Early numbers show Minions & Monsters on track for a monstrous opening weekend

Well, the Minions are back at it again, and against all odds, people still seem to be queuing up for the pleasure. The latest entry – 'Minions & Monsters' – has hit cinemas, and if you thought the banana-obsessed sidekicks were losing steam, think again. Early box office numbers suggest they've still got a chokehold on family viewing, at least where ticket sales are concerned.

Opening Day: Numbers, Rankings, No Previews

First, a bit of context: this is the seventh film in what now feels like the never-ending 'Despicable Me' and 'Minions' saga. Not only did it top the charts on its Wednesday debut, but it managed an estimated $13.75 million in one go. That’s with absolutely zero preview screenings the night before – so no padding there. Pierre Coffin is back in the director’s chair for this one.

If we’re talking records, here’s where it stands: fourth best opening Wednesday for an animated film in July. It comes in behind:

• 'Despicable Me 2' – a whopping $35 million
• 'Despicable Me 4' – $27.2 million (yes, they are up to number four)
• 'Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs' – $13.79 million (just edges Minions & Monsters, but only just)

If you’re wondering about the competition, 'Toy Story 5' trailed in second place with somewhere between $7 and $8 million on the same day. That sequel’s already cleared about $326 million total in the States, not that Pixar really needed another excuse to keep Woody and Buzz going.

What Are the Projections?

This opening feeds right into projections for a bruisingly strong Independence Day weekend. Most in the industry reckon 'Minions & Monsters' will land between $60 million and $90 million over its first five days, with $80 million as the midline guess for domestic takings. Not bad at all, especially considering it’s screening at 4,000 locations across the US during what’s always a busy stretch.

Globally, the film is targeting an additional $90 million in its international rollout, launching in 59 territories including the UK, Germany, Mexico and China. If all goes to plan, Universal and Illumination could see a worldwide launch in the region of $170 million. Just as a reminder, this franchise across its six previous films has earned $5.6 billion worldwide. Whatever your feelings on the little yellow menaces, someone is definitely buying tickets.

Budget, Reviews and the Rest of the Pack

'Minions & Monsters' had a net production budget of $85 million – not small change, but nothing blockbuster by big studio animation standards. That’s before the marketing bill, of course, which is always a separate headache for the accountants.

What’s interesting this time: the critics are actually on board. The new Minions outing has landed an 89% Certified Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes, which, believe it or not, is the highest rating any film in the franchise has ever managed over its 16-year lifespan. So, yes, Minions fans have bragging rights for once.

The Wider Box Office Vibe

Elsewhere at the box office: Angel Studios is rolling out 'Young Washington' on Friday – that’s a historical biopic aiming for a $15 million opening, so not trying to compete with the animation juggernaut, really. Meanwhile, 'Supergirl' (Warner Bros.) enters its grim second weekend, with box office trackers predicting a nasty 65 to 70 percent drop in ticket sales. Blame the calendar – this year’s 4th of July lands on a Saturday, which typically means audiences wait for the main event on Friday or Sunday rather than crowding into cinemas midweek.

As for the Minions themselves: apparently, not even the relentless march of time or franchise fatigue can keep the little terrors down.