Full Breakdown
"The Housemaid" Surpasses $300 Million at the Global Box Office
1/29/2026, 6:04:07 AM
Major Box Office Achievement
"The Housemaid," a psychological thriller directed by Paul Feig and starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried, has achieved a significant milestone by grossing over $300 million globally. As of late January 2026, the film has earned approximately $116 million in the United States and $189.1 million internationally, totaling $305 million. Produced on a budget of $35 million, the film's financial success marks it as a highly profitable venture for Lionsgate.
Film Overview and Reception
Released on December 26, 2025, "The Housemaid" follows Millie, portrayed by Sweeney, who takes a job as a live-in maid for a wealthy couple, only to uncover dark secrets. The film has garnered positive reviews, reflected in its 73% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and has maintained strong audience engagement, indicated by a 92% audience score. Its opening weekend saw a modest $19 million in North America, but it continued to perform well due to favorable word-of-mouth and critical acclaim.
Key Figures and Production Insights
Sydney Sweeney's role in "The Housemaid" has been pivotal, making it her highest-grossing film as a lead, surpassing her previous leading role in "Anyone But You," which grossed $220.2 million. This success comes after a series of underperforming films for Sweeney, including "Eden" and "Christy," which collectively earned less than $5 million. Paul Feig, known for his work on "Bridesmaids," has also celebrated this film as his most successful project to date, overtaking the $289.3 million earned by his earlier comedy.
Upcoming Releases and Streaming Plans
Following its theatrical run, "The Housemaid" is set to be available for digital rental and purchase on February 3, 2026, across major platforms such as Apple TV and Amazon. It will later debut on Starz between April 3 and April 17, 2026. The film's success has already led to plans for a sequel, "The Housemaid's Secret," based on Freida McFadden's follow-up novel, with Sweeney and Feig expected to return.
Criticism and Industry Context
Despite the film's success, Sweeney has faced scrutiny due to a promotional stunt involving her lingerie brand, which resulted in potential legal issues. Critics have labeled her recent projects as "flops," but the performance of "The Housemaid" challenges this narrative, showcasing her ability to lead a successful film. Industry analysts note that the film's marketing strategy and genre alignment played crucial roles in its box office performance, contrasting with the lack of support for her earlier projects.
Conclusion
"The Housemaid" stands as a testament to the potential for mid-budget films to succeed in a competitive market, particularly when backed by effective marketing and audience engagement. With a sequel already in the works, Sydney Sweeney's career trajectory appears promising, as she continues to navigate the complexities of Hollywood's evolving landscape.
