Tim Burton’s highly anticipated sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, brought a touch of Halloween to the fall box office, scoring a massive $110 million domestically in its opening weekend. After a 36-year hiatus, Michael Keaton’s return as the chaotic ghoul has captivated both new and returning fans, giving the sequel a substantial launch that rivaled summer blockbuster numbers.
Warner Bros.’s comedic horror spectacle secured the second-largest September opening ever, trailing only 2017’s It ($123 million). Its ability to attract a diverse demographic of moviegoers, including a strong Hispanic audience and 54-58% female attendance, has fueled its early success. The cult classic status of the original Beetlejuice (1988) undoubtedly helped the sequel attract viewers of all ages.
Plot and Cast Highlights
Bringing back familiar faces, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice sees Michael Keaton reprise his role as the mischievous ghost alongside Winona Ryder and Catherine O’Hara. Franchise newcomers Jenna Ortega, Justin Theroux, and Willem Dafoe inject fresh energy into the ghoulish tale. This time, the plot revolves around Lydia Deetz (Ryder) and her daughter Astrid (Ortega), who opens a portal to the afterlife, sparking chaos and delight.
Audience Reception and Critical Response
Audiences gave the film a solid B+ CinemaScore, while critics on Rotten Tomatoes rated it at 76%. Although Beetlejuice originally received a B, it has grown in popularity as a cult favorite, a trend the sequel seems poised to follow. The film’s unique blend of humor and horror, paired with Tim Burton’s signature style, has resonated well with audiences.
Impressive Competition
While Beetlejuice Beetlejuice dominated the box office, other titles continued their successful runs. Deadpool & Wolverine secured the No. 2 spot with $7.2 million in its seventh weekend, while Reagan followed in third with $5.2 million. Sci-fi favorite Alien: Romulus kept its strong momentum, earning $4 million for a global total of $314.4 million.
Disney continues to lead the pack globally, surpassing $4 billion in 2024 ticket sales with hits like Inside Out 2 and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. The fall box office season is shaping up to be just as competitive as the summer, and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is off to an exceptional start.
