The SpongeBob Box Office Collection Report: Paramount’s animated sequel The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants continues to stay surprisingly steady at the North American box office, even as it navigates a challenging post-holiday theatrical phase. Released on December 19 amid a packed Christmas lineup, the film faced stiff competition from the very beginning. While its opening weeks were not explosive, the movie has shown impressive endurance, especially for a late-year family release.
Despite losing momentum in terms of screen count, the SpongeBob sequel has maintained consistent audience interest. During the most recent weekend, the film dropped from 2,567 theaters to 1,939 locations—a loss of 628 screens. Still, it managed to earn $2.3 million over the three-day frame. Its per-screen average of approximately $1.23K indicates stable footfalls and continued demand among families and younger viewers.
The SpongeBob Box Office Collection Report
| Category | Earnings |
|---|---|
| Domestic (North America) | $67.8 million |
| International Markets | $77.1 million |
| Worldwide Total | $144.9 million |
As of January 19, 2026, the film’s global total stands at $144.9 million. Notably, international markets have slightly outperformed the domestic run, contributing $77.1 million, while North America has delivered $67.8 million. This balanced split highlights the franchise’s strong global recognition and appeal beyond the US market.
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Critical Reception & Audience Response
Critical support has played a key role in sustaining the film’s box office legs. The sequel currently holds an 82% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, suggesting favorable reviews for its animation quality, humor, and nostalgic tone. Audience reactions are more moderate, with a 68% Popcornmeter score, but still positive enough to encourage repeat and family viewings.
Break-Even Status & Final Outlook
Industry estimates suggest the film needs roughly $160 million worldwide to break even. While the gap remains, steady overseas collections and slow domestic growth keep hopes alive. Analysts now expect the movie to finish its North American run at around $75 million, a respectable total considering the competitive release window.
Story Overview
The film follows SpongeBob on a quest to prove his bravery, teaming up with the ghostly pirate Flying Dutchman for a wild adventure through the Underworld—an engaging setup aimed squarely at younger audiences.
Disclaimer: Box office figures are estimates based on multiple trade sources and have not been independently verified.
Chaitan Limkar is a tech and entertainment writer passionate about innovation, media, and the stories shaping the digital world.
