How much did it cost to make Poor Things? Was Poor Things a flop?

The film “Poor Things,” directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, has been a fascinating case in the world of cinema. Let’s delve into its financial journey and explore whether it was a flop or a hidden gem:

“Poor Things” had a budget of $35 million. This substantial investment allowed for high production values, including captivating visuals and a stellar cast.

The film received critical acclaim, with praise for its unique storytelling, Emma Stone’s performance, and the director’s signature style. Initially, “Poor Things” began as a limited-release film in just nine venues. Despite its small initial footprint, it delivered one of the highest per-theater averages for the year.

As weeks went by, the movie expanded to 82 theaters and eventually reached 800 theaters in its third week.
Globally, the film’s box office takings exploded to $68.3 million. This success was fueled by positive word-of-mouth, critical acclaim, and a slew of eleven Oscar nominations.

In North America, it maintained strong earnings, with an estimated revenue of $2.1 million. Notably, it became the top-earning limited opening release of 2023.

Overseas, “Poor Things” continued to perform remarkably well. It experienced a remarkable overall hold in markets where it had already opened. Notable performances include:

• Italy: -9% drop
• Spain: -13%
• Germany: -15%
• Mexico: -26%
• France: -28%
• UK and Japan: Both at -39%
• Australia: -40%
• Brazil: The film debuted at the third spot, bringing in an estimated $0.5 million, which is +125% greater than Lanthimos’ previous film, “The Favourite,” and the second-largest debut for a Searchlight Pictures film, trailing only “The Shape of Water.”

Despite its unconventional style and limited initial release, “Poor Things” defied expectations. It resonated with audiences globally, proving that sometimes, the most unexpected films can become box office successes.

So, was it a flop? Absolutely not. “Poor Things” emerged as a delightful surprise, leaving its mark on both critics and moviegoers alike. In summary, “Poor Things” may have started small, but its impact was anything but poor. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling and the magic of cinema.