‘Twisters’ Ends Box Office Top 10 Streak After Impressive Summer

Twisters, the highly anticipated summer blockbuster starring Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones, and Anthony Ramos, has officially exited the top 10 at the North American box office for the first time since its release in July. The film, a standalone sequel to the 1996 hit Twister that featured Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton, made a notable impression upon its debut. As of this past weekend, Twisters earned an estimated $1.2 million from 1,399 theaters, landing it at No. 11 in the box office rankings, according to The Numbers.

The film’s opening on July 19, 2024, was met with considerable excitement and anticipation, owing largely to its connection to the original Twister and the star power of its cast. This sequel, directed by Lee Isaac Chung, who was previously nominated for two Oscars for Minari, follows a similar high-stakes, action-packed narrative centered around tornadoes. With its impressive visual effects and engaging storyline, Twisters quickly garnered attention from both critics and audiences alike. The film’s performance at the box office reflects its popularity and the strong interest it has generated since its release.

As of this weekend, Twisters has accumulated a domestic total of $266.3 million. When combined with its international earnings of $102.4 million, the film has achieved a remarkable global total of $368.7 million. This financial success underscores the film’s broad appeal and the effectiveness of its marketing and distribution strategies. The substantial revenue generated by Twisters is especially noteworthy given its production budget of $155 million, excluding the costs associated with prints and advertising. The film’s ability to generate significant returns on this investment highlights its commercial viability and the positive reception it has received from moviegoers worldwide.

In Twisters, Daisy Edgar-Jones portrays Kate, a meteorologist and former storm chaser who has relocated from her Oklahoma hometown to New York City following a personal tragedy. The film picks up five years after this event, when Kate is persuaded by her former colleague, Javi (played by Anthony Ramos), to return to her roots to help his company amid a severe tornado outbreak. During her return, Kate encounters Tyler (Glen Powell), a storm-chasing YouTube influencer known as “The Tornado Wrangler.” Tyler and Kate join forces to develop a formula that could potentially disrupt tornadoes and save lives, adding a layer of innovation and hope to the film’s dramatic narrative.

The film’s departure from the domestic top 10 is significant, particularly considering its sustained presence in the box office for nine weeks. This extended run is noteworthy given that Universal Pictures released Twisters on digital streaming via premium video on demand (PVOD) on August 13, just over three weeks after its theatrical premiere. The early digital release could have influenced the film’s box office ranking, but it also provided viewers with an additional option to enjoy the film. Despite this, Twisters managed to maintain its box office performance through August and into early September, a testament to its enduring appeal and the strong demand from audiences.

Currently, Twisters remains available for viewing on PVOD, allowing audiences to access the film from the comfort of their homes. Additionally, the film is set to make its streaming debut on Peacock, Universal Pictures’ primary streaming service. Peacock, which is owned by NBC Universal, will be the next platform to host the film, offering another opportunity for viewers to experience the blockbuster. The availability of Twisters on multiple platforms reflects the film’s broad reach and the ongoing interest it continues to generate.

The film’s ensemble cast, which includes notable actors such as Maura Tierney, Kiernan Shipka, Brandon Perea, and David Corenswet—who is set to portray Clark Kent/Superman in the 2025 reboot of Superman—adds to the film’s appeal. The diverse and talented cast contributes to the film’s dynamic storytelling and overall success. Under Lee Isaac Chung’s direction, Twisters has managed to blend thrilling action with emotional depth, creating a compelling viewing experience for audiences.

In summary, Twisters has made a significant impact in the box office, achieving impressive financial success and maintaining a strong presence despite the early digital release. As the film transitions from theaters to digital and streaming platforms, it continues to captivate audiences and generate buzz. The film’s ability to perform well both in theaters and on digital platforms highlights its broad appeal and the effectiveness of its storytelling and marketing efforts.