The Color Purple Shatters Records at the Christmas Day Box Office

Breaking Records and Making History

The Color Purple (2023) has made history by winning at the Christmas Day 2023 box office, breaking a nine-year record in the process. Based on the Tony-winning Broadway musical, The Color Purple (2023) is the second film adaptation of Alice Walker's 1982 novel of the same name, following Steven Spielberg's The Color Purple movie in 1985. The story follows Celie (Fantasia Barrino) from childhood to adulthood as she navigates life as a Black girl and woman living in the South in the early 1900s. The Color Purple premiered domestically in theaters on Christmas Day, often one of the biggest movie-going days of the year. The Color Purple made $18 million at the box office its opening day, beating fellow Christmas Day openers like Michael Mann's Ferrari and George Clooney's The Boys in the Boat, as well as every other film already in theaters. By topping the box office on its opening day, The Color Purple's win marks the end of a Christmas box office streak that started nearly a decade ago.

Celie (Fantasia Barrino) holding a dress up to her body as Shug Avery (Taraji P. Henson) watches in the background in The Color Purple (2023).

The Color Purple's success at the Christmas Day box office is a significant achievement that has garnered widespread attention. This victory not only signifies the film's commercial success but also highlights the cultural and historical significance of the story it portrays. The film's ability to captivate audiences and surpass box office expectations speaks to its compelling narrative and powerful performances. The Color Purple's impact extends beyond its box office numbers; it has reignited conversations about representation, diversity, and the importance of telling stories that resonate with audiences from all walks of life.

Celie (Fantasia Barrino) smiling and dancing in a red outfit in The Color Purple (2023).

A Decade-Long Streak Broken

The Color Purple's victory at the Christmas Day 2023 box office marks the end of a nearly decade-long streak dominated by major franchise films. For the first time in nine years, the Christmas Day box office winner is not a film from a major franchise. This significant shift in the box office landscape challenges the notion that only blockbuster franchises can top the charts on Christmas Day. The Color Purple's success has shattered the belief that films tied to cinematic universes and franchises, such as Star Wars, Avatar, the MCU, and the DCEU, are the only ones capable of achieving box office dominance on this holiday. This milestone marks a pivotal moment in the film industry, opening doors for diverse and non-franchise films to claim their place at the forefront of the box office.

Rey (Daisy Ridley), Finn (John Boyega), Chewbacca, and C-3PO in Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker.

The Color Purple's triumph is a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring appeal of narratives that resonate with audiences on a deep level. Its success challenges the traditional narrative that only big-budget franchise films can draw massive crowds on Christmas Day. The Color Purple's victory paves the way for future films with compelling stories and diverse representation to capture the hearts and minds of moviegoers, proving that authenticity and emotional resonance are key factors in achieving box office success.

Gal Gadot running as Wonder Woman in Wonder Woman 1984.

Exceeding Expectations and Setting New Records

The Color Purple's remarkable performance at the Christmas Day box office exceeded all expectations. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reviews for The Color Purple (2023), the film was not necessarily predicted to top the Christmas Day 2023 box office. According to Vulture, The Color Purple was expected to make $10-12 million on its opening day. However, the film far exceeded that estimation with $18 million, making it the biggest Christmas Day opening in fourteen years and the second-biggest of all time, after Sherlock Holmes with $24 million in 2009.

Since its opening day, The Color Purple has continued to set new records, reaching a new box office milestone by raking in an additional $7.1 million on its second release day, giving it a two-day total gross of $25 million. This remarkable success has positioned The Color Purple as a certified box office hit, surpassing the entire theatrical runs of some other 2023 releases in just two days. The film's impressive box office numbers have the potential to surpass its budget of approximately $100 million in no time, and it may ultimately break even with at least $200 million. The Color Purple's unprecedented success serves as a testament to the film's widespread appeal and the enduring power of its storytelling.