Mercy topped the box office despite a massive winter storm forcing more than 400 theaters to shut down. Many cities urged residents to remain indoors. As a result, domestic revenue is expected to fall to its lowest level of the year so far. It is also the first weekend in 2026 to trail the same frame in 2025.
Mercy Opens at No. 1 Despite Disruptions
The weekend’s top film is Mercy, starring Chris Pratt as a man on trial for murdering his wife.
In the thriller, his fate rests in the hands of an artificial intelligence judge. MGM Amazon Studios reported an estimated $12.6 million opening on Saturday, before the full scope of the storm’s impact became clear.
The film earned a key milestone by ending the reign of Avatar: Fire and Ash, which had led the box office for five consecutive weekends.
Mixed Reception Challenges Mercy
In North America, bad weather is not the only obstacle facing Mercy.
Critics have largely dismissed the film. Audience response has been lukewarm. Exit polls show a B- CinemaScore, signaling only modest enthusiasm among ticket buyers.
Avatar: Fire and Ash Remains a Global Force
Despite losing the top spot, Avatar: Fire and Ash continues to dominate.
The 20th Century Fox and Disney release finished No. 2 domestically with an estimated $7 million. Its North American total now stands at $378.5 million. Worldwide, the film has reached $1.379 billion.
Overseas, it easily outperformed Mercy, adding another $28 million. That pushed its international earnings past $1 billion, a rare achievement in today’s market.
Zootopia 2 Crosses Major Milestone
Disney’s animated hit Zootopia 2 held steady at No. 3.
The film earned $5.7 million in North America. It also crossed the $400 million mark domestically, reaching $401.4 million.
After nine weekends, the sequel has amassed a staggering $1.744 billion worldwide. That includes $1.343 billion from international markets.
Disney Continues Box Office Dominance
Together, Avatar: Fire and Ash and Zootopia 2 continue to power Disney’s global performance.
The studio has now led the domestic and international box office charts for nine consecutive weekends, reinforcing its dominance despite challenging weather and shifting audience habits.
The top 12 movies of the weekend, as of Sunday, January 25, are as follows:
| # | Title | Distributor Name | Weekend Total | # of Locs | Loc Avg | Cume Total | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mercy | Amazon MGM Studios | $11,200,000 | 3,468 | $3,230 | $11,200,000 | |
| 2 | Avatar: Fire and Ash | 20th Century Studios | $7,000,000 | 3,150 | $2,222 | $378,492,585 | -52% |
| 3 | Zootopia 2 | Disney | $5,700,000 | 2,930 | $1,945 | $401,427,846 | -38% |
| 4 | Housemaid, The | Lionsgate | $4,200,000 | 3,007 | $1,397 | $115,452,000 | -51% |
| 5 | 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple | Sony | $3,600,000 | 3,506 | $1,027 | $20,751,000 | -71% |
| 6 | Marty Supreme | A24 | $3,546,859 | 2,021 | $1,755 | $86,299,295 | -36% |
| 7 | Return to Silent Hill * | Iconic Events | $3,252,000 | 2,000 | $1,626 | $3,252,000 | |
| 8 | Hamnet | Focus Features | $2,000,000 | 1,996 | $1,002 | $17,628,000 | 48% |
| 9 | Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2026 Event) | Fathom Entertainment | $2,000,000 | 1,729 | $1,157 | $6,300,000 | -44% |
| 10 | Primate | Paramount | $1,640,000 | 2,145 | $765 | $23,503,000 | -67% |
| 11 | Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2026 Event) | Fathom Entertainment | $1,600,000 | 1,628 | $983 | $4,500,000 | -33% |
| 12 | Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (2026 Event) | Fathom Entertainment | $1,500,000 | 1,104 | $1,359 | $4,200,000 | -34% |
