The domestic box office had a competitive weekend as big-budget sequels, fresh originals, and revived franchises battled for audience attention. Here’s how the Top 5 films performed in their opening weekend, based on early box office estimates.
1. Avatar: Fire and Ash — $40M
James Cameron’s Avatar franchise continues its box office dominance. Fire and Ash opens comfortably at number one with $40 million, reaffirming the brand’s strong pull with premium formats and franchise-loyal audiences. While not an explosive debut by Avatar standards, the opening positions the film well for a steady theatrical run.
2. Zootopia 2 — $19M
Disney’s long-awaited sequel lands in second place with $19 million. Zootopia 2 benefits from family appeal and nostalgia from the original film, though its opening suggests a more gradual rollout rather than a front-loaded debut. Expect stronger weekday and long-term performance driven by younger audiences.
3. The Housemaid — $14.8M
The psychological thriller The Housemaid surprises with a solid $14.8 million opening. In a weekend dominated by franchises, its performance shows there’s still strong demand for mid-budget adult-oriented films when the marketing connects with viewers.
4. Marty Supreme — $12.5M
Marty Supreme debuts with $12.5 million, a respectable result that reflects moderate audience interest. While it doesn’t break out immediately, its placement in the Top 5 suggests potential for word-of-mouth growth depending on audience reception in the coming weeks.
5. Anaconda — $10M
Rounding out the list is Anaconda with $10 million. The reboot leans heavily on brand recognition, and while its opening isn’t massive, cracking the Top 5 indicates enough curiosity to give the film a chance at staying power if international numbers and secondary markets perform well.
Hugh Jackman is stepping into a role fans never expected: an older, battle-worn Robin Hood. But this isn’t the cheerful, dashing outlaw of the Sherwood Forest stories we all know. In A24’s upcoming thriller, The Death of Robin Hood, Jackman brings a gritty, emotional intensity to a legend that has been retold countless times.
From the first images released, it’s clear this version of Robin Hood will be raw, reflective, and morally complex, focusing less on heroic exploits and more on the consequences of a lifetime of violence and outlaw living.
Traditionally, Robin Hood has been portrayed as the charming archer who steals from the rich to give to the poor, with dashing sword fights and clever escapes. Jackman’s portrayal is anything but traditional. He’s older, scarred, and weighed down by the reality of his choices.
Director and writer Michael Sarnoski, known for the intimate drama Pig and horror-tinged A Quiet Place: Day One, is aiming to strip the legend down to its human core. Instead of the usual heroic adventure, the film focuses on legacy, morality, and what happens when a lifetime of outlaw actions catches up to you.
Cast
Joining Jackman is Jodie Comer, who plays a mysterious woman that becomes central to Robin Hood’s journey after he suffers a near-fatal injury. While her exact role remains under wraps, early reports hint that she is more than a caretaker.
Bill Skarsgård steps into the role of Little John, bringing his signature intensity and unpredictability. Supporting roles include Murray Bartlett and Noah Jupe, promising a mix of experience, emotion, and youthful perspective. This ensemble suggests a story that balances the weight of history with human complexity, making it more than just an action film.
The film was shot in Northern Ireland on 35mm film, emphasizing a tactile, grounded visual style. The cinematography is expected to highlight rough landscapes, stormy skies, and the gritty textures of a world long past its golden age, reinforcing the tone of reflection and reckoning.
Instead of flashy CGI battles, audiences can expect intimate, intense combat scenes that feel real and consequential. Every scar, every dirt-streaked costume, and every weathered expression is part of a story about time, survival, and human fragility.
While action is still present, The Death of Robin Hood is more psychological thriller than swashbuckling adventure. The story emphasizes character development, tension, and the moral weight of choices over spectacle.
Early reactions to the first images and teasers describe Jackman as unrecognizable, almost feral, with a rugged beard, torn clothing, and scars. The imagery reinforces the idea that this Robin Hood is gritty, realistic, and far removed from the fairy-tale versions of the past.
The Death of Robin Hood marks a major departure from traditional interpretations, turning a well-known story into a dark, thoughtful, and thrilling experience. Hugh Jackman’s transformation into this aged, battle-scarred hero signals a film that is both visually striking and emotionally resonant.
For fans of classic tales reimagined with depth, and for anyone curious about Jackman in an entirely new light, this film promises to be unforgettable.
The 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards is taking place tonight, marking the official start of the 2026 awards season. The star-studded ceremony is set to be held at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica.
Comic host Chelsea Handler returns for her fourth consecutive year to guide the proceedings, blending humour with excitement as some of the biggest films and TV shows of 2025 compete for top honours.
The Critics Choice Awards, presented annually by the Critics Choice Association, honour the best achievements in film and television from the previous year. Known for its diverse voting body of critics, the event often foreshadows trends and potential winners in subsequent awards; including the Golden Globes and the Oscars.
Leading Nominees This Year
Before tonight’s gala, several titles emerged as front-runners based on nominations:
Sinners, Ryan Coogler’s period horror drama, leads all films with 17 nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director and multiple acting categories.
One Battle After Another, the action epic by Paul Thomas Anderson, follows closely with 14 nominations, also in major categories like Best Picture and Best Actor.
Netflix’s limited series Adolescence is the most-nominated television project, highlighted in the show’s TV category lineup.
Other films in contention include Frankenstein, Hamnet, Marty Supreme, and Sentimental Value, among others, spanning genres from drama to fantasy and international cinema.
The ceremony is being broadcast live on E! and USA Network, with red carpet coverage and pre-show specials earlier in the evening. International viewers may also follow live streams on network apps and platforms supporting E! and USA Network feeds.
You can also get updates and follow the show via our Film social media handle on Facebook/X
Tonight’s show begins at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT (approximate local U.S. time), with the red carpet arriving hours earlier as celebrities showcase their fashion on the Barker Hangar carpet.
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Round of 16 delivered drama, resilience, and late twists as Senegal and Mali secured quarterfinal spots in two contrasting knockout encounters.
Senegal 3–1 Sudan
Senegal booked their place in the AFCON quarterfinals with a confident 3–1 victory over Sudan.
Sudan stunned the Senegal early when Aamir Abdallah opened the scoring, but Senegal responded with authority. Pape Gueye struck twice before halftime to swing momentum firmly in Senegal’s favour, showcasing the team’s midfield dominance.
In the second half, teenage substitute Ibrahima Mbaye added a third goal to seal the result and underline Senegal’s squad depth. The Lions of Teranga now move on with growing confidence as the knockout stages intensify.
Final Score:
Senegal 3–1 Sudan
Goals: Gueye (2), Mbaye; Abdallah (Sudan)
Mali vs Tunisia
Late Drama Ends in Penalty Shootout Victory for Mali.
The second Round of 16 clash between Mali and Tunisia proved to be one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament.
Mali were forced to play most of the game with 10 men after an early red card, yet defended with discipline and determination. Tunisia finally broke the deadlock late in regulation time when Firas Chaouat scored in the 88th minute, seemingly sending the Carthage Eagles through.
However, Mali refused to fold. Deep into stoppage time, Lassine Sinayoko converted a crucial penalty, dragging the match into extra time.
With neither side able to find a winner after 120 minutes, the contest went to penalties. Mali held their nerve in the shootout, overcoming Tunisia to claim a memorable victory and book their place in the quarterfinals.
The global film industry had a spectacular year in 2025, grossing a record $33.5 billion at the box office; an impressive 10% increase from 2024. From blockbuster sequels to nostalgic reboots, audiences flocked back to theaters, proving that big-screen storytelling is far from dead.
But what made 2025 stand out? Was it the rise of animation, the dominance of franchises, or the power of international markets? Let’s break it down.
Top 10 Films of 2025
Here’s a detailed look at the highest-grossing films globally in 2025 and what made them resonate with audiences.
Ne Zha 2 — $2.15B (China)
China leads the way in animation. Ne Zha 2 topped the global box office with $2.15 billion, demonstrating the country’s growing influence in film. This sequel blended rich Chinese mythology with breathtaking visuals, appealing not just domestically but also internationally.
The film proves that China is no longer just a market for Hollywood, it’s a creative powerhouse, exporting stories with global appeal.
Zootopia 2 — $1.46B (USA/Disney)
Disney knows how to craft stories that hit home. Zootopia 2 combined humor, heart, and a clever social message, earning $1.46 billion worldwide. The sequel appealed to both children and adults, proving that animated films can carry meaning while still being wildly entertaining.
Lilo & Stitch — $1.03B (USA/Disney)
Nostalgia sells, and Disney tapped into it perfectly. The reboot of Lilo & Stitch earned over $1 billion, reminding audiences of the warmth of Hawaiian-themed adventures while introducing these characters to a new generation.
For studios, this shows that smart reboots done with care and creativity can be both commercially successful and culturally resonant.
Minecraft — $958M (USA/WB)
Video games on the big screen continue to thrive. Minecraft, based on the world-famous game, earned $958 million, highlighting the power of interactive IPs in cinemas.
The movie’s visuals were a spectacle, translating the game’s iconic blocky universe into a cinematic experience that fans and newcomers could enjoy alike.
Jurassic World — $869M (USA/NBC)
Dinosaurs never go out of style. The latest Jurassic World installment delivered familiar thrills with modern CGI, earning $869 million worldwide. The film proved that franchises with proven formulas sci-fi, adventure, and awe-inspiring creatures can still dominate the box office.
Avatar — $851M (USA/Disney)
James Cameron’s Avatar remains a powerhouse. Despite being more than a decade old, the franchise continues to impress with cutting-edge visuals and immersive storytelling, grossing $851 million.
Cameron’s dedication to technological innovation ensures that Avatar isn’t just a film; it’s an experience, and audiences are clearly willing to pay for it.
Demon Slayer — $795M (Japan/Sony)
Anime is officially global. Demon Slayer earned $795 million, proving that Japanese animation isn’t niche; it’s mainstream.
Its success is a combination of beautiful visuals, compelling storytelling, and a loyal fanbase. For the global market, it signals that cultural export through animation is a major growth area.
How to Train Your Dragon (HTTYD) — $636M (USA/NBC)
DreamWorks ended the year on a high note. The How to Train Your Dragon finale earned $636 million, delivering heartfelt storytelling and jaw-dropping animation.
Franchise longevity is key here; HTTYD proves that even after multiple installments, emotional resonance and world-building keep fans returning to theaters.
F1 Movie — $632M (USA/Apple)
Apple’s foray into cinema paid off. The F1 Movie brought the thrill of racing to the big screen, earning $632 million. Beyond adrenaline-pumping action, the film tapped into global motorsport fandom, showing that films based on sports and real-life events can be highly lucrative.
Superman — $617M (USA/WB)
The superhero genre isn’t slowing down. Superman grossed $617 million, blending nostalgia with modern storytelling. Even after decades, iconic characters remain a safe bet for studios, proving that familiarity and fan loyalty are major box office drivers.
What This Means for 2026 and Beyond
With $33.5 billion in global revenue, 2025 confirms that cinema is far from dying. Audiences are clearly hungry for cinematic experiences that feel bigger than life, whether that’s dragons, superheroes, or mythical heroes like Ne Zha.
The upcoming year will likely continue these trends, with more sequels, ambitious animations, and international collaborations shaping the box office landscape. For moviegoers and industry watchers alike, 2026 promises to be just as exciting.
Welcome to 2026. Fashion now is all about bold choices, self-expression, and blending style with sustainability. Whether you’re refreshing your wardrobe or looking for your next Instagram-worthy outfit, these top 7 teen fashion trends are perfect for staying on-trend this year.
1. Oversized Blazers
Oversized blazers are back with a bang. They combine casual comfort with chic sophistication. Pair a neutral blazer with skinny jeans, a mini skirt, or even shorts for a look that’s effortlessly stylish. Want to stand out? Try pastel shades like lilac or mint green. TikTok creators are already making oversized blazers a staple in their daily outfits.
2. Y2K Nostalgia
The early 2000s are officially trending. Think low-rise jeans, butterfly clips, sparkly tops, and mini handbags. Y2K fashion is playful, colorful, and perfect for teens who love showing their personality. Mix retro pieces with modern accessories for a fresh take on this nostalgic trend.
3. Chunky Sneakers
Comfort meets style with chunky sneakers. These shoes aren’t just practical; they make a statement. White remains classic, but neon and pastel variations are taking over TikTok feeds. Pair them with skirts, baggy pants, or casual shorts to complete your look.
4. Eco-Friendly Fashion
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a lifestyle. Teens are embracing clothing made from recycled materials, organic cotton, or vintage finds. Eco-friendly fashion not only looks good but also shows you care about the planet.
5. Statement Accessories
This year, accessories are stealing the show. From oversized hats and chunky chains to colorful hair clips and bold sunglasses, accessories can elevate even the simplest outfit. Layering jewelry or experimenting with hats and bags adds a personal touch to your style.
6. Tie-Dye & Pastels
Tie-dye has evolved from summer camp vibes to a full-on fashion statement. Pastel tie-dye hoodies, T-shirts, and sets are trending across social media. Pair with neutral bottoms or layer with a denim jacket for a fun, carefree look.
7. Gender-Neutral Fashion
Fashion is breaking barriers. Oversized shirts, baggy pants, and versatile jackets are no longer limited by gender. Gender-neutral fashion gives teens the freedom to mix and match, focusing on comfort, creativity, and personal style rather than labels.
If you’ve been waiting to binge the Johnson family all in one place, your wait is almost over. Disney’s hit sitcom Black‑ish, created by Kenya Barris, is coming to Netflix US for the first time, starting Saturday, January 31, 2026. Fans can finally stream all eight seasons, totaling 176 episodes, without switching between multiple platforms.
The series, which aired from 2014 to 2022, follows Andre “Dre” Johnson and his family as they navigate life, identity, and culture with humor and heart. Praised for its clever writing and socially conscious storylines, Black‑ish has earned Emmy nominations and a devoted fanbase.
Previously, US viewers had to rely on Hulu or Disney+ to watch the series. Bringing Black‑ish to Netflix makes it more accessible to millions of new viewers, while giving longtime fans a convenient way to binge their favorite episodes. It’s a prime example of streaming platforms expanding their libraries with proven hits to attract audiences.
Created by Kenya Barris, Black‑ish stars Anthony Anderson as Dre and Tracee Ellis Ross as his wife, Rainbow. Together, they raise four children while juggling careers, family dynamics, and cultural identity. The show blends humor with social commentary, addressing issues like race, privilege, and generational differences.
Its influence has been significant, inspiring spin-offs like Grown‑ish and Mixed‑ish, and establishing itself as a culturally important sitcom that resonates with viewers across generations.
Starting January 31, 2026, all eight seasons of Black‑ish will be available to stream on Netflix US.
Nigerian music fans are celebrating an early chart-topping hit this year as Shoday & FOLA’s collaborative single “Paparazzi” debuted at #1 on the Spotify Nigeria Top Songs Chart, racking up 333,986 streams on its first day. This is an exciting milestone in a music market that continues to grow its digital footprint.
“Paparazzi”, released on January 2, 2026, is an Afrobeats-driven track blending catchy melodies with danceable rhythms.
Debuting at the top of Spotify Nigeria’s daily chart with over 333,000 streams places “Paparazzi” among the fastest-rising new songs in the country’s current music scene. For context, high-impact Nigerian releases often push hundreds of thousands of streams within the first 24 hours, signaling strong fan engagement and playlist support across the streaming platform.
Shoday is one of Nigerian music’s most exciting breakout artists of the past few years. Born Shodade Solomon Segun in Ogun State and raised in Lagos, he first gained attention with early hits like “Dey 4 You” and “Caution”, the latter earning a high-profile remix with Skiibii and placing him in the spotlight on streaming platforms.
Over time, Shoday has built a reputation for blending Afrobeats with R&B and pop, creating smooth yet energetic tracks that connect deeply with listeners. He has been featured on playlists like Apple Music’s Up Next and delivered memorable performances at major live events, helping him amass millions of streams and a growing fan base.
FOLA (Folarin Odunlami) is another rising force in the Nigerian music scene, known for his soulful pop-soul fusion and emotive songwriting. Since his debut singles in 2022, FOLA has steadily grown his profile through a string of successful releases and high-impact collaborations with artists like Kizz Daniel, BNXN, and Bella Shmurda.
In 2024, he released his EP What A Feeling, which showcased his thoughtful lyricism and melodic versatility. By 2025, FOLA continued to make waves with charting songs and features that reached Billboard U.S. Afrobeats charts and the TurnTable Top 100 in Nigeria, marking him as one of Afrobeats’ definitive breakout stars of the moment.
Together, Shoday and FOLA represent the new generation of Nigerian artists shaping Afrobeats with fresh sounds, strong streaming numbers, and growing global recognition making their collaboration “Paparazzi” a cultural moment for the local music scene.
The Nigerian superstar’s project, Lungu Boy, has officially surpassed 350 million streams on Audiomack, marking another major milestone in his fast-rising career.
This achievement makes Lungu Boy Asake’s second project to cross the 350 million streams mark on the platform, further reinforcing his strong connection with Audiomack’s core audience across Africa and the diaspora.
Since his breakout, Asake has remained one of the most-streamed Nigerian artists on Audiomack, a platform known for amplifying Afrobeats and street-pop sounds. His projects have consistently pulled massive numbers, driven by replay value, viral hits, and a loyal fan base.
Lungu Boy joins an exclusive group of highly streamed African projects on Audiomack, highlighting Asake’s ability to sustain momentum beyond singles and deliver full bodies of work that resonate deeply with listeners.
Crossing 350 million streams on Audiomack is not just a number, it reflects Asake’s staying power in a highly competitive era of Nigerian music. With multiple records already broken and more milestones likely ahead, the singer continues to position himself as one of Afrobeats’ most reliable hitmakers.
As streaming numbers keep climbing across platforms, Lungu Boy stands as another reminder of Asake’s impact and consistency in the global Afrobeats movement.
In 2025, streaming platforms are spending film-franchise money on TV shows, blurring the line between episodic storytelling and blockbuster filmmaking. Budgets that once belonged only to major Hollywood movies are now being poured into single TV seasons.
Based on reported total season budgets, these are the three most expensive TV shows of 2025.
1. Stranger Things (Season 5) — $400 Million
Netflix has gone all out for the final chapter of Stranger Things.
With a reported budget of $400 million, Season 5 stands as the most expensive single season of television ever produced. It is less a traditional TV season and more a cinematic event broken into episodes.
Where the money went
Movie-length episodes instead of standard runtimes
Heavy visual effects and large-scale action scenes
Significantly increased cast salaries
Extensive set construction and long post-production
Netflix is clearly treating the final season as a global spectacle, designed to dominate pop culture and close one of its biggest franchises on the highest possible note.
2. Star Wars: Andor (Season 1) — $291 Million
At $291 million, Andor became one of the most expensive Star Wars projects ever made and it achieved that without relying heavily on flashy spectacle.
Instead, the series focused on realism.
What drove the high budget
Large-scale practical sets instead of green screens
Real-world filming locations across multiple countries
A long and complex production schedule
A sizable ensemble cast and cinematic crew
Unlike other Star Wars shows, Andor chose grounded storytelling and political depth. That creative choice came with a price tag and Disney was willing to pay it.
3. Severance (Season 2) — $200 Million
On the surface, Severance doesn’t look like a $200 million show.
There are no massive battle scenes, no fantasy worlds, and no obvious spectacle. Yet Apple TV+ reportedly spent around $200 million on Season 2, placing it among the costliest TV seasons of the year.
Why Season 2 cost so much
Long production delays and scheduling challenges
Expanded world-building beyond the office setting
High-end production design and meticulous set detail
Apple’s commitment to prestige television
Despite its minimalist tone, Severance is carefully constructed and precision at that level is expensive.
These budgets point to a larger industry shift.
In 2025:
TV seasons cost as much as blockbuster movies
Episodes are structured like feature films
Streaming platforms prioritize cultural impact over cost-cutting
