South Africa’s box office: Guardians of the Top Spot Vol. 3

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 has held on to the coveted number one spot for its third week in a row, refusing to move an inch for newcomer Alien: Covenant. It’s no surprise: Chris Pratt, baby Groot and some fun-loving superhero action is all South Africa needs to be sold, with warm reviews just the cherry on top. Alien never really stood a chance. But how did the other blockbusters fare this weekend? (19 to 21 May)

Unsurprisingly, Alien, the biggest newcomer of the week, didn’t even crack top three. Megahit Fast and Furious 8 has held on to second place for the third week in a row, after being ousted from first after three weeks. The film, sporting hot people, hot cars, and a whole lot of family, has brought in just under R70 million so far in its six week run.

Despite being the first international bomb of the season, King Arthur is still boasting bronze in South Africa. It might not be whatever Excalibur is made of, but it’s a worthy position nonetheless.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 has held on to the coveted number one spot for its third week in a row

To finish off the top five of big budgets, Disney darling Beauty and the Beast (review) hits the halfway spot after a whole seven weeks on the chart. The classic remake has pulled in over US$1.2 billion internationally from a US$160 million budget.

Ozzy, the strangely dark animated film about dog trafficking, pulled in at sixth in its opening week ahead of Boss Baby, which fell two places from fifth to seventh in its seventh week on the chart. Diary of a Wimpy Kid 4: The Long Haul predictably bombed in its opening weekend, placing a dismal ninth position.

Finally, the old man heist film Going in Style didn’t live up to its name this week, as it fell the furthest three positions from seventh to tenth. Luckily for the producers, though, they won’t need to rob a bank: the film starring Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine has pulled in more than triple its budget worldwide.

Here are ten most-watched movies in SA this past weekend:

1. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (Incl. 3D, Imax & 4DX)
2. Fast and Furious 8 (Incl. Imax & 4DX)
3. King Arthur (Incl. 3D)
4. Alien: Covenant (Incl. Imax)
5. Beauty and the Beast (Incl. 3D, Imax & 4DX)
6. Ozzy
7. Boss Baby (Incl. 3D)
8. The Shack
9. Diary of a Wimpy Kid 4: The Long Haul
10. Going in Style

All stats were provided by Ster Kinekor Entertainment.