The 2025 Oscars have unveiled a diverse lineup of Best Picture nominees, blending blockbusters with critically acclaimed indies. While prestige films often lag behind action-packed hits in earnings, this year’s nominees show a fascinating mix of commercial and artistic success. Here’s how all 10 contenders rank by global box office, along with insights into their Oscar potential.
10. The Nickel Boys (2025)
- Domestic Gross: 1.73M∣∗∗WorldwideTotal:∗∗1.73M∣∗∗WorldwideTotal:∗∗1.89M
- Budget: $23M | Rotten Tomatoes: 90% Critics / 76% Audience
Adapted from Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer-winning novel, The Nickel Boys struggles financially despite its Oscar nod. A limited release and niche audience hindered its earnings, though post-nomination ticket sales saw a 15% bump. A worthy watch, but the lowest-grossing nominee.
9. The Brutalist (2024)
- Domestic Gross: 10.25M∣∗∗WorldwideTotal:∗∗10.25M∣∗∗WorldwideTotal:∗∗12.8M
- Budget: $10M | Rotten Tomatoes: 93% Critics / 81% Audience
This epic 3.5-hour drama, starring Adrien Brody, thrives on critical praise but falters commercially due to its runtime. A modest $10M budget saved it from losses, and its Golden Globes buzz could spur a post-Oscars streaming revival.
8. Emilia Pérez (2024)
- Worldwide Total: $13.37M (Streaming on Netflix)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 74% Critics / 19% Audience
Netflix’s Spanish-language crime musical divided critics and audiences, reflected in its dismal audience score. Despite 13 Oscar nods, its streaming-only U.S. release caps box office potential, making it a polarizing contender.
7. I’m Still Here (2024)
- Worldwide Total: 15.56M∣∗∗Budget:∗∗15.56M∣∗∗Budget:∗∗1.5M
- Rotten Tomatoes: 95% Critics / 99% Audience
This Brazilian historical drama, a surprise nominee, became a profit powerhouse with a $1.5M budget. Fernanda Torres’ Golden Globes win boosted its profile, though a delayed U.S. release (February 2025) may limit earnings.
6. Anora (2024)
- Worldwide Total: 33.12M∣∗∗Budget:∗∗33.12M∣∗∗Budget:∗∗6M
- Rotten Tomatoes: 93% Critics / 90% Audience
Sean Baker’s dark comedy about a stripper-turned-oligarch’s wife is a critical darling. With a $6M budget, it’s already profitable and a strong Best Picture contender, proving indie films can thrive.
5. A Complete Unknown (2024)
- Worldwide Total: 75.75M∣∗∗Budget:∗∗75.75M∣∗∗Budget:∗∗70M
- Rotten Tomatoes: 80% Critics / 96% Audience
Timothée Chalamet’s Bob Dylan biopic dazzles audiences but struggles to recoup its $70M budget. Despite star power, it needs a post-Oscars streaming surge to break even.
4. The Substance (2024)
- Worldwide Total: 76.82M∣∗∗Budget:∗∗76.82M∣∗∗Budget:∗∗15M
- Rotten Tomatoes: 89% Critics / 75% Audience
Demi Moore’s body-horror thriller defied expectations, blending Oscar buzz with box office success. A $15M budget and strong word-of-mouth made it a profitable genre standout.
3. Conclave (2024)
- Worldwide Total: 84.53M∣∗∗Budget:∗∗84.53M∣∗∗Budget:∗∗25M
- Rotten Tomatoes: 93% Critics / 86% Audience
Ralph Fiennes stars in this Vatican thriller, appealing to older audiences with its PG rating and Robert Harris’ source material. Global appeal drove its earnings, cementing it as a crowd-pleaser.
2. Dune: Part Two (2024)
- Worldwide Total: 714.64M∣∗∗Budget:∗∗714.64M∣∗∗Budget:∗∗190M
- Rotten Tomatoes: 92% Critics / 95% Audience
Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi epic dominated 2024, blending spectacle with Oscar-worthy storytelling. A box office titan, it’s poised to win technical awards, though Best Picture remains a tight race.
1. Wicked (2024)
- Worldwide Total: 718M∣∗∗Budget:∗∗718M∣∗∗Budget:∗∗145M
- Rotten Tomatoes: 88% Critics / 95% Audience
The Wicked adaptation, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, enchanted global audiences. A family-friendly musical with a $145M budget, it’s the highest-grossing nominee and a cultural phenomenon, though unlikely to snag Best Picture.
Key Takeaways & Oscar Predictions
- Box Office vs. Awards: Blockbusters like Wicked and Dune 2 prove commercial hits can earn Oscar love, while indies like Anora thrive on critical acclaim.
- Surprise Performers: The Substance and I’m Still Here exceeded expectations, showing diverse narratives resonate.
- Streaming Impact: Emilia Pérez highlights the growing role of streaming in Oscar campaigns.
Which nominee deserved higher earnings? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Box office data current as of February 1, 2025. Sources: Box Office Mojo, Rotten Tomatoes.
