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US First Lady Melania Trump has made a major splash at the box office with the release of her big-budget documentary, Melania.
The film pulled in $7.04 million during its opening weekend, far exceeding expectations and setting a new record for the largest opening of a non-fiction film in the past decade. Industry analysts had predicted an opening between $3 million and $5 million, making the performance a significant surprise.
The documentary premiered on Thursday, January 29, at the newly rebranded Kennedy Center, ahead of its global theatrical release on Friday, January 30.
Backed by a reported $40 million deal with Amazon MGM Studios and supported by a $35 million marketing campaign, the film reflects a carefully orchestrated launch strategy aimed at maximizing audience reach.
Melania offers selective glimpses into the former First Lady’s life in the weeks leading up to former President Donald Trump’s second inauguration in January 2025.
The documentary blends personal insights with a cinematic portrayal of the First Lady’s experiences, focusing on both public appearances and behind-the-scenes moments.
While some critics have praised the film’s production quality and storytelling, others have debated the level of objectivity and the selective nature of its narrative.
The documentary also marks the return of director Brett Ratner to the big screen after a hiatus following multiple sexual misconduct allegations raised during the #MeToo movement.
While Ratner faced serious public scrutiny, no criminal charges were ever filed, and his involvement in the project has reignited discussions about accountability in the entertainment industry.
The strong opening weekend for Melania places it ahead of other high-profile non-fiction films, including 2023’s After Death, which debuted at $5 million.
Analysts note that the film’s success is partly due to its strategic release timing, substantial marketing spend, and the global curiosity surrounding the life of a former First Lady.
Financially, the documentary’s performance signals a resurgence of interest in political and celebrity-focused non-fiction films, a genre that has traditionally struggled to achieve blockbuster openings. Industry insiders suggest that the combination of Melania Trump’s public profile and the director’s cinematic approach created the perfect conditions for a record-breaking debut.
The release of Melania has also prompted conversations across social media platforms and entertainment news outlets.
Fans and critics alike have debated the film’s portrayal of the First Lady, with some praising its intimate perspective, while others question its selective storytelling and potential political undertones.
As the documentary continues its theatrical run, box office analysts will monitor its performance in subsequent weekends to determine whether it can sustain momentum beyond the strong debut.
The opening numbers already suggest that Melania Trump’s life story continues to captivate audiences worldwide, demonstrating the enduring public fascination with political figures and the personal stories behind them.
With a record-breaking opening and global attention, Melania is poised to become a landmark non-fiction release, combining celebrity, politics, and cinematic storytelling to create one of the most talked-about documentaries of 2026.
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