Poll: Which 2009 Release Had The Most Surprisngly Awesome Box Office Run?
The Blind Side ($220 million so far)
Why it deserves your vote: Because the little $29 million feature opened very well against that behemoth known as New Moon, earning $34 million in its opening weekend. After that, the feel-good movie showed some incredible legs over the holidays, earning a stunning $220 million, over 6.5 times as much as its opening weekend! The crazy thing is, it's still not done, either!Star Trek ($257.7 million)
Why it deserves your vote: Sure, this flick had a big $150 million budget, but the Star Trek franchise was dead in the water when J.J. Abrams rebooted it. The critical darling introduced this intergalactic adventure to a brand new generation, and earned a whole lot of money on the way!
Paranormal Activity ($107.9 million)
Why it deserves your vote: This independent horror movie was made for $15,000. Yes, just $15,000. After sitting on the shelf for years, Paramount decided to release the film in a few theaters. Then they started an online marketing campaign. Then the campaign went viral. Then Paramount added it to a few more theaters. Then it made a shocking amount of money. Then everyone started talking about it. Then Paramount put it into wide release. Then it killed Saw VI. Then it broke $100 million. Then it was declared an all-out phenomenon.
Taken ($145 million)
Why it deserves your vote: Because it was a simple, $25 million action film starring Liam Neeson, who was hardly an A-list box office draw. I'm sure Fox expected it to do some solid enough business, and then make a little bit extra on DVD, but they got way more than they bargained for. The film opened to a solid $24 million, and it connected with audiences in a huge way. The thriller surprised everyone over the course of the next two months, dropping by tiny amounts on its way to $145 million.
The Hangover ($277.3 million)
Why it deserves your vote: Warner Brothers launched one of the biggest comedies of all time out of nothing. No A-list stars, no huge budget, no family-friendly premise, no super-anticipatory buzz. The R-rated comedy opened to a fantastic $44 million over the first weekend in June, and then chugged along all Summer on its way to $277 million.
Inglorious Basterds ($120.5 million)
Why it deserves your vote: Because it made a rather unsavory WWII story accessible to audiences, and actually gave The Weinstein Company a hit!
Paul Blart: Mall Cop ($146.3 million)
Why it deserves your vote: Because, against all odds, the wretchedly reviewed comedy somehow caught on with audiences, launching the Era Of Easy Entertainment in the process. Who'd of thunk that this $26 million January release would become a box office star?
Go ahead and place your vote in the poll below:
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11 comments:
Yea, I think it's interesting how Star Trek is really an American franchise.
It's Inglourious
There is actually a very small chance that, with Oscar buzz, The Blind Side could pass Star Trek! (domestic).
I think Taken was a kinda throwback in spirit to some of those big 80s actioners like Commando etc that really hit with audiences in that primal way.
A father doing whatever needs done to save his daughter.
Simple, action packed and not too long a run time. I didn't expect it to hit anything like $145 million but I can see how it did.
This is amazing! Thanks so much Grady!
Boxofficemojo actually currently has a similar poll going on and it's amazing to see the results.
I still strongly believe the big surprise this year was Taken. It had been in release in Europe for such a long time and who knew Liam Neeson could helm a blockbuster? It was between Paranormal and Taken for me but Taken was the biggest surprise in my opinion.
Ps. After LOTR came out I was always asked if my name came from the book. I wish, I wish, but sadly no.
I voted for The Blind Side because of all the reasons Grady gave plus the following:
1.After the 1st weekend New Moon was almost $110M ahead(!) but The Blind Side kept finding a bigger & bigger audience until now New Noon is only $70M ahead. And that difference will continue to shrink.
2.It's based on a true story that's heart-warming & hopeful.
3.It's generating oscar buzz for Best Picture & Best Actress for Sandra Bullock.
I totally forgot about the run of The Blind Side. I think I was too caught up in Grady's early predictions that I "expected" it to do well.
However, it has done much much better than anyone expected. When I say the trailer initially, I didn't think it could top 50mil.
The true winner is actually The Blind Side.
If I had to rank these ones:
1) The Blind Side
2) Taken
3) Paranormal Activity
4) The Hangover
5) Paul Blart
6) Star Trek
7) Inglourious Basterds
Ps. Grady, don't you think District 9 was more of a surprise success than Inglourious?
Yea, I was debating putting it on there, but $115 million somehow sounded way less impressive to me than $120 million... haha!
Tough decision. I ended up choosing Star Trek because the entire Superman, Star Trek franchises were dead. I guess you could include Batman, until the last one.
Very very tough decision. I voted for The Blind side because:
1) it costs only 29 millions.
2) had a terrific competition.
3) showed great legs.
4) it is an unsual blockbuster.
Oh I forgot:
5) it did'n have a very strong support by critics like The Hangover or Paranormal Activity, so it's success depends deeply on the word of mouth.
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