While there was some optimism around Hollywood that director Paul Thoms Anderson’s critically-acclaimed One Battle After Another could extend Warner Bros.’ historic box office streak, it has officially ended. The studio had released seven straight films to open north of $40 million at the domestic box office, though that ended with OBAA‘s estimated debut of $22.4 million (via ᴅᴇᴀᴅline).

The debut was the highest ever for writer-director Anderson, and it marked the 11th film that star Leonardo DiCaprio released to open north of $20 million. While a $22.4 million debut for a film estimated to cost between $130 million and $140 million is typically a harbinger of doom, there is still optimism around OBAA.

The ᴅᴇᴀᴅline report revealed that Warner Bros. plans on keeping the film in theaters as long as possible, in hopes the buzz could continue to drive a lengthy box office run. While that may ultimately bode well for PTA’s OBAA, the debut brought a historic streak to an end. Take a look at the films that fueled the streak below.

Warner Bros. Strategic Release Plan Should Be Studied By Studios

While the summer months between May and August are typically targeted by most studios to drop their biggest and potentially most profitable movies, Warner Bros.’ biggest movie of the year dropped in early April. A Minecraft Movie opened on April 4 with a huge debut of $162.7 million, the biggest opening of the year.

The summer months had been targeted for Hollywood’s biggest movies ever since Jaws exploded at the box office in 1975, but it may be time to re-evaluate that strategy a bit. Studios targeted kids out of school for the summer to flock to theaters to see their biggest wares, but the youth market can’t be counted on as much.

Coming off a summer that was considered the worst since 1981, WB’s success in April and in September – which had been seen as weaker months in the past, coupled with many big summer films, should be noted by other studios. Not only did they spread their slate out strategically, but they also rolled the dice on original content as well.

Four of the seven movies during the streak were either original movies (Sinners, F1 – The Movie, Weapons) or based on properties not previously adapted (A Minecraft Movie). While Superman performed well, it was still below 2013’s Man of Steel when adjusted for inflation ($404.7 million adjusted from a 2013 gross of $291 million).

Could One Battle After Another Still Break Even?

With a budget reportedly between $130 million and $140 million, and a $22.4 million opening weekend, it would certainly be an uphill climb for One Battle After Another. However, even ᴅᴇᴀᴅline noted the “exuberant positivity for the film” that could drive an extended box office run. If it posts a minimal decline in Week 2, it could break even.

Warner Bros. is even trying to lure moviegoers to see OBAA in all six formats it’s being released in. Patrons who saw the VistaVision screenings at The Vista Theatre in Los Angeles were handed a card where you can get each format stamped, with the studio encouraging fans to share their cards on social media.

Make it your mission: check off each format you’ve seen and show us your progress by using #OneFormatAfterAnother and tag @onebattlemovie

Only in theaters and IMAX FRIDAY. Get tickets now. pic.twitter.com/MlwObgjNYB

— One Battle After Another (@onebattlemovie) September 25, 2025

Given the mᴀssive enthusiasm for the film, it’s possible this could help drive growth or stability at the box office, enticing fans to see it multiple times in multiple theaters. Regardless, even if it doesn’t break even, One Battle After Another will certainly be a force to be reckoned with come awards season.