The film “Christy,” starring Sydney Sweeney in the lead role, opened to a disappointing $1.3 million domestically over its opening weekend, marking one of the lowest box office debuts for wide releases on over 2,000 screens. Despite premiering in 2,011 theaters, the per-theater average was a mere $649, landing “Christy movie” among the top 10 worst wide openings historically, with only a few pandemic-era releases performing worse.
“Christy” is a biographical sports drama that chronicles the rise of Christy Martin, a trailblazing female boxer in the 1990s who became the first woman to headline a boxing pay-per-view event and a true icon in the sport. The film also covers her harrowing survival of a 2010 murder attempt by her former coach and husband and her subsequent advocacy for survivors of domestic violence. Directed by David Michôd and distributed by Black Bear Pictures, “Christy” marks the company’s first film release in the U.S., following their distinguished work behind acclaimed films such as “The Imitation Game” and “Mudbound.”
‘Christy’, starring Sydney Sweeney, debuts with a 98% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes’ Popcornmeter. pic.twitter.com/7EPsyotdAZ
— Sydney Sweeney Daily (@sweeneydailyx) November 10, 2025
Critics have given “Christy” mixed but generally positive reviews, with a 66% score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 99% audience approval, alongside a B+ CinemaScore grade. Though Sydney Sweeney has gained attention from her acclaimed roles in “Anyone But You” and “Immaculate,” this has not translated into strong box office interest for “Christy.” Additionally, Sweeney’s recent press tour has focused attention away from the film, with controversy around her American Eagle jeans advertisement overshadowing promotional efforts.
In interviews, Sweeney described “Christy” as the most impactful project of her career despite the film’s poor commercial response. She also touched on the backlash from the jeans campaign, calling the White House’s defense of her “surreal” and noting her decision to largely disconnect from social media during filming to maintain focus.
The film’s release coincides with a competitive end-of-year theatrical season, and without major studio support or robust word-of-mouth momentum, “Christy” has struggled to gain traction. Sydney Sweeney’s future projects, including the Lionsgate thriller “The Housemaid” releasing in December and the sequel to “The Devil Wears Prada” expected in May, are anticipated to perform better commercially.
Overall, “Christy” presents a compelling narrative of resilience, showcasing Sydney Sweeney’s transformative performance in a biopic that highlights the grit and courage of a pioneering female athlete, even as the film battles challenges at the box office.