Minions & Monsters tops U.S. July 4 box office despite franchise‑low opening

The seventh installment of the Despicable Me franchise, *Minions & Monsters*, opened on July 1 and earned $36.4 million in the traditional three‑day Independence Day weekend, taking the #1 spot in the North American market. Over its first five days the film reached $61.4 million, but the $36.4 million opening marks the lowest debut in the series, far below the $122 million opening of *Minions: The Rise of Gru* (2022) and the $56 million debut of the original *Despicable Me* (2010).

Internationally the picture performed better, pulling roughly $98‑100 million overseas and bringing its worldwide total to about $160 million in the opening week. With a production budget of roughly $85 million, analysts expect the film to be profitable despite the soft domestic start.

*Toy Story 5* finished second with $31 million, while the historical drama *Young Washington* claimed third place with about $21 million. *Supergirl* fell to fourth, posting a 74% drop to $9.6 million. Critics have responded positively, giving the film a 91% Rotten Tomatoes rating and an A‑ CinemaScore.

Industry observers note that the modest domestic numbers may signal growing franchise fatigue, but the strong global appeal and modest budget keep the outlook favorable for Universal and Illumination.