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Weekend Movie Showdown: Spider-Man, Dinosaur Thriller, PAW Patrol, and More — Which Is Worth Your Money?
A head-to-head of this weekend's theatrical options, judged on box-office projection, critical score, runtime, rating, and release scope for moviegoers deciding what to see.
Source material: goldderby.com
Spider-Man: Brand New Day
Spider-Man: Brand New Day is projected to earn $70 million this weekend, the top estimate among all releases, marking its third consecutive No. 1. The Sony/Marvel blockbuster has already crossed $700 million domestically, becoming only the fourth MCU title to do so—after Avengers: Endgame, Spider-Man: No Way Home, and Black Panther. Its projected $65 million–$75 million take will likely push it past Top Gun: Maverick into the all-time domestic top five. Globally, the film is closing in on $2 billion, a milestone achieved by just seven movies in box-office history, and none since Avatar: The Way of Water in 2022. With that kind of scale, audiences can expect packed theaters and a cultural event; for those planning to watch, booking tickets in advance is advisable to secure a seat.
The End of Oak Street
The End of Oak Street opens with a projected $25 million, a strong debut for a dinosaur thriller with an 84% Rotten Tomatoes score. It runs 1 hour 39 minutes and is rated PG-13, making it suitable for teens and adults who like suspense. The wide release from Warner Bros. means it's easy to find in most multiplexes. It loses to Spider-Man on raw box-office power, but beats it on critical confirmation—this is a certified fresh film. The PG-13 rating might rule out young children, and the concept (a neighborhood transported into a prehistoric wilderness) may feel familiar to fans of that genre. If you're choosing between the big superhero and this, and you value reviews over records, Oak Street is the superior pick. It's the best-reviewed wide release this weekend, so for discerning viewers, it's the top choice.
PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie
PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie is the family-friendly counter-programming with a projected $23 million weekend, an 85% RT score, a 1 hour 28 minute runtime, and a PG rating. It's designed for preschool and elementary-aged kids, so for parents with young children, it's the obvious pick. The wide release ensures it's playing everywhere. However, it loses for adults without kids—there's little to appeal to anyone not in the target demographic. It also has the shortest runtime here, which is a plus for families with fidgety kids. The critical score is solid, but it's still a kids' movie. If you're a grown-up looking for a Saturday night film, this isn't it. But if you're a parent wanting a safe, well-reviewed option that entertains little ones, this is the winner.
The Odyssey
The Odyssey, Christopher Nolan's latest epic, is projected to earn $17 million in its fifth weekend, with estimates ranging from $16 million to $20 million. The film is on the verge of crossing $500 million domestically in the next few days, a feat previously accomplished by only one other Nolan movie—The Dark Knight. This milestone underscores its extraordinary staying power, as it continues to draw audiences more than a month after release. For moviegoers, this is a prime opportunity to experience a big-screen spectacle from a director known for immersive filmmaking, though with five weeks of play, those interested should check local listings for showtimes. Given its strong box-office performance, it remains a solid choice for a night out, especially for those who missed it during its opening weeks.
Six: The Musical Live!
Six: The Musical Live! brings the Tony-winning pop retelling of Henry VIII's wives to the big screen, captured live at London's Vaudeville Theatre. With a projected $3 million weekend—needing just $2 million to $3.5 million to break through—it's playing in only a handful of theaters, making it a rare cinematic event. The filmed production runs 1 hour 35 minutes, is rated PG-13, and reimagines the six wives as pop stars reclaiming their narratives. As of now, it has no Rotten Tomatoes or Metacritic score, so audiences must rely on the show's Tony-winning reputation. For fans of the musical or those curious about the stage phenomenon, finding a nearby screening is the only way to catch it; given the limited release, checking showtimes in advance is essential.
The Brink of War
The Brink of War, starring Jeff Daniels as Ronald Reagan, expands into roughly 2,000 theaters this weekend but is expected to debut in the low single digits. It runs 1 hour 57 minutes, is rated PG, and holds a 57% Rotten Tomatoes score, meaning it's critically 'rotten.' For political drama fans, it offers a period-piece premise, but the mixed reviews and lack of buzz suggest it's a weaker choice. It loses to any better-reviewed option in the same range. The PG rating means it's family-friendly in terms of violence, but the historical subject matter may not appeal to kids. If you're specifically interested in Cold War history, it might be worth a look, but with so many strong alternatives, it's hard to recommend. Its wide expansion gives it availability, but the poor critical reception is a red flag.
The Rivals of Amziah King
The Rivals of Amziah King, a bluegrass-scored crime drama, opens on about 500 screens with a low single-digit projection. It boasts a 91% Rotten Tomatoes score, the highest of any film in this comparison, and runs 2 hours 10 minutes with an R rating. The strong critical reception makes it a top pick for adult audiences who appreciate character-driven indie films. However, the limited release means it's hard to find, and the R rating excludes under-17s without guardians. It loses on availability and runtime—it's the longest of the group. If you're near a theater showing it and you're willing to commit to a longer narrative, it's the quality choice. But if you're in a small town or want a quick watch, look elsewhere. The critical acclaim outweighs its box-office underdog status.
The Wrong Girls
The Wrong Girls, a stoner crime-comedy from Neon, opens on about 500 screens with a projected low-single-digit gross. Directed by Dylan Meyer, the film stars Kristen Stewart as one of two aimless women who gain telepathic abilities after ingesting an experimental drug, then face rivals after the same substance. With a runtime of 1 hour 40 minutes and an R rating, it's a raunchy, offbeat entry for niche audiences. Currently, it holds a 59% Rotten Tomatoes score and a 58% Metacritic rating, marking it as the weakest-reviewed new release this weekend. For those intrigued by the premise, it's a choice for fans of unconventional comedies, but given the mixed-to-negative critical response, most moviegoers might prefer waiting for streaming. If you do decide to catch it, be sure to check local theaters, as its limited release may not include every neighborhood.