Melania Documentary Breaks Box Office Record, Defies Expectations on Debut

Melania, the highly anticipated documentary about First Lady Melania Trump, opened to an unexpected box office surge this weekend, drawing roughly $8.1 million in North American ticket sales — the strongest opening for a documentary in over a decade.

Backed by Amazon MGM Studios with a combined acquisition and promotional investment nearing $75 million, the film’s performance has ignited debate across the entertainment industry, political commentators and box office analysts alike.

Record-Setting Debut Amid Divided Reception

Despite early skepticism about its commercial prospects, Melania exceeded the modest expectations set for most documentaries. Its estimated $8.1 million debut stands as the highest opening weekend gross for a documentary (excluding concert films) since 2012 — a milestone few predicted when the project was first announced.

Industry observers had anticipated a quieter launch, with some forecasts calling for weekend totals closer to $3 million to $5 million.

The film’s strongest support came from rural theaters and Republican-leaning counties, where turnout outpaced many analysts’ forecasts. Data indicates that female moviegoers over age 55 comprised a large portion of the opening audience, particularly in states such as Florida, Texas and Arizona.

A Politically Charged Release

Melania chronicles the first lady’s life in the 20 days leading up to the 2025 presidential inauguration of her husband, Donald Trump. Directed by Brett Ratner, the documentary has been surrounded by controversy since production began — not least because Ratner’s career was previously derailed by allegations of misconduct and because of questions over whether the film functions as political messaging.

Critics have generally been harsh, describing the film as shallow or self-promotional and criticizing its narrative approach. Many reviewers and cultural commentators argue that it resembles more of a crafted personal showcase than an investigative documentary.

However, support for the film’s box office success has come from audiences drawn by loyalty to the Trump family or curiosity about Melania Trump’s role in the public eye — even as critics continue to offer mixed to negative assessments.

Commercial Marketing and Mixed Early Indicators

Amazon MGM’s substantial marketing effort — including national advertisements and high-profile appearances — undeniably boosted visibility ahead of release. With roughly $35 million reportedly spent on promotion, theaters across the U.S. and Canada screened the documentary in more than 1,500 locations.

Yet some local reports prior to opening weekend suggested empty auditoriums and slow ticket sales in key urban markets, leading to narratives of a potential flop.

Even so, the film’s relatively strong weekend total has offered a counterpoint to those early concerns and reframed the conversation around Melania’s financial impact versus its cultural resonance.

What Comes Next

While the opening weekend marks a record for a documentary, Melania still faces a challenging road toward profitability. Its high production and marketing expenses mean that long-term box office performance — including international revenue — will be critical to determining whether Amazon MGM recoups its sizable investment.

The documentary is expected to enter streaming platforms, likely on Amazon Prime Video, within the next several weeks, offering another channel for audience engagement and revenue.

The release of Melania underscores how documentary films can generate headlines and provoke discussion beyond typical expectations — especially when they intersect with prominent political figures and significant marketing muscle.