2008 at the Box Office (1 Viewer)

With about seven weeks left in '07, many are already focusing their thoughts on next year's line-up of films. Here's the tentative schedule for 2008's releases from the major studios...

(all dates are subject to change)

JANUARY
4th
-"One Missed Call" (WB)
11th
-"27 Dresses" (Fox)
-"The Bucket List" (WB)
-"First Friday" (Sony/Screen Gems)
-"In the Name of the King: A Dragon Siege Tale" (Freestyle Releasing)
-"The Orphanage" (Picturehouse)
-"The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything" (Universal)
18th
-"Cloverfield" (Paramount)
-"Mad Money" (Overture Films)
25th
-"Be Kind, Rewind" (New Line)
-"How She Move" (Paramount Vantage)
-"Meet the Spartans" (Fox)
-"Rambo" (Lionsgate)
-"Untraceable" (Sony)
Expected biggest hit of the month: "Cloverfield"

FEBRUARY
1st
-"The Eye" (Lionsgate)
-"Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour" (Disney)
-"Over My Dead Body" (New Line)
-"Strange Wilderness" (Paramount)
8th
-"Fool's Gold" (WB)
-"The Poughkeepsie Tapes" (MGM)
-"Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins" (Universal)
14th (Thursday)
-"Definitely, Maybe" (Universal)
-"Jumper" (Fox)
-"Step Up 2: The Streets" (Disney)
15th
-"George A. Romero's Diary of the Dead" (Weinstein Co.)
-"The Spiderwick Chronicles" (Paramount)
22nd
-"Charlie Bartlett" (MGM)
-"Vantage Point" (Sony)
-"Witless Protection" (Lionsgate)
29th
-"The Other Bolyen Girl" (Sony)
-"Penelope" (IFC)
-"Possession" (Yari Film Group)
-"Semi-Pro" (New Line)
Expected biggest hit of the month: "Semi-Pro"

MARCH
7th
-"10,000 B.C." (WB)
-"The Accidental Husband" (Yari Film Group)
-"The Bank Job" (Lionsgate)
-"College Road Trip" (Disney)
14th
-"Get Some" (Summit Entertainment)
-"Horton Hears a Who" (Fox)
-"Pride & Glory" (New Line)
19th (Wednesday)
-"Inkheart" (New Line)
21st
-"Drillbit Taylor" (Paramount)
-"Shutter" (Fox)
-"Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns" (Lionsgate)
28th
-"21" (Sony)
-"Run, Fatboy, Run" (Picturehouse)
-"Stop Loss" (Paramount)
-"Superhero Movie" (Dimention/Weinstein Co.)
Expected biggest hit of the month: "Horton Hears a Who"

APRIL
4th
-"Henry Poole is Here" (MGM)
-"Leatherheads" (Universal)
-"Nim's Island" (Fox)
-"The Ruins" (DreamWorks/Paramount)
-"Shine a Light" (Paramount Vantage)
-"Wild Child" (Universal)
11th
-"The Brothers Bloom" (Summit Entertainment)
-"College" (Lionsgate)
-"Prom Night" (Sony/Screen Gems)
-"Smart People" (Miramax)
18th
-"Baby Mama" (Universal)
-"Forbidden Kingdom" (Lionsgate)
-"The Rocker" (Fox)
25th
-"Amusement" (Picturehouse)
-"Big Stan" (Yari Film Group)
-"Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo" (New Line)
-"The List" (Fox)
Expected biggest hit of the month: "Forbidden Kingdom"

MAY
2nd
-"Iron Man" (Paramount)
-"Made of Honor" (Sony)
9th
-"Speed Racer" (WB)
16th
-"The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian" (Disney/Walden Media)
-"Midnight Meat Train" (Lionsgate)
-"What Happens in Vegas" (Fox)
22nd (Thursday)
-"Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" (Lucasfilm/Paramount)
30th
-"Forgetting Sarah Marshall" (Universal)
-"Sex & the City" (New Line)
-"Starship Dave" (Fox)
Expected biggest hit of the month: "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull"

JUNE
6th
-"Kung Fu Panda" (DreamWorks/Paramount)
-"You Don't Mess with the Zohan" (Sony)
13th
-"The Happening" (Fox)
-"The Incredible Hulk" (Universal)
20th
-"Get Smart" (WB)
-"The Love Guru" (Paramount)
27th
-"Wall-E" (Disney/Pixar)
-"Wanted" (Universal)
Expected biggest hit of the month: "Wall-E"

JULY
2nd
-"Hancock" (Sony)
-"Kit Kittredge: An American Girl" (Picturehouse)
11th
-"Hellboy II: The Golden Army" a.k.a "HB II" (Universal)
-"Tropic Thunder" (DreamWorks/Paramount)
18th
-"The Dark Knight" (WB)
-"Mama Mia!" (Universal)
25th
-"Step Brothers" (Sony)
-Untitled Ice Cube Comedy (MGM)
-"X-Files 2" (Fox)
Expected biggest hit of the month: "The Dark Knight"

AUGUST
1st
-"He's Just Not That Into You" (New Line)
-"The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor" (Universal)
-"South of the Border" (Disney)
8th
-"Blindness" (Miramax)
-"Eagle Eye" (DreamWorks/Paramount)
-"Journey 3D" (New Line)
-"The Pineapple Express" (Sony)
-"Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2" (WB)
15th
-"Dragonball" (Fox)
-"The International" (Sony)
22nd
-"Case 39" (Paramount)
-"Fly Me to the Moon- 3D" (N Wave)
-"I Know What Boys Like" (Sony)
-"Trailer Trash" (MGM)
29th
-"Babylon A.D." (Fox)
Expected biggest hit of the month: "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor"

SEPTEMBER
5th
-"Clive Barker Presents: "Hellraiser" (MGM/Weinstein)
12th
-"Nights in Rodanthe" (WB)
-"Punisher: War Zone" (Lionsgate)
19th
-"Lakeview Terrace" (Sony/Screen Gems)
-"My Best Friend's Girl" (Lionsgate)
-"Nothing But the Truth" (Yari Film Group)
26th
-"Death Race" (Universal)
-"Nowhereland" (Paramount)
Expected biggest hit of the month: "Death Race"

OCTOBER
3rd
-"Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist" (Sony)
-"RockNRolla" (WB)
-"Valkyrie" (United Artists)
10th
-"Body of Lies" (WB)
-"City of Ember" (Fox)
-"The Express" (Universal)
-"Sex Drive" (Summit Entertainment)
-"Soul Men" (MGM/Weinstein)
-"The Women" (Picturehouse)
17th
-"The Lonely Maiden" (Yari Film Group)
-"Quarantine" (Sony/Screen Gems)
-"Scanners" (MGM)
-"Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail" (Lionsgate)
24th
-"Igor" (Weinstein Co.)
-"Saw V" (Lionsgate)
31st
-"Motel Hell" (MGM)
Expected biggest hit of the month: "Body of Lies"

NOVEMBER
7th
-"James Bond 22" (MGM/Sony)
-"Madagascar: The Crate Escape" (DreamWorks/Paramount)
14th
-"Four Christmases" (New Line)
21st
-"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" (WB)
26th
-"Bolt" (Disney)
-"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount)
Expected biggest hit of the month: "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince"

DECEMBER
5th
N/A
12th
-"The Day the Earth Stood Still" (Fox)
-"Seven Pounds" (Sony)
-"Twilight" (Summit Entertainment)
19th
-"Marley & Me" (Fox)
-"Revolutionary Road" (DreamWorks/Paramount)
-"The Tale of Despereaux" (Universal)
-"Yes Man" (WB)
25th (Thursday)
-"Bedtime Stories" (Disney)
-"Fame" (MGM)
-"Star Trek XI" (Paramount)
Expected biggest hit of the month: "Bedtime Stories"

At this point, the two films expected to battle it out for the domestic crown are Indy IV and "The Dark Knight". There is very little debate that "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" will be the year's biggest worldwide grosser, but many are split as to who will win this latest battle between Batman and Indiana Jones.

The first (and only) time the two franchises faced off was in 1989 when Tim Burton's "Batman" took the domestic crown with its $251.2 million haul, followed by the $197.2 million haul of "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade". 'Crusade' took the worldwide crown as it pulled in $474.2 million compared to the $411.3 million global tally of "Batman".

Don't be surprised if Indy ends up being the year's biggest domestic performer and second biggest worldwide earner. I do think TDK will be huge, but not nearly as big overseas as either HP or Indy. Also expect major league performances by both 'Prince Caspian' and "Wall-E".

Next year's schedule isn't nearly as gaudy as that of this year's, but I think '08 is going to be a really strong twelve months of business at the box office. I could be way off, but I really like next year's list of flicks.

Cloverfield vs. Rambo in January seems like an intriguing early-year matchup. I'd have to think that Rambo will make more money based solely on name recognition. Both films seem out of place that early in the year, though.

Paramount is hoping for a 'Blair Witch'-like performance out of "Cloverfield". The studio seems to be pretty confident that the movie is going to be a big hit. If "Rambo" is as big (or bigger) than "Rocky Balboa" ($70.3 million domestically/$155.6 million worldwide) than Lionsgate will go forward with 'Rambo V'.

Personally, I think "Cloverfield" has the edge, but I am expecting "Rambo" to be a big early year hit. I also think "Fanboys" will have a very solid run as well. Overall, January should be a better than average month for the industry.

Hmmmm...looks like a pretty entertaining year to me.

-"Rambo" (Lionsgate)
-"George A. Romero's Diary of the Dead" (Weinstein Co.)
-"Iron Man" (Paramount)
-"The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian" (Disney)
22nd (Thursday)
-"Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" (Lucasfilm/Paramount)
30th
-"The Incredible Hulk" (Universal)
-"Wall-E" (Disney/Pixar)
-"Hancock" (Sony)
-"HB II" a.k.a "Hellboy II: The Golden Army" (Universal)
-"The Dark Knight" (WB)
-"X-Files 2" (Fox)
-"Trailer Trash" (MGM)
-"James Bond 22"
-"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" (WB)
-"Star Trek XI" (Paramount)

On the other hand...

-"Superhero Movie" (Dimention/Weinstein Co.)
-"Death Race" (Universal)

Excuse me while I go stick my head in an oven.

-"Be Kind, Rewind" (New Line)
-"Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo" (New Line)
-"Jumper" (Fox)
-"Pride & Glory" (New Line)
-"Iron Man" (Paramount)
-"Speed Racer" (WB)
-"Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" (Lucasfilm/Paramount)
-"Sex & the City" (New Line)
-"Kung Fu Panda" (DreamWorks/Paramount)
-"The Incredible Hulk" (Universal)
-"Get Smart" (WB)
-"Wall-E" (Disney/Pixar)
-"Hancock" (Sony)
-"HB II a.k.a Hellboy II: The Golden Army" (Universal)
-"The Dark Knight[/b]" (WB)
-"Blindness" (Miramax)
-"The Pineapple Express" (Sony)
-"Where the Wild Things Are" (WB)
-"James Bond 22"
-"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" (WB)
-"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount) FINCHER
-"Revolutionary Road" (DreamWorks/Paramount)
-"Star Trek XI" (Paramount) ???
Most excited for

I think TDK will do mid-200's. I agree Indy will be stronger overseas, and probably a little stronger domestically.

I'm excited for Hellboy, because GdT is worth getting excited over, even if I was only so-so on the first film. Any film by Fincher is VERY welcome. It won't make much money, but who cares.

Thanks for the initial rundown, Terry. As always

No problem Chuck.

"The Dark Knight", Indy IV, "HB II", 'Benjamin Button', 'Hulk", "The Happening", "Wall-E", "The Pineapple Express", Bond 22, and Harry Potter are the flicks I'm most looking forward to in '08.

Yes, thanks Terry. Some good films next year. WallE, Indy, Ironman, The Ruins, James Bond, and Batman top my list.

I am also eager, but apprehensive, to see the result of JJs Trek reboot.

I'm hopeful that Abrams' ST flick is good. I'm a little disappointed that it'll have a time travel element to it. This is the fourth time the film series has dealt with such an issue (joining #4, #7, and #8). It will also be weird seeing new actors playing the original crew.

Still, I thought Abrams a good job with M:I-III, and he may end up being exactly what the Trek series needs to reinvigorate itself.

Indeed, but probably the only way to do a reboot that allows for canon to remain untouched and clean the slate going forward.

I hope you're right, because Paramount is planning on this being the new franchise with the new actors playing the classic roles. Some canon might be altered as a result.

Oddly enough, many people complain about the new movie using time travel but if queried on their favourite movies or episodes they invariably list installments that use that very element.

True, most fans love the time travel episodes of the original series. I dug the shows, but didn't become a big fan until I saw 'Wrath of Khan' (which is still the best movie in my opinion).

I really do hope that Abrams delivers a solid movie. Again, if the movie proves to be a hit, it'll spawn more movies featuring the new cast in the original roles. The hope is for a $100 million-plus earning flick.

Out of all the Trek films 'The Voyage Home' remains the only one that pulled in more than $100 mil domestically ($109.7 million). Paramount hopes Abrams' movie will become the second one. They're really hoping for a big re-launch to this franchise.

With the Star Wars movies coming to an end, a void has been left in terms of big sci-fi flicks taking place in space. With SW completed, Paramount wants to fill that vacuum with the new (and what they feel are improved) Trek series. The suits at the studio feel they've made a very sound business move by putting Abrams in charge of the series and essentially showing former Trek guru Rick Berman the door.

We'll see what happens.

I'm surprised you have Indy and Dark Knight duking it out for top spot over HP. Indy feels like a bit of a wildcard since it's been so long but while I would think 200+ domestic is in the bag, I wouldn't feel 300 is a certainty. Even with the great legs Batman Begins had, I wouldn't say $300 million is a lock for TDK either. Meanwhile, HP is pretty much a proven earner in the $300 million range, especially with a nice fall opening.

While I'm happy they showed Berman the door, Paramount isn't blameless either when it comes to almost killing the franchise. It was mind-bogglingly stupid of them to open "Nemesis" head-to-head with "Return of the King." Chasing the same audience on a weekend they were all sure to line up for the finale of one of the most popular trilogies of all time was a really bizarre choice.

I still can't figure out that decision. Pick almost any other weekend and they probably could have doubled the opening weekend gross.

I'm still lukewarm on the new film. Kirk, et. al., really represents my father's "Star Trek," so regardless of who is cast, I'm not really into those characters. I will definitely see it, but I can't get too excited about it.

The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
The Incredible Hulk
Wall-E
The Dark Knight
James Bond 22
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
The Day the Earth Stood Still
Star Trek

These are the movies that I will almost certainly see next year. I'll end up seeing more based on previews or word of mouth, though.

Global predictions:
1. HP6
2. TDK
3. Bond 22
4. Indy 4
5. Prince Caspian

Domestic predictions:
1. TDK
2. Indy 4
3. HP6
4. Bond 22
5. Prince Caspian

I could be way off, but I expect all of them to do excellent business if the moviemakers don't drop the ball.

Awesome!

-Nick-

I would think Prince Caspian has an excellent shot at the crown too. I don't know how it has done on DVD, but Lion, Witch,and The Wardrobe's $291 domestic would seem to better position it for a sequel "bump" than most of the others in contention. If Prince Caspian turns out well it could easily be a candidate for $350 million.

I think its a bad mistake to have the narnia movie in may.. with both iron man and indiana jones 4.. it could get lost.. I would hope that they delay for november/december release.

Jacob

IJ4 will gross over 550 easily. Iron Man will gross 250-300 while TDK will only make 195-200.

I assume you mean $550M worldwide for IJ4, and it'll do a bit better than that. If you mean domestic, then I'd be interested to hear your (ir)rationale. As for the TDK number, I see you think it will gross less than BB. I think that's an extremely flawed guess. It's home sales were extraordinary, as was word of mouth, so I think it'll get the same bump, percentage-wise, that the Bourne series got. I'd bet my life savings it doesn't go down.

I'd like to hear your reasoning on that as well.