'Regretting You' wins spooky slow North American box office
Paramount’s “Regretting You,” the newest adaptation of a Colleen Hoover novel, claimed the top spot at the North American box office over a quiet Halloween weekend, industry estimates showed Sunday.
Directed by Josh Boone, the romantic drama follows a mother and daughter—played by Allison Williams and McKenna Grace—as they navigate love, grief, and reconciliation after a family tragedy. In its second weekend in theaters, the film grossed $8.1 million, edging out Universal’s horror sequel “Black Phone 2,” which earned $8.0 million.
“Black Phone 2” brings back Ethan Hawke as the chilling masked villain from the original, this time preying on a new group of teenagers at a summer camp. Despite its near-tie for first place, the film’s debut numbers were slightly below expectations, contributing to what analysts described as a sluggish holiday frame.
Last weekend’s chart-topper, “Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc,” fell to third place with $6.0 million. The Japanese anime feature, based on the hit manga series, tells the gory and emotional tale of Denji, an orphaned teen resurrected as a chainsaw-wielding hybrid after merging with his pet devil. Its strong fan following kept it among the top earners despite a sharp drop in ticket sales.
In fourth place, with $4.8 million, was “Bugonia,” the latest film from Greek auteur Yorgos Lanthimos and his frequent collaborator Emma Stone. The apocalyptic satire, which premiered to acclaim at the Venice Film Festival, centers on two conspiracy theorists who kidnap a powerful CEO (Stone), convinced she is an extraterrestrial threat.
Rounding out the top five was a nostalgic return: “Back to the Future,” re-released in celebration of its 40th anniversary. The beloved 1985 classic drew dedicated fans and new audiences alike, highlighting the enduring appeal of the time-travel adventure.
Overall, the top 12 films collectively grossed $44.8 million—a 32 percent decline from the same weekend last year, underscoring the ongoing challenges facing the fall box office.
The rest of the top 10 included “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere” ($3.8 million), “Tron: Ares” ($2.8 million), “Stitch Ahead” ($2.1 million), “Good Fortune” ($1.5 million), and “One Battle After Another” ($1.2 million).
Despite modest earnings, “Regretting You” marked a rare victory for adult dramas, signaling that heartfelt storytelling can still find an audience amid blockbuster fatigue.
