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Minions & Monsters Posts Franchise-Low U.S. Debut

Critical acclaim coupled with solid early overseas receipts leaves the film’s profitability hinging on larger international legs.

Overview

  • Minions & Monsters, which opened on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, took the top spot on opening day in North America but earned only about $14.2 million that day and roughly $25 million after two days.
  • Industry estimates revised the five-day domestic total down to about $64–65 million, the weakest opening-day, three-day, and five-day debut in the Despicable Me/Minions franchise.
  • The film has strong critical marks and audience response with roughly a 90–91 percent Rotten Tomatoes score and an A- CinemaScore, yet positive reviews did not translate into a powerful U.S. start.
  • Early international performance is healthier, including a No. 1 opening in China with an estimated $4.6–4.7 million day, producing a worldwide cume in the low hundreds of millions depending on which markets are counted.
  • With reported production costs cited between about $75 million and $85 million, the studio’s break-even outlook relies on sustained overseas legs and longer-term domestic hold rather than the soft holiday start.