Here are three films that dominated the U.S. box office during the week of May 16 in previous years:
1 Year Ago (Week of May 16, 2024):
- Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes – This sci-fi action film led the box office, grossing approximately $133.6 million domestically by mid-May. Box Office Mojo
- The Fall Guy – An action-comedy starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, it earned around $77.3 million during this period. Box Office Mojo
- IF – A live-action animated fantasy comedy featuring Ryan Reynolds, it opened with $10.3 million on its debut day. New York Post
10 Years Ago (Week of May 16, 2015):
- Pitch Perfect 2 – This musical comedy sequel topped the box office, earning $24.7 million on Saturday, May 16.
- Avengers: Age of Ultron – Marvel’s superhero ensemble continued its strong performance, bringing in $17.2 million on the same day. Janey Lisbeth+6Reddit+6The Guardian+6
- Mad Max: Fury Road – The post-apocalyptic action film garnered $16.1 million on May 16, marking a successful debut.
20 Years Ago (Week of May 16, 2005):
- Monster-in-Law – A romantic comedy featuring Jennifer Lopez and Jane Fonda, it led the box office with $1.78 million on Monday, May 16.
- Kicking & Screaming – This sports comedy starring Will Ferrell earned $1.02 million on the same day.
- Danny the Dog – Also known as Unleashed, this action-drama brought in $971,000 on May 16. The Numbers
30 Years Ago (Week of May 16, 1995):
- Crimson Tide – A submarine thriller starring Denzel Washington and Gene Hackman, it led the box office during this week.
- French Kiss – A romantic comedy featuring Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline, it maintained a strong presence in theaters.
- While You Were Sleeping – This romantic comedy starring Sandra Bullock continued its successful run during this period.
40 Years Ago (Week of May 16, 1985):
- Code of Silence – An action film starring Chuck Norris, it was among the top-grossing films during this week.
- Stick – Directed by and starring Burt Reynolds, this action thriller also performed well at the box office.
- Desperately Seeking Susan – A comedy-drama featuring Madonna, it maintained a strong presence in theaters during this period.
50 Years Ago (Week of May 16, 1975):
- The Return of the Pink Panther – This comedy-mystery film, starring Peter Sellers, was among the top-grossing films in May 1975.
- French Connection II – A crime thriller sequel featuring Gene Hackman, it also performed well at the box office during this time.
- Shampoo – A satirical comedy-drama starring Warren Beatty, it continued to attract audiences in May 1975.
Please note that box office data from earlier decades may be less precise due to limited archival information.