The Housemaid Thriller Nears 100M Box Office Mark

Sydney Sweeney’s The Housemaid maintains the #3 spot, eyeing the 100M milestone for Lionsgate.

The Housemaid

When was the last time a mid-budget thriller made the giants of animation and sci-fi look over their shoulders? For Lionsgate and the cast of The Housemaid, that moment is happening right now.

As of January 4, 2026, this erotic psychological thriller is locked in a tight embrace with the top tier of the domestic box office.

It isn’t just surviving; it is thriving in the wake of the year’s biggest spectacles.

The New Year’s Power Play

The first day of 2026 was a turning point. While many expected holiday audiences to flock toward lighter fare, The Housemaid pulled in a surprising 4.6million on January 1st, effectively side−stepping Timotheˊ eChalamet’s Marty Supreme.

Bythe following Friday, the film expand edits grip, climbingto5. 2 million across 3,070 theaters.

What is most striking isn’t just the raw total, but the per-screen average of $1,693.

This represents a 13% daily rise. More impressively, it shows a mere 0.8% dip compared to the previous Friday.

In an industry where 50% drop-offs are the norm, a less than 1% fluctuation suggests that this film has achieved a rare level of cultural “stickiness.”

People aren’t just seeing it; they are telling their friends they have to see it.

The Domestic Fortress

Currently sitting at a global haul of 82.3million, the film is eyeing the prestigious 100 million milestone.

However, the composition of these earnings tells a fascinating story.

• North America: $66 million
• International: $16.3 million
• Total: $82.3 million

While international support remains solid, the American market is the engine room of this success.

This 80/20 split is a powerful indicator of the film’s resonance with domestic viewers.

The Anatomy of Retention

Most thrillers are “front-loaded.” They explode on opening night and vanish once the twist is out on social media. The Housemaid is defying this trajectory. Why?

The answer lies in the casting chemistry of Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried. Alongside Brandon Sklenar and Michele Morrone, the ensemble has crafted a tension that feels physical.

The retention of its audience—holding steady into its third weekend—suggests that the film is benefiting from repeat viewings.

In a digital age where spoilers are unavoidable, a movie that keeps people in seats is a movie that offers more than just a plot twist; it offers an atmosphere that streamers simply cannot replicate.

The “Niche” Trap

Many analysts incorrectly label The Housemaid as a “niche” erotic thriller. This is a mistake.

1. The Mainstream Pivot: By placing the film right behind Avatar and Zootopia 2, the box office proves this is a mainstream event. It is filling the “prestige adult” gap that many studios have abandoned.
2. Domestic Strength is a Feature, Not a Bug: Analysts often crave a 50/50 global split. However, a film that dominates domestically is often more profitable due to higher rental returns for the studio. For Lionsgate, this is their biggest win in over two years.

The $100 Million Horizon

As the third weekend unfolds, projections suggest a 12 million to 12 million to 15 million three-day frame.

If The Housemaid holds its ground against the fresh batch of January releases, it will become the first Lionsgate title in over 24 months to cross $100 million both domestically and globally.

In the high-stakes game of theatrical distribution, The Housemaid has proven that the best way to catch an audience is to keep them guessing in the dark.

Summary of Key Points

• Box Office Standing: Currently #3 domestically, behind Avatar: Fire and Ash and Zootopia 2.
• Financial Health: $82.3millionglobaltotalwithastrong$82.3millionglobaltotalwithastrong66 million domestic base.
• Retention: Only a 0.8% dip in Friday-to-Friday numbers, indicating massive word-of-mouth.
• Milestone: On track to be Lionsgate’s first $100M domestic hit in over two years.