Animated features continue to reign supreme in theaters, as DreamWorks’ “Dog Man” claimed the number one spot for the second consecutive weekend. The family comedy raked in an estimated $13.7 million, a notable achievement considering it coincided with Super Bowl weekend, traditionally a challenging time for box office sales.
“Dog Man,” which tells the humorous and heartwarming tale of a police officer turned half-man, half-dog superhero, has resonated strongly with family audiences. Its engaging narrative and appealing animation have helped the film maintain momentum despite the expected audience drop-off following its debut. After two weekends in theaters, “Dog Man” has amassed a domestic gross of $54.1 million, surpassing its $40 million production budget.
While “Dog Man” continues its winning streak, new entrants “Heart Eyes” and “Love Hurts” struggled to make an impact. “Heart Eyes,” a romantic thriller by Spyglass Media Group, earned $8 million in its opening weekend. Its promising premise—a love story intertwined with elements of suspense—failed to translate into significant ticket sales. Analysts suggest that its limited niche appeal and lack of enthusiastic reviews have left it overshadowed.
Meanwhile, “Love Hurts,” an action-comedy by Universal’s 87North Productions, grossed just $5.8 million during the same period. The film, which stars Ke Huy Quan and Ariana DeBose, was crafted on an $18 million budget. Billed as a lighter, Valentine’s-themed option for couples, its underperformance reflects a broader challenge faced by romantic comedies in breaking through during the crowded early February market.
The context of Super Bowl weekend, an annual cultural event in the United States that dominates public attention, further complicated the prospects of these new releases. Historically, studios carefully strategize release dates to avoid such distractions, yet both “Heart Eyes” and “Love Hurts” found themselves battling for a smaller-than-usual pool of moviegoers.
For “Dog Man,” its success underscores the prevailing dominance of family-oriented fare, particularly in periods of low competition. Animated films tend to enjoy longevity and repeated viewings, as evidenced by the solid hold that “Dog Man” has maintained. The film’s creative team at DreamWorks Animation, paired with clever marketing, ensured strong engagement with parents and children alike.
Industry observers note that Super Bowl weekend remains one of the most unpredictable times for movie releases. Films targeting narrower adult demographics or non-family audiences are especially vulnerable during this time, hence the lukewarm receptions to “Heart Eyes” and “Love Hurts.” Several blockbusters have tried to counter-program the Super Bowl in the past but with varying results.
As these films continue their theatrical runs, studios will be closely monitoring their performance. Both “Heart Eyes” and “Love Hurts” have opportunities to regain ground, particularly with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, which could align with the themes of love and romance. These second weekends may serve as their make-or-break periods.
From a broader perspective, “Dog Man’s” back-to-back wins reflect a renewed audience confidence in theaters following a lengthy period of box office unpredictability. DreamWorks Animation, known for its string of successes such as the “Shrek” and “Kung Fu Panda” franchises, has secured another credible win.
Looking ahead, the box office will contend with an array of late February releases, including a mix of new family features, high-budget blockbusters, and niche offerings. For now, the crown remains firmly on the head of “Dog Man,” whose canine charm seems to be fetching moviegoers in droves.
