How did Disney’s Snow White box office success happen despite bad reviews? What does this success say about audience tastes?
Disney’s latest live-action remake of Snow White has arrived in theaters, and it’s already making waves.
Released on March 21, 2025, the film has grabbed attention—not just for its story, but for how it’s performing with audiences and critics alike.
What’s the secret behind its early success? Let’s dive into the details and find out what’s happening with this much-talked-about movie.
Disney’s Snow White Box Office Success
Disney’s Snow White has climbed to the top of the North American box office charts, earning $43 million domestically and $87.3 million worldwide during its opening weekend, according to Box Office Mojo.
This is a big win for a film that cost over $250 million to make. While some expected it to earn closer to $55 million in its first few days, the numbers still show that families and fans are showing up to see this reimagined tale.
The movie stars Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, bringing fresh energy to a story that first enchanted audiences in 1937.
Even with a slow March for movie theaters, Snow White has given the industry a boost, landing as the second-biggest opening of 2025 so far, behind Disney’s Captain America: Brave New World.
Mixed Reviews and Audience Love
Why is Disney’s Snow White box office success surprising to some experts?
Not everyone agrees on whether this remake is a hit or a miss. Critics have given it a 44% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with some calling it messy or disappointing.
For example, a reviewer from The Times said, “Believe the anti-hype, it’s that bad,” pointing to its CGI dwarfs and uneven tone.
Others, like The Hollywood Reporter, found it “mostly captivating” and praised its vibrant update. Despite the lukewarm critic response, audiences seem to feel differently.
The Rotten Tomatoes “Popcornometer”—a measure of fan reactions—sits at 73%, showing that moviegoers are enjoying it more than the experts.
Kids under 12 gave it five stars on PostTrak, with many families likely drawn to its fairy-tale charm during the spring break season.
This split between critics and fans suggests Snow White might have staying power beyond its opening weekend.
Overcoming a Rocky Road
How does Disney’s Snow White box office success compare to other remakes?
The journey to theaters wasn’t easy for this film. Before its release, Snow White faced plenty of challenges.
Some fans criticized the casting of Rachel Zegler, who is of Colombian descent, arguing it didn’t match the “skin as white as snow” description from the original tale.
Disney explained that the story was updated—Snow White earns her name from surviving a snowstorm, not her appearance.
Other debates swirled around the use of CGI for the seven dwarfs instead of hiring actors with dwarfism, a choice that sparked both praise and pushback.
Add in production delays, reshoots, and even a fire on set, and it’s clear this movie had to fight to reach audiences.
Yet, despite the noise, it’s finding its footing, proving that controversies don’t always scare viewers away.
In the end, Disney’s Snow White is off to a solid start. Its box office numbers may not match past hits like The Lion King or Beauty and the Beast, but they’re strong enough to keep it in the spotlight.
With little competition for family films right now, it could grow over the coming weeks, much like Mufasa: The Lion King did late last year.
Whether you love it or not, this remake is showing that a classic story, told in a new way, still has the power to draw a crowd.
You might also want to read: Snow White Canceled? Rachel Zegler Is Under Fire
