Wildwood hits $1.8M Friday and $34.6M domestic as the stop-motion family adventure draws steady crowds across 2,693 theaters.
- November 8, 2026
AceShowbiz - Wildwood by Fathom Entertainment continues to make a notable impact at the box office, grossing an estimated $1.8 million on Friday alone. This strong showing came from 2,693 theaters, averaging $674 per location, signaling steady momentum for the family adventure film in its theatrical run.
The film’s domestic total has now climbed to approximately $34.6 million, reinforcing its appeal among audiences. While the worldwide gross currently stands at just over $42 million, the bulk of the revenue—more than 80%—has been generated domestically, indicating that the film’s core fan base remains primarily in the U.S. market.
Wildwood offers a unique blend of fantasy and coming-of-age themes, following headstrong teenager Prue McKeel as she embarks on a daring quest to rescue her abducted baby brother from a mysterious enchanted forest. The stop-motion animation, produced in Oregon, brings to life a richly detailed world filled with talking animals and complex characters driven by grief and ambition.
The film’s theatrical footprint has been solid, opening with 2,815 theaters and peaking at just over 3,000 locations. Despite a relatively short average run of 1.9 weeks per theater, the movie has maintained a respectable hold, ranking third in weekend box office tallies during its first two weeks. The opening weekend contributed over $12 million, which accounts for roughly 35.5% of its domestic total so far.
Rated PG-13 for its mature fantasy violence and thematic elements, Wildwood distinguishes itself from typical family fare by tackling darker storylines such as loss and rescue, wrapped in a visually enchanting package. This bold approach may explain its strong niche appeal and why audiences continue to show up in significant numbers despite competition from other releases.
Internationally, the film has seen a more modest reception, with $7.7 million worldwide outside the U.S., debuting in markets including Italy, Australia, New Zealand, and Serbia. Its international release strategy was broad but staggered, targeting select territories with limited runs, which could shape its future global earnings as distributors evaluate ongoing demand.
Overall, Wildwood represents a compelling case of a high-concept fantasy adventure finding an enthusiastic home audience. While it remains under pressure to recoup its substantial budget, the film’s steady daily grosses and strong per-theater averages suggest it will continue to be a presence in theaters for the foreseeable weeks ahead. Its unique blend of stop-motion artistry and mature storytelling sets it apart as one of the more distinctive animated features of the year.
This article is based on reporting originally published by The-numbers.