Russell Crowe’s portrayal of German Nazi leader Hermann Goring in “Nuremberg” has drawn moviegoers into the film’s challenging historical narrative, with Rami Malek supporting as U.S. Army psychiatrist Douglas Kelley. As the film edges closer to matching the box office results of Dwayne Johnson’s 2025 biopic “The Smashing Machine,” industry watchers are noting the contrast between critical and commercial outcomes. “Nuremberg” has collected $11.3 million domestically from just over 600 theaters, closely trailing Johnson’s film, which ended its North American run at $11.4 million despite great anticipation.
Nuremberg’s Steady Momentum in U.S. and Abroad
After debuting in the United States with a $3.8 million opening weekend at 1,802 locations—averaging $2,154 per venue—“Nuremberg” continued to hold audience interest. The film secured $2.4 million in its second weekend and $1.2 million in the third. This pattern is uncommon for a history-driven drama since these releases often experience swift declines as theater counts drop. However, the fourth weekend presents new challenges, as further reductions in screen count are expected, and the steady million-dollar weekends likely won’t continue. Complicating matters, the typical box office boost from Tuesday ticket sales failed to materialize for “Nuremberg,” which instead sank by 10 percent on that day.
Internationally, the movie has gathered $2.7 million across overseas markets, according to current estimates. This brings the worldwide box office total for “Nuremberg” to $14 million—a figure that suggests the potential for even stronger performance had the film received broader international distribution or reception.
Award Season Buzz Despite Modest Receipts
Despite falling short of breakout status at the box office, “Nuremberg” is drawing attention within the film industry for its strong performances and potential Oscar consideration. Rami Malek and Russell Crowe have been singled out as standout contributors, building the movie’s reputation as a possible awards season contender. The film’s trajectory echoes that of “The Smashing Machine,” Dwayne Johnson’s biopic that, while expected to be a commercial winner, proved underwhelming financially. That result was particularly stinging for A24, the distributor, as the film’s losses both surprised and disappointed stakeholders and marked a difficult point in Johnson’s cinematic journey when he sought to reshape his creative image.
Comparing Box Office Results for Recent Historical Dramas
As it stands, “Nuremberg” has achieved a quiet persistence, with its measured pace proving that skilled acting and consistent audience engagement can lift a film even when forecasts are modest. According to Box Office Mojo, the box office summary for “Nuremberg” reflects its steady, if not spectacular, advance:
- Domestic: $11.3 million
- International: $2.7 million
- Worldwide: $14 million
What the Numbers Mean for Crowe, Malek and the Industry
With its box office creeping close to “The Smashing Machine,” “Nuremberg” may yet outpace Dwayne Johnson’s much-hyped project, highlighting the unpredictable nature of moviegoer preferences. The film’s consistent, gradual returns set it apart from typical biographical or historical releases, which often fade quickly after opening weekends. For Russell Crowe, Malek, and the “Nuremberg” team, the film’s continued presence in theaters offers a testament to the lasting impact of compelling performances and dedicated audience interest, reinforcing why thoughtful storytelling can sometimes outperform marketing-driven expectations in the long run.
