This past weekend, Hollywood delivered a dynamic duo of films that lit up the box office charts, proving that audiences are hungry for both animated adventures and nostalgic comedy reboots. Universal and DreamWorks Animation’s The Bad Guys 2 and Paramount’s The Naked Gun reboot, starring Liam Neeson, made strong debuts, securing the second and third spots, respectively, behind Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Here’s a deep dive into their box office performance, critical reception, and why these films are capturing the hearts of moviegoers worldwide.
The Bad Guys 2: A Heist-Filled Animated Triumph
The Bad Guys 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2022 animated hit, roared into theaters with a stellar $22.2 million domestic opening weekend, clinching the No. 2 spot. Globally, the film amassed an impressive $44.5 million, outperforming its competitor The Naked Gun and nearly matching the original’s $23.9 million domestic debut in a post-COVID market. Directed by Pierre Perifel and produced by Damon Ross, this animated heist comedy brings back the beloved crew of animal outlaws—voiced by Sam Rockwell (Mr. Wolf), Marc Maron (Mr. Snake), Craig Robinson (Mr. Shark), Anthony Ramos (Mr. Piranha), and Awkwafina (Ms. Tarantula)—for another wild adventure.
The sequel ups the ante with a thrilling James Bond-inspired caper, featuring a rocket heist and a showdown with a new group called “The Bad Girls,” voiced by Maria Bakalova, Danielle Brooks, and Natasha Lyonne. Newcomers Zazie Beetz, Richard Ayoade, Alex Borstein, and Lilly Singh add fresh energy to the mix. Critics have praised the film’s high-octane action and sharp humor, with an 86% “Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an A CinemaScore from audiences, signaling strong word-of-mouth potential. With a production budget of $80 million, The Bad Guys 2 is poised to replicate the original’s global success, which grossed over $250 million, making it a sleeper hit.
The film’s late-summer release, strategically placed before the school season, taps into family audiences seeking fun, kid-friendly entertainment. Its vibrant animation, clever parodies, and star-studded voice cast make it a must-watch for all ages. As the only major animated release until Zootopia 2 hits theaters at Thanksgiving, The Bad Guys 2 is set to enjoy steady box office legs in the coming weeks.
The Naked Gun Reboot: Liam Neeson’s Comedy Comeback
Paramount’s The Naked Gun reboot, starring Liam Neeson as the bumbling Detective Frank Drebin Jr., brought slapstick comedy back to the big screen with a solid $17 million domestic opening, landing at No. 3. Globally, the film earned $28.5 million, a commendable start for a $42 million production. Directed by Akiva Schaffer and produced by Seth MacFarlane, this legacy sequel to the iconic 1980s-90s franchise pays homage to Leslie Nielsen’s original Frank Drebin while introducing a modern comedic sensibility.
Neeson, known for his action roles in films like Taken, proves his comedic chops as the son of Nielsen’s legendary character, delivering deadpan humor with a gravelly gravitas that critics have called “impeccable.” The film follows Drebin Jr. as he investigates a bizarre murder tied to a tech mogul’s sinister plan, joined by Paul Walter Hauser as Capt. Ed Hocken Jr. and Pamela Anderson as Beth, a true-crime novelist. The 85-minute runtime is packed with gag-a-second humor, cameos from stars like “Weird Al” Yankovic and Priscilla Presley, and absurd moments like Anderson’s scat-singing scene that left audiences in stitches.
With a 90% Rotten Tomatoes score and an A- CinemaScore, The Naked Gun has won over critics and fans, though some noted Neeson lacks Nielsen’s “eerie innocence.” The film’s nostalgic appeal resonates with older audiences, while its fresh take aims to attract younger viewers. Despite competing against blockbusters like The Fantastic Four ($40 million in its second weekend) and Superman ($316 million domestic total), The Naked Gun marks Neeson’s best opening since 2015’s Taken 3 ($39.2 million), signaling a potential career shift toward comedy.
Box Office Battle and Industry Impact
The weekend box office saw The Fantastic Four: First Steps hold the No. 1 spot with $40 million, despite a steep 66% drop from its $117.6 million debut. The Bad Guys 2 edged out The Naked Gun for second place, capitalizing on family audiences and positive reviews. Both films outperformed expectations, with The Bad Guys 2 nearly matching its predecessor’s debut and The Naked Gun reviving the R-rated comedy genre, a rarity in today’s theatrical landscape.
The success of these films highlights the enduring appeal of sequels and reboots when executed with care. The Bad Guys 2 benefits from its universal appeal and lack of animated competition, while The Naked Gun taps into nostalgia while proving comedies can still draw crowds. Paramount’s gamble on Neeson and MacFarlane’s vision paid off, with strong reviews and word-of-mouth likely to boost its performance in coming weeks.
Why These Films Matter
For moviegoers, The Bad Guys 2 offers a high-energy, family-friendly escape with clever humor and vibrant visuals, perfect for summer outings. Meanwhile, The Naked Gun delivers a nostalgic yet fresh take on a beloved franchise, with Neeson’s unexpected comedic turn stealing the show. Both films showcase Hollywood’s ability to balance blockbuster spectacle with genre diversity, offering something for everyone.
As the box office heads into a quieter August, The Bad Guys 2 and The Naked Gun are poised to maintain momentum, especially with limited competition until Freakier Friday and Nobody 2 arrive. Whether you’re craving animated thrills or laugh-out-loud comedy, these films are lighting up theaters and proving that 2025 is a year for bold, entertaining cinema.
