One Last Hurrah

The UK box office surged this weekend, up 27% from last week, 50% ahead of the same frame last year, and 9% above the rolling 52-week average. With a strong slate of new releases and resilient holdovers, the top 15 films amassed a combined gross of £18,075,753, with UK productions accounting for 52.1% of the total.

1. Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale – £4,390,303

Opening atop the chart, the final chapter in the beloved period drama series delivered a stately debut across 751 screens—making it the second widest release in UK history. Its £4,390,303 opening ranks as the 15th highest of 2025, just behind 28 Years Later. Compared to previous entries:

• Downton Abbey (2019): £5,188,291 opening

• Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022): £3,830,000 opening

This finale lands squarely between the two, signaling enduring audience affection and a strong send-off.

2. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba – Infinity Castle – £3,464,393

Anime continues its box office dominance. Infinity Castle opened on 471 screens with £3,464,393, placing 18th among 2025 debuts—just behind Disney’s Snow White. While not matching the explosive £7,766,000 opening of Mugen Train (2021), it remains a formidable entry and a testament to the franchise’s staying power.

3. The Conjuring: Last Rites – £2,806,297

Despite a steep 59% drop, Last Rites held onto third place, bringing its total to £12,351,371 after two weeks. Horror fatigue may be setting in, but the franchise’s loyal fan-base continues to show up.

 Notable New Entries

• The Long Walk – £1,156,220 (Rank 4)

  
  

  A meditative drama with strong word-of-mouth, The Long Walk opened solidly across 544 screens.

• Spinal Tap II: The End Continues – £215,115 (Rank 7)

  
  

  The cult rockumentary sequel struck a chord with nostalgic fans, though its niche appeal limited its reach.

• Next To Normal – £121,974 (Rank 10)

  
  

  The acclaimed musical adaptation found modest success on just 103 screens.

• Mirai – £99,184 (Rank 12)

  
  

  A quiet but respectable debut for the re-release of Mamoru Hosoda’s animated gem.

Holdover Highlights

• The Bad Guys 2 – £281,476 (Rank 6, -15%)

  
  

  Now in its eighth week, the animated caper has reached £13,018,222, showing impressive legs.

• Freakier Friday – £210,517 (Rank 8, -41%)

  
  

  Despite a sharp drop, the body-swap comedy has crossed £8.5 million.

• Weapons – £130,352 (Rank 9, -65%)

  
  

  A steep decline suggests waning interest, though its cumulative £11,586,878 remains strong.

• The Fantastic Four: First Steps – £89,295 (Rank 13, -58%)

  
  

  Still holding in the top 15 after eight weeks, with a franchise-leading £23,760,518 total.

Looking Ahead: Next Week’s Releases:

A diverse and packed slate is set to hit cinemas, with several titles poised to make a splash:

• Ackroyd & Harvey: The Art Of Activism – Documentary with potential for strong niche turnout

• Andrea Bocelli: Because I Believe – Classical concert film likely to draw older audiences

• Andrew Lloyd Webber's Love Never Dies – Musical adaptation with broad appeal

• BTS 2016 HYYH On Stage / BTS 2017 THE WINGS FINAL – Remastered concert films expected to energize the box office

• Face Off 8: Embrace Of Light – Action sequel with franchise momentum

• The Sound Of Music (60th Anniversary) – Anniversary re-release could attract multi-generational audiences

• Jolly LLB 3, Queen Of The Ring, Thunderbirds Event, Vala – Story Of A Bangle – International titles with strong diaspora interest

With such variety, next weekend’s chart could see a shake-up, especially if BTS fans turn out in force or Love Never Dies captures the musical crowd.