Melania Documentary Triumphs with $8M Opening, Best in Decade

A Historic Box Office Achievement

The documentary film titled Melania has made waves at the box office, grossing an estimated $8 million in its opening weekend. This performance positions it as the top-earning documentary debut in over a decade, surpassing previous records and exceeding initial projections that ranged from $2 million to $5 million. Directed by Brett Ratner and produced by Amazon MGM Studios, the film chronicles the 20 days leading up to President Donald J. Trump's second inauguration on January 20, 2025, focusing on First Lady Melania Trump's preparations and role.

This success comes amid strong audience support, with the film earning an A rating from CinemaScore based on post-screening polls. It opened in 1,500 theaters nationwide, drawing significant interest from viewers eager to see an intimate portrayal of the First Lady's dedication. The project's scale, including a $40 million acquisition by Amazon MGM Studios and an additional $35 million in marketing, underscores the high expectations and investment in bringing this story to the big screen.

Director Brett Ratner's Vision and Praise for the First Lady

Brett Ratner, known for directing major films like the Rush Hour trilogy, Red Dragon, and Tower Heist, took on Melania as his first full-length documentary. In an exclusive interview, Ratner emphasized that the First Lady deserves all the credit for the film's concept and execution. He explained how Melania Trump envisioned a cinematic documentary worthy of theatrical release, a rarity in the genre typically reserved for streaming platforms.

Ratner shared, 'I have to give all the credit to Melania because this was something that she came up with, even, obviously, before she met me. The fact that she had hired a feature director like myself to do a documentary was very surprising, and for me as well. But she said to me from day one, I want this to be very cinematic. I want it to have a theatrical release. I want it to live and play in theaters.' He highlighted her strategic choice to hire him to ensure the film felt like a big-screen production, designed to engage audiences in theaters rather than just on streaming services.

The director described the challenges of filming a documentary compared to scripted features, noting the unprecedented access granted by the First Lady. This allowed for structured planning, enabling the crew to capture moments with a cinematic flair. Ratner assembled an elite team, including Oscar-winning cinematographers Jeff Cronenweth, Barry Peterson, and Dante Spinotti, along with Assistant Director Michael Kahn, a devoted supporter of President Trump.

Insights into the First Lady's Dedication and Role

The film reveals the intensity of Melania Trump's days during the pre-inauguration period, showcasing her commitment to her duties. Ratner observed her tireless work ethic, from early mornings to late nights, without breaks for rest. He noted, 'What I learned about Melania from the process, from making the film, is that as passionate as I am about filmmaking, she is about her role as the first lady in her service. I was there the moment she would wake up to the moment she would go to sleep every day for a month, say. In between, I would have to take a break, my crew would go to lunch, we would have different things that we needed to do, change a piece of equipment out; there were breaks. On those breaks, she wasn’t taking a nap. She wasn’t just sitting there waiting for us to keep shooting, which a lot of actors on set are kind of waiting to act. That’s their main job. She took her role as the first lady; she takes it so seriously.'

This portrayal emphasizes her passion for serving the nation, mirroring the dedication seen in President Trump's leadership. Ratner also highlighted the mutual respect between the President and First Lady, evident in scenes where she provides input on his speeches. He added, 'The second thing I learned really was the amount of respect that the president has for her. He has the utmost respect for her and really listens. She has a real opinion, and he really respects it, as you see in the trailer and in the film, when he’s doing his speech, and she weighs in on it.' Their interactions demonstrate a strong partnership grounded in admiration and shared values.

The Film's Production and Audience Reception

Melania premiered at the Trump-Kennedy Center on January 29, receiving enthusiastic responses from attendees. Ratner recalled the premiere's energy, with spontaneous applause and laughter, affirming the film's impact. Despite being Ratner's first documentary, he viewed it as a challenging yet rewarding project that potentially created a new style within the genre.

He compared working with the First Lady to collaborating with legendary actresses like Grace Kelly and Bette Davis, praising her natural camera presence from her modeling background. Ratner stated, 'I was surprised of her awareness and sensitivity to the filmmaking process. It’s like working with, I would say, a very experienced movie star like Bette Davis or Grace Kelly. They know where their light is. She knows how to turn towards the better light. She understands the camera, possibly because of her experience as a model.' This awareness contributed to the film's polished, cinematic quality.

The documentary's success extends beyond box office numbers, as it outgrossed several 2025 feature films domestically, including those starring Jennifer Lawrence and Dwayne Johnson, despite opening on fewer screens. This achievement highlights the appeal of authentic stories about national figures like the Trumps.

Looking Ahead: Legacy and Future Projects

Ratner expressed pride in the film, noting its fulfillment of the goal to showcase the First Lady's role and passion. He mentioned an upcoming three-part series that will further explore themes of humanity and compassion observed during filming. For instance, he described the Trumps' genuine interactions with disaster victims, emphasizing their presence and empathy.

First Lady Melania Trump herself described a private White House screening on January 24 as 'a historic moment.' The film's strong performance, with earnings of about $8 million reported in some outlets, reaffirms public interest in the administration's story. As President Trump's second term progresses, such projects continue to inspire and unite supporters through depictions of leadership and service.

Overall, Melania stands as a testament to innovative filmmaking and the enduring appeal of the Trump family's commitment to America. Its box office triumph, beating records set by films like After Death in 2023, signals robust support for content that celebrates national pride and family values.