Pixar's 'Elio' Breaks a 30-Year Box Office Record For Worst Opening Weekend in Studio History
- Disney's Pixar released the original animated film Elio in June 2025, marking the studio's lowest opening weekend ever at U.S. theaters.
- Elio's poor debut stemmed from competition with successful franchises like How to Train Your Dragon and Lilo & Stitch, along with pandemic-era marketing challenges.
- Elio earned $9 million on opening day and totaled roughly $21 million over the weekend across 3,750 theaters, falling short of the $25-30 million projections.
- Analyst David A. Gross called it "a weak opening for a new Pixar movie," contrasting with past hits like Inside Out 2's $155 million opening one year ago.
- Pixar and Disney anticipate Elio's performance could improve after releases in major international markets and hope it follows Elemental's turnaround despite the initial struggle.
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67 Articles
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Pixar had its worst opening weekend ever with 'Elio.' What happened?
Pixar's animated film 'Elio' brought in just $21 million in its opening weekend. Its performance shows the difficulties for original movies and a competitive box office.
How The Pixar Empire Crumbled (Even Before COVID And 'Elio' Arrived)
Some will say the Pixar Animation Studios empire died the weekend Elio scored the lowest domestic opening ever for a Pixar Animation Studios release (even before adjusting for inflation). Others will declare the dismal bow for Elemental two years earlier...
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