Detective Pikachu scores ‘biggest opening weekend ever for a video game movie’ in the States

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It's probably unsurpising that Detective Pikachu, released last weekend, has proven successful. But the level of success has been incredibly impressive, with Forbes reporting that the movie has enjoyed the biggest opening weekend of any video game movie ever.

According to Forbes' Scott Mendelson, the Ryan Reynolds' fronted flick amassed $58 million at the US box office over the weekend, beating out the previous holder of the title – Angelina Jolie's Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (so not the Alicia Vikander version) from all the way back in 2001, which only managed to claim $47 million.

Tomb Raider does manage to beat it when adjusted for inflation ($75 million) but it's still sits at a respectable second place, ahead of – funnily enough – Pokemon: The First Movie at $55 million USD after inflation.

Outside of America it's not so clear cut however, with the Warcraft movie doing massive business in China to take it to $337 million dollars worldwide. Detective Pikachu's numbers aren't looking too hot over there, but it's still a very respectable showing for Reynolds' rendition of the crime solving Pokemon. Seems like that sequel's probably a safe bet then? 

About the Author

Ben Borthwick

Ben Borthwick is the News Editor for VideoGamer. He's a fan of action adventure games, music games and especially comedic games like the Monkey Island series.

Detective Pikachu

  • Platform(s): Nintendo 3DS
  • Genre(s): Puzzle