Theater counts: PAW Patrol’s 4,027 theaters beats The Exorcist

October 5, 2023

Second week is a charm for the latest in the PAW Patrol series as Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie increases its paw print this week, expanding from just under 4,000 locations, into 4,027 theaters. That count is the widest a film has been since Barbie posted 4,178 locations back on August 10th. The animated feature chewed up $22.74 million in its opening weekend, outshining its nearest competitor by over $4 million. This week will see another franchise film take to the big screen in the way of The Exorcist: Believer, along with another horror movie and a bewitching Halloween favorite, returning to theaters for its 30th anniversary.

The widest newcomer this week is the sixth and latest in the Exorcist franchise and the first in the sequel trilogy. Starting out in 3,663 venues, the film follows the parents of demonically possessed girls who out of desperation, seek out the only person alive who have had similar experiences, unleashing a chain of events that forces a single father to confront the nadir of evil. The Blumhouse horror is scheduled to be followed by a sequel, The Exorcist: Deceiver on April 18, 2025.

Making its way back into theaters this week is the 30th anniversary release of the enchanting comedy, Hocus Pocus. Although not an initial success at the box office, the film has become a cult classic due to its annual showings on home viewing outlets leading up to Halloween, ultimately spawning a sequel which was released in 2022. The re-release starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy will be available in 1,430 movie theaters across North America.

Another horror feature arriving to the big screen this week is the latest from IFC Films with the release of When Evil Lurks. The supernatural epidemic horror will open in 659 locations before becoming available on Shudder starting October 27th.

Rounding out the top five this week are the other two newcomers from last week in The Creator, and Saw X, showing up this week in 3,680 and 3,262 locations respectively. Lastly, GameStop biographical drama Dumb Money retains its count of 2,837 cinemas from last week landing as the fifth widest release this week.

Looking ahead to next week we see the release of TAYLOR SWIFT | THE ERAS TOUR. The concert film highlights three shows at SoFi Stadium in August of 2023. Due to the performer’s massive popularity, the film collected a whopping $37 million in its first day of pre-sales in the United States. We will update the theater count when it becomes available, but it is expected to be playing in over 4,000 venues.

Theater Counts for October 6

Filed under: Theater Counts, Exorcist, Paw Patrol, Hocus Pocus, Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, Sarah Jessica Parker, Taylor Swift