The latest adaptation of Jane Austen's classic novel Sense and Sensibility has made a quietly impressive entrance at the global box office, pulling in roughly $18 million worldwide in its opening weekend. While it didn't dominate the charts like the new Street Fighter movie, it carved out a respectable fifth-place finish domestically with $7.25 million from 2,545 theaters, translating to a solid per-theater average of $2,849—the third best among the weekend's top eight earners.
Directed by Georgia Oakley, this fresh take on Austen's first novel stars Daisy Edgar-Jones (Normal People), Caitríona Balfe (Outlander), and Esmé Creed-Miles (Pond Life) as the Dashwood sisters. The film had already proven its appeal across the pond, banking $6.7 million in the UK prior to its U.S. rollout. Now, with the domestic numbers added in, the total global haul stands at approximately $18 million, a promising start for a period drama in a crowded marketplace.
While it's unlikely to match the $135 million earned by Ang Lee's beloved 1995 adaptation—which starred Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant, and Alan Rickman—this new version is earning its own share of critical acclaim. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a “certified fresh” 76% score, with critics praising its emotional depth and performances. Collider's Therese Lacson gave it a near-perfect 9/10, calling it “a masterpiece Austen adaptation” and predicting it will become a new favorite for fans of the genre.
For those interested in the behind-the-scenes story, Balfe recently revealed she nearly passed on the project after her Outlander commitments, but she's clearly glad she didn't. The film's success also highlights the enduring appeal of Austen's work, which continues to resonate with modern audiences.
As the box office landscape shifts, Sense and Sensibility stands out as a counterprogramming win, offering a thoughtful alternative to the action-heavy blockbusters. It's currently playing in theaters nationwide, and for those who prefer streaming, there are plenty of other options to explore, like this gripping Apple TV+ thriller or Prime Video's latest additions.
With its strong per-theater average and positive word-of-mouth, Sense and Sensibility could enjoy a healthy run in the coming weeks. Whether it will match the longevity of Lee's version remains to be seen, but for now, it's a bright spot in a season dominated by franchises and sequels. For more box office updates and insights, stay tuned to Collider.
