361,787,927 | 71 |
| Feb 26, 2004 | 11 | $198,000 | +5% | -32% | 1,407 | $141 | $361,986,927 | 72 |
| Feb 27, 2004 | 11 | $500,000 | +153% | -17% | 1,112 | $450 | $362,445,927 | 73 |
| Feb 28, 2004 | 11 | $1,000,000 | +100% | -23% | 1,112 | $899 | $363,445,927 | 74 |
| Feb 29, 2004 | 11 | $700,000 | -30% | -22% | 1,112 | $629 | $364,161,539 | 75 |
| Mar 1, 2004 | 7 | $276,000 | -61% | +33% | 1,112 | $248 | $364,437,927 | 76 |
| Mar 2, 2004 | 7 | $278,000 | +1% | +29% | 1,112 | $250 | $364,715,927 | 77 |
| Mar 3, 2004 | 7 | $242,000 | -13% | +29% | 1,112 | $218 | $364,958,927 | 78 |
| Mar 4, 2004 | 7 | $252,000 | +4% | +27% | 1,112 | $227 | $365,218,275 | 79 |
| Mar 5, 2004 | 8 | $800,000 | +217% | +60% | 1,903 | $420 | $366,045,927 | 80 |
| Mar 6, 2004 | 7 | $1,433,740 | +79% | +43% | 1,903 | $753 | $367,372,586 | 81 |
| Mar 7, 2004 | 7 | $883,511 | -38% | +26% | 1,903 | $464 | $368,256,097 | 82 |
| Mar 8, 2004 | 6 | $222,000 | -75% | -20% | 1,903 | $117 | $368,477,927 | 83 |
| Mar 9, 2004 | 7 | $229,000 | +3% | -18% | 1,903 | $120 | $368,706,927 | 84 |
| Mar 10, 2004 | 7 | $211,000 | -8% | -13% | 1,903 | $111 | $368,918,927 | 85 |
| Mar 11, 2004 | 6 | $236,000 | +12% | -6% | 1,903 | $124 | $369,171,927 | 86 |
| Mar 12, 2004 | 10 | $500,000 | +112% | -38% | 1,307 | $383 | $369,645,927 | 87 |
| Mar 13, 2004 | 9 | $908,040 | +82% | -37% | 1,307 | $695 | $370,566,955 | 88 |
| Mar 14, 2004 | 9 | $626,766 | -31% | -29% | 1,307 | $480 | $371,193,721 | 89 |
| Mar 15, 2004 | 9 | $211,000 | -66% | -5% | 1,307 | $161 | $371,404,927 | 90 |
| Mar 16, 2004 | 9 | $231,000 | +9% | +1% | 1,307 | $177 | $371,635,927 | 91 |
| Mar 17, 2004 | 9 | $199,000 | -14% | -6% | 1,307 | $152 | $371,835,927 | 92 |
| Mar 18, 2004 | 9 | $224,000 | +13% | -5% | 1,307 | $171 | $372,054,927 | 93 |
| Mar 19, 2004 | 11 | $400,000 | +79% | -20% | 1,021 | $392 | $372,445,927 | 94 |
| Mar 20, 2004 | 12 | $598,062 | +50% | -34% | 1,021 | $586 | $373,014,603 | 95 |
| Mar 21, 2004 | 11 | $390,881 | -35% | -38% | 1,021 | $383 | $373,405,484 | 96 |
| Mar 22, 2004 | 10 | $122,000 | -69% | -42% | 1,021 | $119 | $373,526,927 | 97 |
| Mar 23, 2004 | 10 | $122,000 | n/c | -47% | 1,021 | $119 | $373,648,927 | 98 |
| Mar 24, 2004 | 10 | $118,000 | -3% | -41% | 1,021 | $116 | $373,766,927 | 99 |
| Mar 25, 2004 | 10 | $131,000 | +11% | -42% | 1,021 | $128 | $373,896,927 | 100 |
| Jun 28, 2011 | 8 | $818,580 | 521 | $1,571 | $377,891,832 | 2,751 | ||
| Apr 13, 2023 | 2 | $1,176,085 | 1,107 | $1,062 | $379,067,917 | 7,058 | ||
| Jun 10, 2024 | 2 | $1,781,652 | 1,172 | $1,520 | $380,849,569 | 7,482 | ||
| Jun 17, 2024 | 5 | $513,409 | -71% | 1,024 | $501 | $381,362,978 | 7,489 | |
| Jun 24, 2024 | - | $155,866 | -70% | 51 | $3,056 | $381,518,844 | 7,496 | |
| Jan 18, 2026 | 5 | $2,276,432 | 1,655 | $1,375 | $381,886,740 | 8,069 | ||
| Jan 19, 2026 | - | $94,908 | -96% | 421 | $225 | $381,981,648 | 8,070 | |
| Jan 23, 2026 | - | $100,000 | 244 | $410 | $382,081,648 | 8,074 | ||
| Jan 24, 2026 | - | $200,000 | +100% | 244 | $820 | $382,281,648 | 8,075 | |
| Jan 25, 2026 | 4 | $1,100,000 | +450% | -52% | 244 | $4,508 | $383,381,648 | 8,076 |
Weekly Box Office Performance
| Date | Rank | Gross | % Change | Theaters | Per Theater | Total Gross | Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 12, 2003 | 1 | $51,470,821 | 3,703 | $13,900 | $51,470,821 | 1 | |
| Dec 19, 2003 | 1 | $120,199,783 | +134% | 3,703 | $32,460 | $171,670,604 | 2 |
| Dec 26, 2003 | 1 | $90,605,906 | -25% | 3,703 | $24,468 | $262,276,510 | 3 |
| Jan 2, 2004 | 1 | $35,881,255 | -60% | 3,703 | $9,690 | $298,157,765 | 4 |
| Jan 9, 2004 | 1 | $18,480,794 | -48% | 3,532 | $5,232 | $316,638,559 | 5 |
| Jan 16, 2004 | 2 | $14,439,610 | -22% | 3,003 | $4,808 | $331,078,169 | 6 |
| Jan 23, 2004 | 3 | $8,988,770 | -38% | 2,558 | $3,514 | $340,066,939 | 7 |
| Jan 30, 2004 | 4 | $6,818,660 | -24% | 2,256 | $3,022 | $346,885,599 | 8 |
| Feb 6, 2004 | 7 | $5,437,903 | -20% | 1,878 | $2,896 | $352,323,502 | 9 |
| Feb 13, 2004 | 8 | $5,990,904 | +10% | 1,663 | $3,602 | $358,314,406 | 10 |
| Feb 20, 2004 | 11 | $3,672,468 | -39% | 1,407 | $2,610 | $361,986,874 | 11 |
| Feb 27, 2004 | 11 | $3,231,401 | -12% | 1,112 | $2,906 | $365,218,275 | 12 |
| Mar 5, 2004 | 7 | $3,953,945 | +22% | 1,903 | $2,078 | $369,172,220 | 13 |
| Mar 12, 2004 | 9 | $2,882,516 | -27% | 1,307 | $2,205 | $372,054,736 | 14 |
| Mar 19, 2004 | 11 | $1,841,946 | -36% | 1,021 | $1,804 | $373,896,682 | 15 |
| Mar 26, 2004 | 15 | $979,892 | -47% | 661 | $1,482 | $374,876,574 | 16 |
| Apr 2, 2004 | 21 | $547,353 | -44% | 348 | $1,573 | $375,423,927 | 17 |
| Apr 9, 2004 | 21 | $453,230 | -17% | 338 | $1,341 | $375,877,157 | 18 |
| Apr 16, 2004 | 26 | $311,472 | -31% | 295 | $1,056 | $376,188,629 | 19 |
| Apr 23, 2004 | 29 | $259,250 | -17% | 268 | $967 | $376,447,879 | 20 |
| Apr 30, 2004 | 36 | $210,667 | -19% | 221 | $953 | $376,658,546 | 21 |
| May 7, 2004 | 36 | $147,812 | -30% | 190 | $778 | $376,806,358 | 22 |
| May 14, 2004 | 41 | $126,358 | -15% | 153 | $826 | $376,932,716 | 23 |
| May 21, 2004 | 44 | $100,980 | -20% | 135 | $748 | $377,033,696 | 24 |
| Jun 24, 2011 | 16 | $818,580 | 521 | $1,571 | $377,891,832 | 394 | |
| Apr 7, 2023 | 9 | $1,176,085 | 1,107 | $1,062 | $379,067,917 | 1,009 |
Full financial estimates for this film, including domestic and international box office, video sales, video rentals, TV and ancillary revenue are available through our research services. For more information, please contact us at research@the-numbers.com.
Metrics
| Opening Weekend: | $72,629,713 (18.9% of total gross) |
| Legs: | 5.28 (domestic box office/biggest weekend) |
| Domestic Share: | 34.0% (domestic box office/worldwide) |
| Production Budget: | $94,000,000 (worldwide box office is 12.0 times production budget) |
| Theater counts: | 3,703 opening theaters/3,703 max. theaters, 10.1 weeks average run per theater |
| Infl. Adj. Dom. BO | $747,408,727 |
Movie Details
| Domestic Releases: | December 17th, 2003 (Wide) by New Line June 28th, 2011 (Special Engagement) by Warner Bros. February 12th, 2021 (IMAX) by Warner Bros. April 13th, 2023 (Wide) by Fathom Events (20th Anniversary Extended Edition) June 10th, 2024 (Special Engagement) by Fathom Events (4K Remastered) January 18th, 2026 (Special Engagement) by Fathom Events (Extended Edition) |
| International Releases: | December 17th, 2003 (Wide) (United Kingdom)
December 17th, 2003 (Wide), released as O Senhor dos Anéis: O Regresso do Rei (Portugal) December 17th, 2003 (Wide), released as El Señor De Los Anillos: El Retorno del Rey (Mexico) December 17th, 2003 (Wide), released as El Señor de los Anillos: El Retorno del Rey (Spain) December 18th, 2003 (Wide) (New Zealand) |
| Video Release: | December 14th, 2004 by New Line Home Video, released as Lord of the Rings, The: The Return of the King |
| MPA Rating: | PG-13 for intense epic battle sequences and frightening images |
| Running Time: | 201 minutes |
| Franchise: | Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings |
| Award nomination: | 2004 Oscars Best Picture Nominee |
| Award win: | BAFTA Best Adapted Screenplay Winner, BAFTA Best Film Winner, Critics’ Choice Winner Best Director, Critics’ Choice Winner Best Picture, Directors Guild of America Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Theatrical Feature Film Winner, Golden Globe Winner Best Director—Motion Picture, Golden Globe Winner Best Picture—Drama, Oscars Best Picture Winner, Producers Guild of America Best Theatrical Motion Picture Winner, Screen Actors Guild Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture Winner |
| Cast, crew, or production detail: | Character's Journey Shown on Map, Motion Capture Performance, Visual Effects |
| Filming location (city or town): | Matamata, New Zealand, Twizel, New Zealand, Wellington, New Zealand |
| Filming location (country): | New Zealand |
| Filming location (locale): | Mount Ruapehu, New Zealand, Pūtangirua Pinnacles, New Zealand, Rangipo Desert, New Zealand |
| Filming location (production facility): | Hobbiton Movie Set, Matamata, New Zealand, Stone Street Studios, Wellington, New Zealand |
| Source material: | Lord of the Rings |
| Subgenre: | Heroic Adventure |
| Source: | Based on Fiction Book/Short Story |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Production Method: | Animation/Live Action |
| Creative Type: | Fantasy |
| Production/Financing Companies: | Wingnut Films, New Line Cinema |
| Production Countries: | United States, New Zealand |
| Languages: | English |
Weekend Box Office Performance
| Date | Rank | Gross | % Change | Theaters | Per Theater | Total Gross | Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 19, 2003 | 1 | $72,629,713 | 3,703 | $19,614 | $124,100,534 | 1 | |
| Dec 26, 2003 | 1 | $50,598,104 | -30% | 3,703 | $13,664 | $222,268,708 | 2 |
| Jan 2, 2004 | 1 | $28,180,378 | -44% | 3,703 | $7,610 | $290,456,888 | 3 |
| Jan 9, 2004 | 1 | $14,209,098 | -50% | 3,532 | $4,023 | $312,366,863 | 4 |
| Jan 16, 2004 | 3 | $10,219,470 | -28% | 3,003 | $3,403 | $326,858,029 | 5 |
| Jan 23, 2004 | 5 | $6,785,756 | -34% | 2,558 | $2,653 | $337,863,925 | 6 |
| Jan 30, 2004 | 4 | $5,310,803 | -22% | 2,256 | $2,354 | $345,377,742 | 7 |
| Feb 6, 2004 | 7 | $4,293,671 | -19% | 1,878 | $2,286 | $351,179,270 | 8 |
| Feb 13, 2004 | 8 | $4,187,000 | -2% | 1,663 | $2,518 | $356,510,502 | 9 |
| Feb 20, 2004 | 10 | $2,850,455 | -32% | 1,407 | $2,026 | $361,164,861 | 10 |
| Feb 27, 2004 | 11 | $2,174,665 | -24% | 1,112 | $1,956 | $364,161,539 | 11 |
| Mar 5, 2004 | 7 | $3,037,822 | +40% | 1,903 | $1,596 | $368,256,097 | 12 |
| Mar 12, 2004 | 9 | $2,021,501 | -33% | 1,307 | $1,547 | $371,193,721 | 13 |
| Mar 19, 2004 | 11 | $1,350,748 | -33% | 1,021 | $1,323 | $373,405,484 | 14 |
| Mar 26, 2004 | 15 | $705,817 | -48% | 661 | $1,068 | $374,602,499 | 15 |
| Apr 2, 2004 | 19 | $373,903 | -47% | 348 | $1,074 | $375,250,477 | 16 |
| Apr 9, 2004 | 21 | $289,233 | -23% | 338 | $856 | $375,713,160 | 17 |
| Apr 16, 2004 | 27 | $227,321 | -21% | 295 | $771 | $376,104,478 | 18 |
| Apr 23, 2004 | 27 | $194,730 | -14% | 268 | $727 | $376,383,359 | 19 |
| Apr 30, 2004 | 35 | $154,631 | -21% | 221 | $700 | $376,602,510 | 20 |
| May 7, 2004 | 35 | $103,709 | -33% | 190 | $546 | $376,762,255 | 21 |
| May 14, 2004 | 40 | $92,571 | -11% | 153 | $605 | $376,898,929 | 22 |
| May 21, 2004 | 43 | $72,176 | -22% | 135 | $535 | $377,004,892 | 23 |
| May 28, 2004 | 73 | $25,304 | -65% | 61 | $415 | $377,059,000 | 24 |
| Jan 16, 2026 | 12 | $2,276,432 | 1,655 | $1,375 | $381,886,740 | 1,153 | |
| Jan 23, 2026 | - | $1,400,000 | -39% | 244 | $5,738 | $383,381,648 | 1,154 |
Daily Box Office Performance
| Date | Rank | Gross | %YD | %LW | Theaters | Per Theater | Total Gross | Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 17, 2003 | 1 | $34,450,834 | 3,703 | $9,303 | $34,450,834 | 1 | ||
| Dec 18, 2003 | 1 | $17,019,987 | -51% | 3,703 | $4,596 | $51,470,821 | 2 | |
| Dec 19, 2003 | 1 | $21,811,549 | +28% | 3,703 | $5,890 | $73,282,370 | 3 | |
| Dec 20, 2003 | 1 | $27,492,053 | +26% | 3,703 | $7,424 | $100,774,423 | 4 | |
| Dec 21, 2003 | 1 | $23,326,111 | -15% | 3,703 | $6,299 | $124,100,534 | 5 | |
| Dec 22, 2003 | 1 | $13,563,208 | -42% | 3,703 | $3,663 | $137,663,742 | 6 | |
| Dec 23, 2003 | 1 | $12,476,242 | -8% | 3,703 | $3,369 | $150,139,984 | 7 | |
| Dec 24, 2003 | 1 | $7,544,400 | -40% | -78% | 3,703 | $2,037 | $157,684,384 | 8 |
| Dec 25, 2003 | 1 | $13,986,220 | +85% | -18% | 3,703 | $3,777 | $171,670,604 | 9 |
| Dec 26, 2003 | 1 | $19,152,196 | +37% | -12% | 3,703 | $5,172 | $190,822,800 | 10 |
| Dec 27, 2003 | 1 | $17,249,267 | -10% | -37% | 3,703 | $4,658 | $208,072,067 | 11 |
| Dec 28, 2003 | 1 | $14,196,641 | -18% | -39% | 3,703 | $3,834 | $222,268,708 | 12 |
| Dec 29, 2003 | 1 | $10,052,588 | -29% | -26% | 3,703 | $2,715 | $232,321,296 | 13 |
| Dec 30, 2003 | 1 | $9,615,240 | -4% | -23% | 3,703 | $2,597 | $241,936,536 | 14 |
| Dec 31, 2003 | 1 | $7,509,391 | -22% | n/c | 3,703 | $2,028 | $249,445,927 | 15 |
| Jan 1, 2004 | 1 | $11,950,000 | +59% | -15% | 3,703 | $3,227 | $261,395,927 | 16 |
| Jan 2, 2004 | 1 | $10,602,130 | -11% | -45% | 3,703 | $2,863 | $272,878,640 | 17 |
| Jan 3, 2004 | 1 | $10,563,221 | n/c | -39% | 3,703 | $2,853 | $283,441,861 | 18 |
| Jan 4, 2004 | 1 | $7,015,027 | -34% | -51% | 3,703 | $1,894 | $290,456,888 | 19 |
| Jan 5, 2004 | 1 | $2,382,000 | -66% | -76% | 3,703 | $643 | $292,838,927 | 20 |
| Jan 6, 2004 | 1 | $2,180,000 | -8% | -77% | 3,703 | $589 | $295,017,927 | 21 |
| Jan 7, 2004 | 1 | $1,921,000 | -12% | -74% | 3,703 | $519 | $296,939,927 | 22 |
| Jan 8, 2004 | 1 | $1,652,000 | -14% | -86% | 3,703 | $446 | $298,157,927 | 23 |
| Jan 9, 2004 | 2 | $3,600,000 | +118% | -66% | 3,532 | $1,019 | $301,745,927 | 24 |
| Jan 10, 2004 | 1 | $6,439,410 | +79% | -39% | 3,532 | $1,823 | $308,274,135 | 25 |
| Jan 11, 2004 | 1 | $4,092,728 | -36% | -42% | 3,532 | $1,159 | $312,366,863 | 26 |
| Jan 12, 2004 | 1 | $1,177,000 | -71% | -51% | 3,532 | $333 | $313,542,927 | 27 |
| Jan 13, 2004 | 1 | $1,218,000 | +3% | -44% | 3,532 | $345 | $314,761,927 | 28 |
| Jan 14, 2004 | 1 | $1,057,000 | -13% | -45% | 3,532 | $299 | $315,818,927 | 29 |
| Jan 15, 2004 | 1 | $1,036,000 | -2% | -37% | 3,532 | $293 | $316,638,927 | 30 |
| Jan 16, 2004 | 4 | $2,376,259 | +129% | -34% | 3,003 | $791 | $319,014,818 | 31 |
| Jan 17, 2004 | 2 | $4,614,194 | +94% | -28% | 3,003 | $1,537 | $323,629,012 | 32 |
| Jan 18, 2004 | 2 | $3,229,017 | -30% | -21% | 3,003 | $1,075 | $326,858,029 | 33 |
| Jan 19, 2004 | 3 | $2,228,291 | -31% | +89% | 3,003 | $742 | $329,086,320 | 34 |
| Jan 20, 2004 | 2 | $762,000 | -66% | -37% | 3,003 | $254 | $329,847,927 | 35 |
| Jan 21, 2004 | 2 | $599,000 | -21% | -43% | 3,003 | $199 | $330,446,927 | 36 |
| Jan 22, 2004 | 3 | $642,000 | +7% | -38% | 3,003 | $214 | $331,077,927 | 37 |
| Jan 23, 2004 | 6 | $1,500,000 | +134% | -37% | 2,558 | $586 | $332,545,927 | 38 |
| Jan 24, 2004 | 6 | $3,158,167 | +111% | -32% | 2,558 | $1,235 | $335,745,982 | 39 |
| Jan 25, 2004 | 3 | $2,117,943 | -33% | -34% | 2,558 | $828 | $337,863,925 | 40 |
| Jan 26, 2004 | 3 | $536,000 | -75% | -76% | 2,558 | $210 | $338,399,927 | 41 |
| Jan 27, 2004 | 3 | $556,000 | +4% | -27% | 2,558 | $217 | $338,955,927 | 42 |
| Jan 28, 2004 | 3 | $590,000 | +6% | -2% | 2,558 | $231 | $339,545,927 | 43 |
| Jan 29, 2004 | 3 | $552,000 | -6% | -14% | 2,558 | $216 | $340,066,927 | 44 |
| Jan 30, 2004 | 7 | $1,400,000 | +154% | -7% | 2,256 | $621 | $341,445,927 | 45 |
| Jan 31, 2004 | 4 | $2,739,574 | +96% | -13% | 2,256 | $1,214 | $344,177,922 | 46 |
| Feb 1, 2004 | 4 | $1,199,820 | -56% | -43% | 2,256 | $532 | $345,377,742 | 47 |
| Feb 2, 2004 | 4 | $403,000 | -66% | -25% | 2,256 | $179 | $345,780,927 | 48 |
| Feb 3, 2004 | 4 | $416,000 | +3% | -25% | 2,256 | $184 | $346,196,927 | 49 |
| Feb 4, 2004 | 4 | $381,000 | -8% | -35% | 2,256 | $169 | $346,577,927 | 50 |
| Feb 5, 2004 | 4 | $352,000 | -8% | -36% | 2,256 | $156 | $346,885,927 | 51 |
| Feb 6, 2004 | 9 | $900,000 | +156% | -36% | 1,878 | $479 | $347,745,927 | 52 |
| Feb 7, 2004 | 7 | $2,014,866 | +124% | -26% | 1,878 | $1,073 | $349,808,275 | 53 |
| Feb 8, 2004 | 7 | $1,370,995 | -32% | +14% | 1,878 | $730 | $351,179,270 | 54 |
| Feb 9, 2004 | 7 | $308,000 | -78% | -24% | 1,878 | $164 | $351,487,270 | 55 |
| Feb 10, 2004 | 6 | $286,000 | -7% | -31% | 1,878 | $152 | $351,772,927 | 56 |
| Feb 11, 2004 | 6 | $267,000 | -7% | -30% | 1,878 | $142 | $352,039,927 | 57 |
| Feb 12, 2004 | 5 | $303,000 | +13% | -14% | 1,878 | $161 | $352,323,927 | 58 |
| Feb 13, 2004 | 8 | $800,000 | +164% | -11% | 1,663 | $481 | $353,145,927 | 59 |
| Feb 14, 2004 | 7 | $1,957,907 | +145% | -3% | 1,663 | $1,177 | $355,081,022 | 60 |
| Feb 15, 2004 | 7 | $1,429,675 | -27% | +4% | 1,663 | $860 | $356,510,697 | 61 |
| Feb 16, 2004 | 6 | $903,281 | -37% | +193% | 1,663 | $543 | $357,413,783 | 62 |
| Feb 17, 2004 | 7 | $335,000 | -63% | +17% | 1,663 | $201 | $357,747,927 | 63 |
| Feb 18, 2004 | 7 | $298,000 | -11% | +12% | 1,663 | $179 | $358,046,927 | 64 |
| Feb 19, 2004 | 6 | $293,000 | -2% | -3% | 1,663 | $176 | $358,313,927 | 65 |
| Feb 20, 2004 | 12 | $600,000 | +105% | -25% | 1,407 | $426 | $358,945,927 | 66 |
| Feb 21, 2004 | 10 | $1,299,866 | +117% | -34% | 1,407 | $924 | $360,267,974 | 67 |
| Feb 22, 2004 | 7 | $896,887 | -31% | -37% | 1,407 | $637 | $361,164,861 | 68 |
| Feb 23, 2004 | 11 | $207,000 | -77% | -77% | 1,407 | $147 | $361,371,927 | 69 |
| Feb 24, 2004 | 10 | $215,000 | +4% | -36% | 1,407 | $153 | $361,586,927 | 70 |
| Feb 25, 2004 | 11 | $188,000 | -13% | -37% | 1,407 | $134 | $361,787,927 | 71 |
| Feb 26, 2004 | 11 | $198,000 | +5% | -32% | 1,407 | $141 | $361,986,927 | 72 |
| Feb 27, 2004 | 11 | $500,000 | +153% | -17% | 1,112 | $450 | $362,445,927 | 73 |
| Feb 28, 2004 | 11 | $1,000,000 | +100% | -23% | 1,112 | $899 | $363,445,927 | 74 |
| Feb 29, 2004 | 11 | $700,000 | -30% | -22% | 1,112 | $629 | $364,161,539 | 75 |
| Mar 1, 2004 | 7 | $276,000 | -61% | +33% | 1,112 | $248 | $364,437,927 | 76 |
| Mar 2, 2004 | 7 | $278,000 | +1% | +29% | 1,112 | $250 | $364,715,927 | 77 |
| Mar 3, 2004 | 7 | $242,000 | -13% | +29% | 1,112 | $218 | $364,958,927 | 78 |
| Mar 4, 2004 | 7 | $252,000 | +4% | +27% | 1,112 | $227 | $365,218,275 | 79 |
| Mar 5, 2004 | 8 | $800,000 | +217% | +60% | 1,903 | $420 | $366,045,927 | 80 |
| Mar 6, 2004 | 7 | $1,433,740 | +79% | +43% | 1,903 | $753 | $367,372,586 | 81 |
| Mar 7, 2004 | 7 | $883,511 | -38% | +26% | 1,903 | $464 | $368,256,097 | 82 |
| Mar 8, 2004 | 6 | $222,000 | -75% | -20% | 1,903 | $117 | $368,477,927 | 83 |
| Mar 9, 2004 | 7 | $229,000 | +3% | -18% | 1,903 | $120 | $368,706,927 | 84 |
| Mar 10, 2004 | 7 | $211,000 | -8% | -13% | 1,903 | $111 | $368,918,927 | 85 |
| Mar 11, 2004 | 6 | $236,000 | +12% | -6% | 1,903 | $124 | $369,171,927 | 86 |
| Mar 12, 2004 | 10 | $500,000 | +112% | -38% | 1,307 | $383 | $369,645,927 | 87 |
| Mar 13, 2004 | 9 | $908,040 | +82% | -37% | 1,307 | $695 | $370,566,955 | 88 |
| Mar 14, 2004 | 9 | $626,766 | -31% | -29% | 1,307 | $480 | $371,193,721 | 89 |
| Mar 15, 2004 | 9 | $211,000 | -66% | -5% | 1,307 | $161 | $371,404,927 | 90 |
| Mar 16, 2004 | 9 | $231,000 | +9% | +1% | 1,307 | $177 | $371,635,927 | 91 |
| Mar 17, 2004 | 9 | $199,000 | -14% | -6% | 1,307 | $152 | $371,835,927 | 92 |
| Mar 18, 2004 | 9 | $224,000 | +13% | -5% | 1,307 | $171 | $372,054,927 | 93 |
| Mar 19, 2004 | 11 | $400,000 | +79% | -20% | 1,021 | $392 | $372,445,927 | 94 |
| Mar 20, 2004 | 12 | $598,062 | +50% | -34% | 1,021 | $586 | $373,014,603 | 95 |
| Mar 21, 2004 | 11 | $390,881 | -35% | -38% | 1,021 | $383 | $373,405,484 | 96 |
| Mar 22, 2004 | 10 | $122,000 | -69% | -42% | 1,021 | $119 | $373,526,927 | 97 |
| Mar 23, 2004 | 10 | $122,000 | n/c | -47% | 1,021 | $119 | $373,648,927 | 98 |
| Mar 24, 2004 | 10 | $118,000 | -3% | -41% | 1,021 | $116 | $373,766,927 | 99 |
| Mar 25, 2004 | 10 | $131,000 | +11% | -42% | 1,021 | $128 | $373,896,927 | 100 |
| Jun 28, 2011 | 8 | $818,580 | 521 | $1,571 | $377,891,832 | 2,751 | ||
| Apr 13, 2023 | 2 | $1,176,085 | 1,107 | $1,062 | $379,067,917 | 7,058 | ||
| Jun 10, 2024 | 2 | $1,781,652 | 1,172 | $1,520 | $380,849,569 | 7,482 | ||
| Jun 17, 2024 | 5 | $513,409 | -71% | 1,024 | $501 | $381,362,978 | 7,489 | |
| Jun 24, 2024 | - | $155,866 | -70% | 51 | $3,056 | $381,518,844 | 7,496 | |
| Jan 18, 2026 | 5 | $2,276,432 | 1,655 | $1,375 | $381,886,740 | 8,069 | ||
| Jan 19, 2026 | - | $94,908 | -96% | 421 | $225 | $381,981,648 | 8,070 | |
| Jan 23, 2026 | - | $100,000 | 244 | $410 | $382,081,648 | 8,074 | ||
| Jan 24, 2026 | - | $200,000 | +100% | 244 | $820 | $382,281,648 | 8,075 | |
| Jan 25, 2026 | 4 | $1,100,000 | +450% | -52% | 244 | $4,508 | $383,381,648 | 8,076 |
Weekly Box Office Performance
| Date | Rank | Gross | % Change | Theaters | Per Theater | Total Gross | Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 12, 2003 | 1 | $51,470,821 | 3,703 | $13,900 | $51,470,821 | 1 | |
| Dec 19, 2003 | 1 | $120,199,783 | +134% | 3,703 | $32,460 | $171,670,604 | 2 |
| Dec 26, 2003 | 1 | $90,605,906 | -25% | 3,703 | $24,468 | $262,276,510 | 3 |
| Jan 2, 2004 | 1 | $35,881,255 | -60% | 3,703 | $9,690 | $298,157,765 | 4 |
| Jan 9, 2004 | 1 | $18,480,794 | -48% | 3,532 | $5,232 | $316,638,559 | 5 |
| Jan 16, 2004 | 2 | $14,439,610 | -22% | 3,003 | $4,808 | $331,078,169 | 6 |
| Jan 23, 2004 | 3 | $8,988,770 | -38% | 2,558 | $3,514 | $340,066,939 | 7 |
| Jan 30, 2004 | 4 | $6,818,660 | -24% | 2,256 | $3,022 | $346,885,599 | 8 |
| Feb 6, 2004 | 7 | $5,437,903 | -20% | 1,878 | $2,896 | $352,323,502 | 9 |
| Feb 13, 2004 | 8 | $5,990,904 | +10% | 1,663 | $3,602 | $358,314,406 | 10 |
| Feb 20, 2004 | 11 | $3,672,468 | -39% | 1,407 | $2,610 | $361,986,874 | 11 |
| Feb 27, 2004 | 11 | $3,231,401 | -12% | 1,112 | $2,906 | $365,218,275 | 12 |
| Mar 5, 2004 | 7 | $3,953,945 | +22% | 1,903 | $2,078 | $369,172,220 | 13 |
| Mar 12, 2004 | 9 | $2,882,516 | -27% | 1,307 | $2,205 | $372,054,736 | 14 |
| Mar 19, 2004 | 11 | $1,841,946 | -36% | 1,021 | $1,804 | $373,896,682 | 15 |
| Mar 26, 2004 | 15 | $979,892 | -47% | 661 | $1,482 | $374,876,574 | 16 |
| Apr 2, 2004 | 21 | $547,353 | -44% | 348 | $1,573 | $375,423,927 | 17 |
| Apr 9, 2004 | 21 | $453,230 | -17% | 338 | $1,341 | $375,877,157 | 18 |
| Apr 16, 2004 | 26 | $311,472 | -31% | 295 | $1,056 | $376,188,629 | 19 |
| Apr 23, 2004 | 29 | $259,250 | -17% | 268 | $967 | $376,447,879 | 20 |
| Apr 30, 2004 | 36 | $210,667 | -19% | 221 | $953 | $376,658,546 | 21 |
| May 7, 2004 | 36 | $147,812 | -30% | 190 | $778 | $376,806,358 | 22 |
| May 14, 2004 | 41 | $126,358 | -15% | 153 | $826 | $376,932,716 | 23 |
| May 21, 2004 | 44 | $100,980 | -20% | 135 | $748 | $377,033,696 | 24 |
| Jun 24, 2011 | 16 | $818,580 | 521 | $1,571 | $377,891,832 | 394 | |
| Apr 7, 2023 | 9 | $1,176,085 | 1,107 | $1,062 | $379,067,917 | 1,009 |
Full financial estimates for this film, including domestic and international box office, video sales, video rentals, TV and ancillary revenue are available through our research services. For more information, please contact us at research@the-numbers.com.