1. Spider-Man: Brand New Day ($72 Million)
The record has officially fallen. In a stunning display of fan anticipation, the fourth Tom Holland-led Spider-Man film has captured a jaw-dropping $72 million in domestic previews, surpassing the previous high-water mark. The film's combination of critical
praise and immense pre-release hype fueled a rush to theaters, with exhibitors adding showtimes to meet the unprecedented demand. This historic start not only cements this new chapter of Spider-Man in the pop culture pantheon but also positions it for a potentially record-shattering opening weekend, challenging the biggest debuts in cinematic history. It’s a testament to the enduring power of the character and the communal experience of event cinema.
2. Avengers: Endgame ($60 Million)
Until now, the crown belonged to the Avengers. The climatic finale to Marvel’s Infinity Saga, 'Avengers: Endgame,' assembled an incredible $60 million in Thursday night previews back in April 2019. This wasn't just a movie; it was the culmination of a decade of storytelling, and fans had to be there on night one to avoid spoilers and be part of history. That monumental preview figure was the launching pad for what became the biggest domestic opening weekend ever at the time, totaling $357 million. For seven years, 'Endgame's' preview number stood as the seemingly unbeatable benchmark, a symbol of a true, can't-miss cultural event.
3. Star Wars: The Force Awakens ($57 Million)
In 2015, the Force returned in a big way. 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' brought the beloved saga back to the big screen for a new generation, earning a then-record $57 million from its Thursday previews. The anticipation was astronomical, bridging generations of fans who had waited a decade for a new live-action installment. The film’s preview gross alone was more than the entire domestic run of many other movies released that year. It went on to secure a $247 million opening weekend and still holds the title for the highest-grossing film of all time in North America, with a lifetime domestic total of over $936 million.
4. Spider-Man: No Way Home ($50 Million)
This isn't Spider-Man's first time on a blockbuster list. In 2021, 'Spider-Man: No Way Home' proved the character's immense box office draw by pulling in $50 million in previews. The film became a cultural phenomenon, fueled by widespread speculation and the promise of a story that would unite different eras of the Spider-Man legacy. That powerful start led to the second-biggest domestic opening weekend of all time with $260 million. The fervent fan response demonstrated that even in a changing theatrical landscape, a well-told story featuring beloved characters could create a massive, must-see-now event.
5. Star Wars: The Last Jedi ($45 Million)
The power of the Star Wars franchise is undeniable, as proven again by 2017's 'The Last Jedi.' Following up on the massive success of 'The Force Awakens,' the next chapter in the sequel trilogy opened to an impressive $45 million in Thursday previews. Fans were eager to see where the journey of Rey, Finn, and Kylo Ren would lead next. At the time of its release, this gave the Star Wars saga the top two spots on the all-time preview list. 'The Last Jedi' leveraged that powerful start into a $220 million opening weekend, confirming that audience appetite for stories from a galaxy far, far away remained incredibly strong.
