Peaky Blinders Movie Has a Strong Opening Weekend at the UK Box Office
Netflix’s ‘Peaky Blinders’ Movie Delivers Impressive Box Office Performance
In a weekend that saw Netflix’s Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man launch, early indicators suggest that the film has made a significant impact at the UK box office, despite the streaming giant’s reluctance to fully embrace theatrical releases.
Sources from UK distribution and exhibition report that the film, which premiered from March 6 to 8, fared exceptionally well, ranking among the top films of the weekend even while showing in a limited number of theaters. This is notable given Netflix’s usual avoidance of major cinema chains, opting instead to distribute its theatrical releases through select independent venues.
According to data, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man sold approximately 105,000 tickets across just 60 cinemas with around 300 screens. While this figure does not encompass the entire independent market, it includes significant chains such as Showcase, Everyman, and The Light, offering a substantial view into its performance.
Industry insiders estimate that the film grossed between £1.1 million and £1.5 million in this limited run, potentially placing it among the top films for the weekend, with a chance of reaching second place. Ticket prices at independent cinemas typically exceed those of larger multiplexes, and the film’s adult-only rating means it did not benefit from child discount rates.
Notably, the film outperformed Scream 7, which grossed £1.2 million from a much wider release, as well as Wuthering Heights, with its £1.1 million total. In contrast, Hoppers secured the top position, earning £3.3 million from 632 sites.
Several industry veterans speculate that if Netflix had opted for a more extensive theatrical rollout—on approximately 700 screens with an accompanying marketing push—the film could have grossed between £20 million and £30 million in the UK alone.
While Netflix maintains a profitable streaming-centric business model, the discussion of hypothetical outcomes underlines the potential impact of traditional theatrical strategies.
Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is set to be available on Netflix starting March 20. Early reviews have been favorable, with a score of 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting the strong following of the brand that drew audiences to theaters. Observers anticipate robust home entertainment viewing, leading some to speculate on the possibility of a sequel, with one industry representative saying, "Easily."
Netflix declined to comment on the film’s performance or its theatrical strategy.
