Against widespread skepticism and months of controversy, Melania has opened far stronger than nearly anyone in Hollywood predicted. The documentary chronicling the final 20 days before Melania Trump’s return to the White House is on track to earn roughly $8 million in its opening weekend, marking the largest documentary debut in more than a decade.
Industry analysts say the film will likely finish the weekend in third place overall, trailing only the horror release Iron Lung and Rachel McAdams’ thriller Send Help. Still, its performance places it ahead of Jason Statham’s action film Shelter, a result that surprised even seasoned box office watchers.
A Massive Bet Pays Off Early
Amazon’s decision to back Melania now looks less risky than it once did. The company reportedly spent $75 million to acquire distribution rights and fund a global marketing campaign for the Brett Ratner–directed film, making it the most expensive documentary ever released. The film debuted in theaters nationwide and across 27 international markets simultaneously, a scale rarely seen for non-fiction projects.
The documentary was produced by Muse Films, the production company Melania Trump launched late last year, with the first lady serving as an executive producer. From the start, the project was positioned not as a niche political film but as a prestige theatrical event, a strategy that appears to be paying off in its first weekend.
An Older Audience Drives the Surge
The film’s box office strength came from a demographic Hollywood often struggles to mobilize. According to reporting from The Hollywood Reporter, viewers over the age of 55 accounted for 78% of ticket buyers. Women over 55 alone made up an estimated 72% of the audience.
Rural theaters also played a significant role, contributing 46% of total ticket sales. That figure is unusually high for an opening weekend and underscores how Melania connected with audiences outside major urban markets. Florida, Texas, and Arizona emerged as the top-performing states, reinforcing the film’s regional appeal.
For exhibitors, the turnout offered a reminder that politically engaged older audiences remain a powerful force when motivated to leave home and buy tickets.
Applause, Chants, and a Charged Atmosphere
Audience reactions inside theaters have been anything but muted. The New York Times reported that at least one screening erupted into applause during scenes showing President Trump’s swearing-in ceremony. In other moments, viewers reportedly shouted slogans like “Trump 2028,” turning screenings into something closer to political rallies than traditional movie showings.
One 60-year-old Staten Island man told the Times that he rarely goes to the cinema but made an exception for Melania, saying he wanted to watch the film “kick Hollywood’s a–.” Similar sentiments have echoed across social media, where supporters frame the movie’s success as a cultural rebuttal to an industry they see as hostile.
Critics Remain Unimpressed
While audiences turned out, critics have remained sharply divided. Some reviewers dismissed the documentary as overtly favorable to the Trump administration, questioning its editorial independence and narrative depth.
A particularly harsh review from Variety described the film as “a documentary that never comes to life,” arguing that it feels overly managed and sanitized. The outlet suggested the project functions less as an exploration of Melania Trump’s inner world and more as a polished promotional vehicle.
Those critiques have not slowed ticket sales, at least not yet, highlighting the widening gap between critical reception and audience enthusiasm.
A Star-Studded, Politically Charged Premiere
The film’s premiere took place Thursday night in Washington, D.C., at the newly renamed Trump Kennedy Center. The guest list reflected the film’s political and cultural positioning, blending figures from entertainment, business, and conservative politics.
Attendees reportedly included Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Dr. Mehmet Oz, Nicki Minaj, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, and former New York City Mayor Eric Adams. The event underscored how Melania has become more than a documentary, functioning as a symbolic gathering point for Trump allies and supporters.
Praise From Trump Allies
Speaking at the premiere, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba offered glowing praise for the first lady, framing the documentary as long-overdue recognition.
“I hope they get to see what I see,” Habba told Fox News Digital. She described Melania Trump as highly involved, strategically sharp, and resilient, saying the film gives her a chance to be seen beyond caricatures and headlines. Habba added that Melania deserved greater cultural recognition and suggested the documentary would help reshape public perception.
More Than a Box Office Story
The opening weekend of Melania signals more than just financial success. It highlights the commercial power of politically aligned media, especially when it taps into audiences who feel ignored or dismissed by mainstream culture.
Whether the film maintains momentum in the coming weeks remains to be seen. Critics are unlikely to soften, and political polarization will continue to frame every discussion around it. Still, the opening numbers alone have already rewritten expectations.
For a documentary many predicted would struggle theatrically, Melania has instead delivered one of the most talked-about openings of the year, proving that controversy, loyalty, and timing can be just as powerful as critical acclaim.
