The documentary Melania surprised the film industry this weekend after earning $7 million at the domestic box office, marking the biggest opening for a non-music documentary in over ten years. The strong debut stands out in a genre that rarely sees major theatrical success.
A Rare Win for Non-Music Documentaries 📊
According to Comscore data, most documentaries released over the past decade have opened below $5 million and typically finish with global totals between $10 million and $20 million. Films tied to major music artists usually perform better thanks to loyal fanbases, which makes Melania’s performance even more notable.
Audiences vs Critics Reaction 🔥
Viewer response has been overwhelmingly positive. On Rotten Tomatoes, the audience score sits at an impressive 99%, based on feedback from more than 500 verified users. Many viewers praise the film for its personal perspective and emotional tone.
Critics, however, have not been nearly as kind. The documentary currently holds an 11% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes from 19 reviews. Several reviews label the film as one sided and describe it as political propaganda rather than an objective documentary.
A Clear Divide 🧠
The sharp contrast between audience enthusiasm and critical backlash highlights how polarizing the film has become. Despite mixed reviews from critics, the box office numbers show that Melania connected strongly with moviegoers and tapped into a sizable demand.
