Theater counts: Ghostbusters set for second-widest opening of the year

November 18, 2021

After an array of release date changes, Ghostbusters: Afterlife is finally here. The latest in the Ghostbusters franchise is set to launch in 4,315 theaters, only trailing No Time to Die’s 4,407 venues as the largest opening this year, and overtaking both Jungle Cruise (4,310) and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (4,300). The supernatural comedy is directed by Jason Reitman and stars a plethora of Hollywood talent, including the familiar faces of Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver, and archival footage of the late Harold Ramis as the serious Dr. Egon Spengler. Also new in wide release this week is the latest from Warner Bros. in King Richard. The biographical drama follows the life of Richard Williams, the father of tennis icons Venus and Serena Williams. The film opens in 3,302 locations while simultaneously being available for viewing on HBO Max.

Eternals moves to the second spot this week, only dropping 35 locations, going from 4,090 to 4,055 theaters entering its third weekend at the box office. Rounding out the top five this week is Clifford the Big Red Dog and Dune playing in 3,628 and 2,467 theaters respectively.

Coming to theaters in limited release this week is India Sweets and Spices. The coming-of-age comedy starring Sophia Ali launches in 343 movie houses. Also arriving to theaters this week are two features from IFC Films. The documentary, Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time which traces the extraordinary life of author Kurt Vonnegut will debut in 68 locations. The second release for IFC is the horror film, The Feast, which will show in 22 theaters.

Looking ahead to next week we see three wide releases hit the big screen on Wednesday, just before the Thanksgiving holiday. The largest of these is Encanto. The latest animated film from Walt Disney is estimated to arrive in 3,400 locations. Also releasing is House of Gucci, expected in 3,400 theaters, and Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City, opening in an estimated 2,600 locations. Lastly, and worthy of note is Freestyle Releasing’s For the Love of Money, showing in an estimated 600 locations…

Note: Warner Bros. counts estimates from Box Office Pro

Theater Counts for November 19 – 21

Estimates for November 24

Bruce Nash

Filed under: Theater Counts, Ghostbusters, Sigourney Weaver, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, Jason Reitman, Venus Williams, Serena Williams, Sophia Ali