The Naked Gun's Box Office Tracking Data Signals a Solid Comedy Comeback

The Naked Gun's box office tracking data reveals a promising debut for the 2025 revival of the iconic comedy franchise, hitting theaters on August 1, 2025. With Liam Neeson stepping into the role of the bumbling Frank Drebin Jr., the film has grossed $16.8 million domestically and $11.5 million internationally, totaling $28.3 million worldwide.

This strong opening weekend performance, coupled with glowing reviews, suggests that Paramount’s gamble on reviving theatrical comedies may pay off. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the film’s box office success and what it means for the genre.

Highlights of The Naked Gun’s Box Office Performance:

• Domestic Earnings: $16.8 million, accounting for 59.4% of the total gross.

• International Earnings: $11.5 million from 46 markets, representing 40.6% of the worldwide total.

• Worldwide Total: $28.3 million against a $42 million production budget.

• Opening Day: Grossed $6.3 million domestically, including $1.6 million from Thursday previews.

• Critical Reception: 90% positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes and an A- CinemaScore.

How Did The Naked Gun Perform Domestically?

The Naked Gun opened to $17 million in North America across 3,344 theaters, securing third place behind The Fantastic Four: First Steps and The Bad Guys 2. Its $6.3 million opening day, bolstered by $1.6 million from Thursday previews, marked a record for the franchise, nearly matching the $6.4 million opening day of the Jennifer Lawrence-led No Hard Feelings in 2023.

This performance is notable for a comedy in an era where the genre struggles to secure theatrical releases. The film’s 85-minute runtime and PG-13 rating made it an accessible choice for audiences seeking lighthearted entertainment.

Despite strong competition from superhero blockbusters and animated sequels, the film’s domestic haul reflects a nostalgic pull for older audiences and the appeal of Liam Neeson’s unique take on the deadpan humor made famous by Leslie Nielsen.

Positive word-of-mouth, driven by a 90% Rotten Tomatoes score and an A- CinemaScore, suggests potential for steady legs in the coming weeks.

What’s Driving International Box Office Success?

Internationally, The Naked Gun grossed $11.5 million across 46 markets, with top performances in the UK and Germany ($2.3 million each), followed by Mexico ($674,000), the Netherlands ($590,000), and Austria ($430,000).

This debut outperformed comparable comedies like Game Night by 44% and The Heat by 36% in early markets. With 15 markets, including France, Brazil, Australia, and Spain, still to release, the film has room to grow its global tally.

Comedies often face challenges overseas due to cultural differences in humor, but the film’s sight gags and careful attention to dubbed and subtitled versions have resonated well. The international share of 40.6% is lower than typical blockbusters, where international markets often dominate, but it aligns with expectations for the genre.

The film’s modest $42 million budget positions it for profitability if it maintains momentum.How Does This Compare to the Original Franchise?The Naked Gun franchise, born from the 1982 TV series Police Squad!, has a storied box office history.

The original 1988 film grossed $78 million worldwide, followed by The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear (1991) with $86.9 million and Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult (1994) with $51 million. Adjusted for inflation, these figures reflect a robust legacy, with the first two films surpassing $150 million each in today’s dollars.

The 2025 reboot’s $28.3 million opening weekend is modest compared to its predecessors but impressive for a comedy in the post-pandemic era, where the genre has struggled.

With a production budget significantly lower than the $80 million of The Bad Guys 2, The Naked Gun is on track to be a financial win, especially if it reaches the projected $80 million global total suggested by some analysts.

Why Is This a Big Deal for Theatrical Comedies?

Theatrical comedies have been in decline since 2010, with box office revenue for the genre dropping to less than half its former glory. The Naked Gun’s solid debut, alongside other 2025 comedies like Disney’s Freakier Friday, signals a potential revival.

Directed by Akiva Schaffer and produced by Seth MacFarlane, the film leverages Neeson’s unexpected comedic chops and a star-studded cast, including Pamela Anderson, Paul Walter Hauser, and Danny Huston, to draw crowds.

The film’s 90% Rotten Tomatoes rating praises Neeson’s “gravelly gravitas” as a perfect fit for Frank Drebin Jr.’s absurd humor, though some audience reviews note it doesn’t fully capture the original trilogy’s magic. Still, its strong critical and audience reception suggests comedies can still compete in a market dominated by superhero films and animated sequels.

What’s Next for The Naked Gun’s Box Office Run?

With a $42 million budget, The Naked Gun is poised for profitability if it sustains its current trajectory. Analysts predict a global finish around $80 million, though some early projections hoped for $20-$30 million domestically.

The film’s performance in remaining international markets and its ability to hold against upcoming releases like Freakier Friday will be key.

Social media buzz highlights mixed audience sentiments, with some praising its nostalgic humor and others feeling Neeson’s casting lacks Leslie Nielsen’s charm.

Some Closing Thoughts:

The Naked Gun’s box office success underscores a hunger for theatrical comedies, offering hope for the genre’s resurgence.

As audiences continue to flock to theaters for laughs, this revival could pave the way for more big-screen comedies, proving that humor still has a place in cinemas.

Stay tuned to this space for the latest updates on this laughter riot of a film!