“Melania Documentary Surpasses Ticket Sales Expectations Amid Criticism”
The documentary titled “Melania,” featuring the former First Lady Melania Trump, exceeded expectations with impressive ticket sales. Premiering in 1,778 theaters, the film garnered an estimated $7 million during its opening weekend.
Overview of “Melania”
Produced by Amazon MGM Studios, this documentary is notable for being the most expensive of its kind, with a production and marketing budget totaling $75 million. Directed by Brett Ratner, who returned to filmmaking after a controversial absence, it chronicles Melania Trump’s experiences over 20 days in January, leading up to President Trump’s second inauguration.
Premiere and Reception
The premiere took place on January 29, 2026, at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., attended by prominent figures including cabinet members and Congress members. Despite a lackluster critical reception, with reviewers from outlets like The Guardian and Variety offering negative commentary, audience reactions were markedly more favorable. The film achieved an “A” CinemaScore, indicating a positive response from viewers.
Box Office Performance
In terms of performance, “Melania” stands out as the best opening weekend for a documentary, outside of concert films, in over a decade. Pre-release estimates had positioned ticket sales between $3 million and $5 million, making the actual results surprising. The film’s audience demographics revealed that the majority of ticket buyers were aged 55 and older, predominantly female and white.
Competitive Landscape
During its opening weekend, “Melania” competed with various films, notably:
- “Send Help,” which earned $20 million
- “Iron Lung,” with $17.9 million
- “Zootopia 2,” which brought in $5.8 million
- “Shelter,” at $5.5 million
Global Context and Future Streaming
While international ticket sales for “Melania” were expected to be limited, the documentary will eventually be available for streaming on Prime Video. This strategic decision reflects Amazon’s focus on creating content that serves their broader corporate interests, potentially yielding benefits beyond straightforward box office returns.
Conclusion
“Melania” represents a unique case in the documentary genre, not only due to its financial backing and production values but also its controversial backdrop tied to the Trump administration. Its box office success, particularly among older audiences in Southern states, may reshape perceptions around political documentaries in the future.
