First Lady Melania Trump’s documentary “Melania” earned more than $7 million at the domestic box office in its opening weekend, beating expectations.
It’s the largest opening for a nonfiction film in the past 10 years. It surpassed Angel Studios’ 2023 release “After Death,” which opened with $5 million, and also surpassed its own $5 million forecast, according to Deadline, a Hollywood trade publication.
Amazon MGM Studios, which acquired distribution rights to the documentary, touted its opening-weekend success.
“We’re very encouraged by the strong start and positive audience response, with early box office for ‘Melania’ exceeding our expectations,” said Kevin Wilson, head of domestic theatrical distribution at Amazon MGM Studios.
“This momentum is an important first step in what we see as a long-tail lifecycle for both the film and the forthcoming docu-series, extending well beyond the theatrical window and into what we believe will be a significant run for both on our service.”
The documentary, directed and produced by Brett Ratner, opened in 1,778 North American theaters on Jan. 30.
The film follows Trump as she prepares to return to public life. It documents her experiences during the 20 days leading up to her husband’s presidential inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025.
“Melania” premiered on Jan. 29 at the Trump Kennedy Center in Washington and was simultaneously broadcast to invited audiences in 21 theaters nationwide.
President Donald Trump joined the first lady for the premiere of the movie at the Trump Kennedy Center.
“Last night I saw, ‘MELANIA,’ for the second time. The audience loved it, and so do I. Check it out—A MUST SEE!” the president wrote on X the next day.
“People are being inspired [by the film]. They love the fact that this first lady can be so committed to both her family as well as her career,” Marc Beckman, producer of “Melania” and senior advisor to the first lady, told The Epoch Times.
“Melania kind of opened the window into her world. Everything you see in the film, whether it is family, or behind-the-scenes preparation for the inauguration, all of this is part of her world. As her exclusive senior advisor, I played a role in helping her execute all that.”
During the premiere, Melania Trump described the movie as “beautiful” and “emotional.”
“I’m very proud of the film,” she told reporters as she walked down a black carpet with her husband.
“The schedule was very intense. They followed me from morning till evening.”
Media poster for documentary, "Melania." (Amazon.MGM Studios)
The film captures many moments, including planning for the inauguration, managing her business and philanthropic work, caring for her family, moving to the White House, establishing the East Wing, and hiring staff.
During the premiere event, Donald Trump praised his wife, noting that viewers will learn more about the first lady by watching the film.
“She’s a very smart person, very influential person, and she cares about the country, loves the country,” he said. “I think you’re going to love it.”
After its theatrical run, the documentary will stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.
The tech giant paid $40 million for the rights to the documentary and is spending $35 million on marketing it.
Randy Tatano contributed to this report.
