A silly spoof movie just saved the summer box office.

The Scary Movie reboot earned $55 million in its first weekend, beating out big action stars and setting new records.

We all need a good laugh when the world feels heavy. This weekend, millions of people paid to find one at the theater.

WHAT HAPPENED

The Scary Movie series is back after a long break. It did not just return; it took over. It made $55 million in only three days.

It easily beat Masters of the Universe, which made $29.3 million. Even smaller films are winning. A24’s Backrooms is now that studio's biggest hit ever.

This is a huge shift for Hollywood. For a long time, people said only giant superhero movies could win. Now, a movie that pokes fun at those same films is the king of the hill.

What the money shows

• $55 million: The amount Scary Movie made this weekend.
• $29.3 million: The amount Masters of the Universe made.
• #1: Where Scary Movie sits on the charts.
• 1st: Backrooms is now the top A24 movie of all time.
• 2026: The year comedy made a big comeback.

THE BIGGER QUESTION

Why are we choosing cheap laughs over giant heroes? For years, experts said comedy was dead in theaters. They thought people only wanted to see big explosions.

But these numbers show we might be tired of being serious. Are we looking for a way to escape the news? It seems we would rather laugh at a joke than watch another world-ending battle.

THE OTHER SIDE

Some critics say these movies are just "junk food" for the brain. They argue that a big start does not mean a movie is actually good. They think the hype will fade fast. Based on the ticket sales, however, it is clear that audiences do not care what the critics think.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW

Expect to see many more comedies get made very soon. Hollywood always follows the money. If spoof movies are making cash, more are on the way.

This is good news for theater owners. They need people in seats. It does not matter if those people are there for art or for jokes.

WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW

1. Will people keep going to see this movie next week?
2. Can other funny movies do as well as this one?
3. Does this mean big action movies are losing their spark?

SOURCE NOTE

Information from The Hollywood Reporter. All charges are allegations - Scary Movie is presumed innocent until proven guilty.