The documentary film “Melania,” which follows First Lady Melania Trump over a 20-day period leading up to President Donald Trump’s second inauguration in January 2025, delivered an unexpectedly strong debut at the box office, emerging as the highest-grossing non-concert documentary opening in more than a decade.
Preliminary figures indicate the film earned roughly $8 million domestically during its opening weekend—well above early industry expectations that had placed its debut in the $3 million to $5 million range. The performance was strong enough to secure a third-place finish at the weekend box office, trailing only the horror releases “Iron Lung” and “Send Help,” while outpacing the action title “Shelter.”
Directed by Brett Ratner, the film was released by Amazon MGM Studios, which acquired distribution rights and invested heavily in marketing. Combined acquisition and promotional spending is estimated at approximately $75 million, making “Melania” the most expensive documentary project ever mounted. The film opened nationwide across the United States, with simultaneous releases in several international markets.
Audience composition proved central to the film’s early success. Viewers over the age of 55 accounted for the majority of ticket sales, with women in that demographic especially well represented. Rural theaters generated an unusually large share of revenue, and Florida, Texas, and Arizona ranked among the strongest performing states.
The film premiered Thursday night at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., where the event drew a mix of political figures, business leaders, and celebrities. Melania Trump attended alongside the president and addressed the audience. The first lady also served as an executive producer through Muse Films, a production company she launched in late 2025.
Critical reaction has been sharply divided. Supporters have praised the film’s tone and focus, viewing it as a rare glimpse into the first lady’s role during a historic political transition. Others, including several prominent critics, have characterized the documentary as carefully staged and more promotional than revealing, arguing it offers limited insight beyond its surface narrative.
The film’s opening places it well below the all-time benchmark for the genre, still held by “Fahrenheit 9/11,” but its performance underscores the continued commercial viability of politically oriented documentaries with a clearly defined audience.
Final weekend totals were expected to be confirmed following the release of official studio figures, but early returns already suggest Melania has exceeded expectations and carved out a notable place in the modern documentary marketplace.
