Business Insider tells the global tech, finance, stock market, media, economy, lifestyle, real estate, AI and innovative stories you want to know.
A glimpse into Melania Trump 's often-obscured personal life has drawn at least some fans to the box office, earning over $7 million during the opening weekend.Data from The Numbers, a movie financial analysis website, shows that "Melania: Twenty Days to History" is far and away the highest-grossing documentary of 2026 so far.
By comparison, "Holding Liat," a documentary released in January, is the second highest earner at $28,000 as of Sunday, according to The Numbers.One of the highest-grossing documentaries of 2025 was "Becoming Led Zeppelin," which earned about $10.4 million at the domestic box office."It proves that an original idea which is executed with deliberate beauty is embraced by fans and moviegoers, regardless of political affiliation," Marc Beckman, Melania's senior advisor and agent, told Business Insider in a statement.The documentary, which premiered on January 30, offers a behind-the-scenes look at the days leading up to President Donald Trump's 2025 inauguration from the first lady's perspective. Amazon MGM Studios paid $40 million to license the documentary and an additional docuseries on Prime Video. Brett Ratner, known for the "Rush Hour" franchise before sexual misconduct allegations derailed his career in 2017, directed the documentary."With exclusive footage of critical meetings, private conversations, and never-before-seen environments, 'Melania' showcases Mrs. Trump's return to one of the world's most powerful roles," an Amazon press release said.Despite the early box-office sales, the film has earned less-than-stellar reviews from critics and was review-bombed on Letterboxd. Business Insider's Peter Kafka described the documentary as "dull," but said that it could resonate with superfans of the Trump family."The best way I can describe this one is something akin to a wedding video: Maybe the subjects of the video will want to watch it ," Kafka wrote. "It's hard to imagine anyone else will."
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Store-Bought Is Fine: Unpacking the Style of the MAGA Set at the Premiere of “Melania”First Lady Melania Trump premiered her documentary with little fanfare in Washington D.C. last night. Her outfit reflected the same lack of excitement.
Read more »
Epstein files dump includes Melania Trump's email to Ghislaine Maxwell — as journalists dig dirt on 'melania boyfriend'Today's Video Headlines: 01/30/26
Read more »
Melania Trump documentary: surprising moments, revelations, cameosBusiness Insider tells the global tech, finance, stock market, media, economy, lifestyle, real estate, AI and innovative stories you want to know.
Read more »
Melania Debuts To Disastrous Rotten Tomatoes ScoreMelania seated staring into the middle distance in Melania
Read more »
Melania Trump's Documentary 'Melania' Divides Critics and AudiencesMelania Trump's documentary 'Melania' has ignited a firestorm of controversy, garnering a striking 11% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes while simultaneously scoring a near-perfect 99% with the site's verified audience. The film, which offers an intimate look at the former First Lady's life before the 47th presidential inauguration, has been praised by supporters as a revealing portrayal, while critics have largely dismissed it as propaganda. This disparity highlights the deep divisions within the media landscape and raises questions about the film's purpose and its reception.
Read more »
Melania Trump Documentary Earns $7 Million Opening WeekendMelania Trump is making serious noise at the box office.
Read more »