Melania’s Documentary Defies Odds with Strong Box Office Debut |

Updated: February 01, 2026 09:19

Image Source: Business Standard

Brett Ratner’s Melania documentary, acquired by Amazon MGM Studios, opened stronger than expected, earning nearly $8 million in its first weekend. Despite skepticism and divisive reviews, the film ranked third at the U.S. box office, outperforming forecasts and breaking records for documentaries. Global reception, however, remains mixed.

Key Highlights:

Stronger-than-expected debut: The Melania documentary, directed by Brett Ratner, surprised analysts by grossing $8 million in its opening weekend in the U.S., making it one of the best-performing documentaries in a decade. Initial forecasts had predicted a much weaker turnout.

Amazon MGM’s big bet: The studio reportedly invested $40 million for acquisition and $35 million in marketing, making Melania the most expensive documentary ever produced. The gamble appears to have paid off domestically, though international markets remain uncertain.

Audience divide: While critics gave the film a 6% Rotten Tomatoes score, audiences responded positively, with a 99% Popcornmeter rating and an A CinemaScore, showing strong resonance among conservative viewers, particularly in the South and Midwest.

Competitive weekend: Despite stiff competition from horror film Send Help and indie feature Iron Lung, Melania secured the No. 3 spot at the U.S. box office, even outperforming Jason Statham’s action release Shelter.

Mixed global reception: Outside the U.S., the film struggled. In the UK, ticket sales were weak, and in South Africa, screenings were pulled. This raises questions about whether the film can recoup its massive production and marketing costs globally.

Forecast ahead: Analysts project the film could maintain momentum in conservative-leaning regions of the U.S., but sustaining box office strength internationally will be challenging. The divisive nature of the subject matter may limit its appeal abroad.

Why It Matters

The performance of Melania underscores the growing influence of politically charged documentaries in shaping box office trends. While traditional Hollywood blockbusters dominate globally, niche films targeting specific demographics can still deliver significant returns. The film’s success highlights how audience segmentation and targeted marketing can redefine expectations in the documentary genre.

Key takeaway: Melania has proven that even in a polarized cultural climate, documentaries can achieve commercial success when they resonate with a core audience. However, its long-term profitability hinges on whether it can expand beyond its U.S. base.

Sources: Hindustan Times, The Independent, Deadline, Reuters

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