This weekend, The Bad Guys 2 and the The Naked Gun reboot, starring Liam Neeson, took the box office by storm, landing at No. 2 and No. 3, respectively, behind Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps. These films brought animated flair and nostalgic laughs to theaters, captivating audiences and boosting summer ticket sales. Here’s a closer look at their stellar performances, critical buzz, and why they’re must-see hits for www.clickusanews.com readers.

The Bad Guys 2: Animated Heist Steals Hearts

Universal and DreamWorks Animation’s The Bad Guys 2 roared into theaters with a $22.2 million domestic opening, securing the No. 2 spot and raking in $44.5 million globally. Directed by Pierre Perifel, this sequel to the 2022 hit follows the lovable animal crooks—voiced by Sam Rockwell (Mr. Wolf), Marc Maron (Mr. Snake), Craig Robinson (Mr. Shark), Anthony Ramos (Mr. Piranha), and Awkwafina (Ms. Tarantula)—as they tackle a high-stakes rocket heist against a new crew, “The Bad Girls” (Maria Bakalova, Danielle Brooks, Natasha Lyonne). New voices like Zazie Beetz and Richard Ayoade add extra pizzazz.

With an 86% “Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an A CinemaScore, the film’s sharp humor and Bond-inspired action have won over critics and families alike. Its $80 million budget positions it for success, mirroring the original’s $250 million global haul. As the only major animated release until Zootopia 2 at Thanksgiving, The Bad Guys 2 is set to dominate family audiences, making it a perfect summer outing.

The Naked Gun Reboot: Liam Neeson’s Hilarious Triumph

Paramount’s The Naked Gun reboot, with Liam Neeson as the clumsy Detective Frank Drebin Jr., delivered a $17 million domestic debut and $28.5 million worldwide, landing at No. 3. Directed by Akiva Schaffer and produced by Seth MacFarlane, this $42 million comedy reimagines the iconic 1980s-90s franchise for a new generation. Neeson, stepping out of his action-hero mold, shines with deadpan gags alongside Paul Walter Hauser (Capt. Ed Hocken Jr.) and Pamela Anderson (Beth, a true-crime novelist).

Boasting a 90% Rotten Tomatoes score and an A- CinemaScore, the film’s rapid-fire humor, including cameos from “Weird Al” Yankovic and Priscilla Presley, has audiences roaring. While some miss Leslie Nielsen’s original charm, Neeson’s comedic pivot has been hailed as “brilliantly absurd.” This marks his best opening since Taken 3 ($39.2 million), signaling a bold new chapter for the star.

Box Office Breakdown and Cultural Impact

The Fantastic Four: First Steps held No. 1 with $40 million in its second weekend, but The Bad Guys 2 and The Naked Gun stood out with strong debuts. The animated sequel edged out the comedy reboot, capitalizing on family appeal, while The Naked Gun proved R-rated comedies still have a place in theaters. Both films outperformed expectations, with The Bad Guys 2 nearly matching its predecessor’s $23.9 million debut and The Naked Gun reviving a dormant franchise.

These successes highlight Hollywood’s knack for blending nostalgia with fresh spins. The Bad Guys 2 offers vibrant visuals and clever storytelling for all ages, while The Naked Gun delivers laugh-out-loud moments for fans old and new. With minimal competition until Freakier Friday and Nobody 2, both films are poised for strong runs.

Why You Should Watch

For families, The Bad Guys 2 is a high-energy adventure with heart and humor, ideal for summer fun. Meanwhile, The Naked Gun brings side-splitting comedy and Neeson’s surprising wit, appealing to both nostalgic fans and newcomers. As 2025’s box office heats up, these films prove cinema’s power to entertain and unite audiences.

Sources: Box Office Mojo, Variety, Rotten Tomatoes