THANKSGIVING BOX OFFICE HISTORY
Looking back to 1990 indicates that the overall Thanksgiving marketplace has soared over the years, becoming one of Hollywood's happiest holidays on the calendar. From their 1990 level of about $112 million, Thanksgiving ticket sales peaked at over $238 million in 2000. They slipped back this year by almost 12 percent to a still sizable total of nearly $211 million.
Last Thanksgiving, key films -- those grossing $500,000 or more for five days -- took in $238.7 million.
Universal's Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas was first with $73.5 million. Buena Vista's opening of Unbreakable was second with $46.0 million. Buena Vista's 102 Dalmatians opened in third place with $26.2 million. Paramount's Rugrats in Paris: The Movie was fourth with $22.5 million. Columbia's Charlie's Angels finished fifth with $13.5 million.
In 1999, key films took in $218.9 million. Buena Vista/Disney and Pixar's animated sequel Toy Story 2 led last year's pack with $80.1 million. MGM/UA's James Bond sequel The World Is Not Enough was second with $34 million. Universal's Arnold Schwarzenegger epic End of Days opened in third place to $31.5 million. Paramount's Sleepy Hollow from director Tim Burton was fourth with $26.9 million. Warner Bros.' animated Pokemon rounded out the Top Five with $9.1 million.
In 1998, key films grossed $176.9 million, led by Buena Vista's A Bug's Life with $45.7 million.
In 1997, key films took in $147.2 million, led by Buena Vista's Flubber with $35.9 million.
In 1996, key films did $146.5 million, led by Buena Vista's 101 Dalmatians with $45.1 million.
In 1995, key films collected $154.3 million, led by Buena Vista's Toy Story with $39.1 million.
In 1994, key films earned $134.8 million, led by Buena Vista's The Santa Clause with $27.4 million.
In 1993, key films grossed $106.8 million, led by 20th Century Fox's Mrs. Doubtfire with $27.6 million.
In 1992, key films took in $134.2 million, led by 20th Century Fox's Home Alone 2: Lost In New York with $39.0 million.
In 1991, key films did $97.7 million, led by Paramount's The Addams Family with $27.8 million.
In 1990, key films took in $111.7 million, led by 20th Century Fox's Home Alone with $28.7 million.