Minions & Monsters Claims No. 1 at North American Box Office as Toy Story 5 Slips to Second

 

The North American box office welcomed a new leader over the Independence Day weekend as Universal's Minions & Monsters climbed to the top, ending the brief reign of Toy Story 5. While the latest installment in the long-running Minions franchise secured first place, its domestic debut marked the weakest opening in the series, signaling that a No. 1 finish does not always translate into a record-breaking launch.

According to industry estimates, Minions & Monsters generated $36.4 million across North America during its opening weekend. Despite falling short of previous entries in the franchise, the animated comedy demonstrated its global appeal by adding $98 million from overseas markets. The international performance reinforces the franchise's enduring popularity, with foreign audiences continuing to fuel its commercial success.

The film combines the signature slapstick humor of the mischievous yellow characters with a fast-paced tribute to the early days of Hollywood filmmaking. That familiar formula proved strong enough to push aside Disney and Pixar's Toy Story 5, which had dominated the box office after delivering the year's strongest domestic opening of $160 million just two weeks earlier.

Toy Story 5 settled for second place after earning an additional $31 million. The sequel reunites Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the rest of the beloved toy collection as they confront a modern challenge: staying relevant in a world increasingly dominated by digital entertainment. The story continues to attract family audiences, although its momentum slowed following its blockbuster debut.

The weekend also introduced a major newcomer in Young Washington, which premiered in third place with $20.8 million. Distributed by Angel Studios, the historical drama chronicles the formative military years of George Washington during the French and Indian War, long before he emerged as commander of the Continental Army during the American Revolution. The production features performances from Ben Kingsley, Andy Serkis, Mary-Louise Parker, and William Franklyn-Mille in the title role.

Warner Bros.' Supergirl experienced a notable decline in its second weekend, falling to fourth place with $9.6 million. The superhero film stars Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El, Superman's cousin, whose extraordinary abilities place her at the center of the latest chapter in DC's cinematic universe.

Completing the top five was Disclosure Day, directed by Steven Spielberg. The science fiction thriller earned $6 million, increasing its domestic total to $105 million. Led by Emily Blunt and Josh O'Connor, the film follows an investigation into a decades-long government cover-up involving alleged extraterrestrial encounters, helping it maintain steady audience interest weeks after release.

The weekend rankings illustrate a familiar pattern in the movie business. A strong franchise may no longer deliver its biggest opening weekend, yet brand recognition and international audiences can still propel it to the top of the charts. At the same time, newer releases continue to reshape the standings as theaters compete for attention during the busy summer season.

North American Box Office Top 10

1. Minions & Monsters – $36.4 million
2. Toy Story 5 – $31 million
3. Young Washington – $20.8 million
4. Supergirl – $9.6 million
5. Disclosure Day – $6 million
6. Obsession – $5.3 million
7. Backrooms – $3.3 million
8. Jackass: Best and Last – $2.7 million
9. Scary Movie – $1.1 million
10. The Invite – $800,000