This weekend at the box office, Venom: The Last Dance is dominating the charts, but an unexpected rivalry is unfolding between two faith-themed films, each vying for the coveted second place. This battle highlights the diverse nature of cinema and audience preferences, showcasing how films with different approaches to spirituality can resonate with viewers in distinct ways.

The weekend box office is aligning perfectly with our earlier predictions, as Venom: The Last Dance leads the charge with an impressive $14 million. Despite the third installment in Marvel’s Spider-Verse series having a less-than-stellar opening, it has demonstrated remarkable resilience at the box office. Although it is set to become the lowest-grossing film in the franchise by a significant margin, it has avoided becoming another cautionary tale among recent superhero releases. With this weekend’s earnings, the film is expected to surpass $110 million, and it has the potential for continued success, facing little competition except for Dwayne Johnson’s critically maligned Red One. Typically, Veteran’s Day weekend garners more attention for new films, but the recent election prompted studios to adopt a quieter release strategy.

The contest for second place is particularly intriguing, as two films centered around faith are in a fierce competition, showcasing contrasting storytelling styles. Currently, A24’s horror film Heretic appears to have the upper hand, projected to earn approximately $10.5 million this weekend. Meanwhile, Lionsgate & Kingdom Story’s The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, a family-oriented film rooted in a classic story, is expected to secure third place with an estimated $10 million. However, due to its family-friendly nature, there’s a chance that matinee showings could elevate its performance, potentially allowing it to surpass Heretic in the final tally. It’s important to note the CinemaScore ratings: Heretic has received a rather disappointing C rating—common for horror films—while The Best Christmas Pageant Ever boasts an impressive A rating, indicating positive word-of-mouth that could influence its box office standing.

Additionally, filmmaker Sean Baker’s Anora is expanding its theatrical release this weekend and is anticipated to break into the top 10 after establishing itself as a successful arthouse film. Projections suggest it will land in seventh place with roughly $2.5 million, further emphasizing the variety of cinematic offerings available to audiences.

What films are you planning to watch this weekend? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below!