The theaters were affected by the absence of new popular films.
The top 12 films this weekend grossed less than $35 million, one of the worst figures of the year, according to analysts.
Since its release, “Wakanda Forever,” the sequel to a hit 2018 Disney and Marvel movie, has amassed $409.8 million in North America alone, a figure that, while huge, falls far short of the $700.4 million billed for the initial version.
Another sequel “Avatar 2” will open on December 16 in the United States and could revitalize the box office.
Meanwhile, No. 2 in this weekend’s rankings went to “Silent Night” ($8.7 million), an action comedy where “Stranger Things” star David Harbor plays a grumpy Santa Claus.
Disney’s animated film “A Strange World” remained in third place with sales reaching $3.6 million.
“The Menu,” a film starring Ralph Fiennes that blends horror, noir and comedy, came in fifth, earning $2.7 million.
Sony’s “Honor Story,” an action film about two American fighter pilots during the Korean War, made just $2 million, but it was enough to take fifth place at the box office.
The other five most viewed were:
6- “Black Adam” (1.7 million dollars)
7- “The Fabelmans” (1.2 million)
8- “Met Opera: The Hours” (791 thousand dollars)
9- “I Heard the Bells” (751 thousand dollars)
10- “Spoiler Alert” (700 thousand dollars)