Theater counts: Avatar: Fire and Ash ignites the big screen, launching in 3,800 theaters

December 18, 2025

Zootopia 2 reclaimed the top spot at the weekend box office after yielding it to Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 the previous weekend, outpacing the horror sequel by $6 million and surpassing $250 million domestically. Both films are expected to exit first-place contention this weekend, however, as a trio of new releases enters theaters—including the long-awaited Avatar: Fire and Ash.

Making its cinematic debut in 3,800 theaters, Avatar: Fire and Ash marks the third installment in James Cameron’s blockbuster Avatar franchise, which has amassed $5.25 billion worldwide across its first two films. The story returns to Pandora, following Jake Sully and Neytiri as they confront new threats in the aftermath of Avatar: The Way of Water. Introducing the Ash People, a formidable Na’vi clan forged by fire and volcanic terrain, the film challenges long-held notions of good and evil. As inter-clan tensions escalate and humanity’s presence grows, the saga delves into darker themes of conflict, consequence, and the true cost of survival.

Also opening in wide release this weekend is another sequel, this time featuring everyone’s favorite sponge: The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants. Playing in 3,557 theaters, the film follows Patrick, Sandy, Squidward, and the rest of the gang as they embark on a quest to find a missing SpongeBob. Directed by Derek Drymon, the movie features the voices of Tom Kenny as SpongeBob, along with Rodger Bumpass and Bill Fagerbakke.

Making its theatrical debut in 3,015 movie houses this weekend is the psychological thriller The Housemaid, starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried. The film follows a young woman who takes a live-in housekeeping job for a wealthy family, only to discover their glamorous home hides dark and dangerous secrets. Film veteran Paul Feig directs the film, which is based on the 2022 novel of the same name.

Rounding out the top five this weekend is current champ, Zootopia 2, still showing in a wide 3,540 venues, while Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 can be seen in 3,012 theaters.

Looking ahead to next weekend, two new wide releases are set to debut. The Paul Rudd and Jack Black action-comedy, Anaconda will open in roughly 3,000 theaters, while Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson’s biographical drama, Song Sung Blue, is projected to arrive in approximately 2,400 theaters.

Filed under: Theater Counts