The Naked Gun (2025)'s Box Office Performance: A Comedic Comeback with Mixed Results
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The Naked Gun (2025)'s box office performance has sparked lively discussions among fans and industry watchers alike, as the Liam Neeson-led reboot of the iconic comedy franchise delivers a blend of nostalgic hilarity and modern action.
Released on August 1, 2025, by Paramount Pictures, this legacy sequel has grossed $77.97 million worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo. With a production budget of $42 million, the film has shown resilience in a challenging theatrical landscape for comedies, though its path to profitability remains a question.
Let’s dive into the numbers, critical reception, and what they mean for this zany revival.
Key Takeaways:
Worldwide Gross: $77,970,451
Domestic Gross: $45,513,349 (58.4% of total)
International Gross: $32,457,102 (41.6% of total)
Opening Weekend: $16.8 million domestically
Budget: $42 million
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 88% positive from 301 critics
Release Date: August 1, 2025
Director: Akiva Schaffer
Lead Actor: Liam Neeson as Frank Drebin Jr.
The Naked Gun (2025)'s Box Office Performance In A Nutshell
Metric | Amount | Percentage | Details |
Domestic Gross | $45,513,349 | 58.4% | Earned primarily in the U.S. and Canada, with a peak of 3,363 theaters |
International Gross | $32,457,102 | 41.6% | Collected across various global markets, with $11.5 million by first weekend |
Worldwide Gross | $77,970,451 | 100% | Total box office revenue as of August 21, 2025 |
Opening Weekend (Domestic) | $16,805,560 | - | From 3,344 theaters, including $1.6 million from Thursday previews |
Budget | $42,000,000 | - | Production cost, excluding marketing expenses |
Third Weekend Drop | $4.8 million | -42.2% | Strong hold despite competition, indicating positive word-of-mouth |
What Does the Opening Weekend Tell Us?
The film kicked off with a solid $16.8 million domestically across 3,344 theaters, securing third place behind The Fantastic Four: First Steps and The Bad Guys 2.
This opening was the highest for a Liam Neeson-led film since Taken 3 and marked a record Friday opening for the franchise at $6.3 million.
While projections initially hoped for $15-19 million, the film hit the higher end, signaling a promising start for a comedy in a market where the genre often struggles theatrically.
The domestic performance was bolstered by a PG-13 rating and an 85-minute runtime, making it an accessible, quick watch for audiences.
However, it fell short of earlier optimistic estimates of $30 million, suggesting that while the film resonated with fans, it didn’t fully capture a broader audience.
How Does It Compare to Other Comedies?
The Naked Gun (2025) has carved out a notable spot as the third highest-grossing live-action comedy of 2025, trailing Materialists ($65 million) and Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy ($140.1 million).
Its $45.5 million domestic haul by August 21 outpaces recent comedies like No Hard Feelings ($50 million domestically) but lags behind the surprise hit Anyone But You ($220 million globally).
With a reported budget of $42 million, the film has recovered its production costs but needs around $100-105 million worldwide to achieve theatrical profitability, factoring in marketing expenses.
Compared to the original trilogy, the 2025 reboot is poised to surpass the 1988 original’s $78 million global gross, potentially becoming the franchise’s second-highest earner behind The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear ($86.9 million).
This performance underscores the enduring appeal of the franchise’s slapstick humor, even if it hasn’t matched the cultural dominance of its predecessors.
Why Did Critics and Audiences Embrace It?
The film boasts an impressive 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 301 reviews, with critics praising Liam Neeson’s deadpan delivery as Frank Drebin Jr., son of the iconic Leslie Nielsen character.
The consensus highlights Neeson’s “gravelly gravitas” as a perfect fit for the franchise’s absurd humor, complemented by a strong supporting cast including Pamela Anderson, Paul Walter Hauser, and Kevin Durand.
Directed by Akiva Schaffer and produced by Seth MacFarlane, the film delivers chaotic, laugh-out-loud moments while paying homage to the original trilogy.
Positive word-of-mouth has contributed to a relatively modest -42.2% drop in its third weekend, grossing $4.8 million domestically.
This stability suggests audiences are enjoying the film’s blend of action, comedy, and nostalgic callbacks, though its international performance ($32.5 million) indicates a more muted global appeal compared to Neeson’s action-heavy hits from the 2010s.
What Challenges Did It Face?
Despite critical acclaim, the film faced a crowded August box office, competing with blockbusters like The Fantastic Four: First Steps and The Bad Guys 2. Comedies have increasingly shifted to streaming platforms, making theatrical success harder to achieve.
The film’s $42 million budget is modest, but its global total of $77.97 million falls short of the $100 million threshold often needed for profitability when accounting for marketing and distribution costs.
Paramount’s ongoing sale may have also limited promotional efforts, potentially capping its theatrical reach.The international box office, contributing 41.6% of the total, has been less robust, with $32.5 million as of August 21.
This disparity suggests the franchise’s humor, rooted in American pop culture, may not resonate as strongly overseas. Still, the film’s performance is a bright spot for theatrical comedies, which have struggled post-pandemic.
What’s Next for The Naked Gun?
Producer Erica Huggins has hinted at sequel discussions, fueled by the film’s critical success and steady box office holds. While it may not reach $100 million globally, its domestic strength and positive reception could pave the way for further adventures.
The film’s ability to attract audiences in a streaming-dominated comedy landscape is a testament to its quality and Neeson’s surprising comedic chops.
As The Naked Gun (2025) continues its theatrical run, its legacy as a successful reboot hinges on sustained audience interest and potential home video success.
For now, it’s a fun, nostalgic romp that’s brought laughter back to theaters, even if it hasn’t set the box office ablaze.
Some Closing Thoughts:
The Naked Gun (2025) has delivered a commendable box office performance, blending nostalgia with fresh humor to gross nearly $78 million worldwide.
While it faces challenges in a competitive market, its critical acclaim and steady domestic earnings highlight its appeal. Fans of the franchise and newcomers alike can catch it in theaters, where Liam Neeson’s Frank Drebin Jr. keeps the laughs coming.
Will it secure a sequel? Only time and ticket sales will tell, but this reboot has already proven there’s still life in the Police Squad’s comedic chaos.
