The box office saw a strong showing from family-friendly films this weekend, signaling a continued appetite for wholesome entertainment as audiences navigate a still-recovering cinematic landscape. Leading the charge was the animated adventure GOAT, which secured the top spot with impressive earnings, while a faith-based drama also found success among moviegoers.
GOAT, released on February 13th, earned over $58 million domestically since its debut and took in $17 million this weekend, according to Box Office Mojo. The film centers around a determined goat striving for athletic greatness in the high-stakes world of “roarball,” a co-ed, full-contact sport. The success of GOAT underscores the importance of family-oriented content for theaters as the industry works to attract audiences back to the big screen.
The film has resonated with audiences and critics alike, with some noting the positive message at its core. NBA star Steph Curry, a producer on the project, shared that the film’s themes of perseverance and overcoming obstacles reflect his own experiences. “The idea of dreaming big, even when critics and doubters are around you — I still carry that mentality and desire to prove myself every time I step on the court,” Curry told PEOPLE. “It’s not just for sports, it’s not just for basketball. It’s a mentality I think most people have found themselves in at one point or another — something we can all tap into.”
Not to be outdone, I CAN ONLY IMAGINE 2 also performed well, debuting at No. 3 with $8 million in domestic earnings for its opening weekend. The film follows Bart Millard, the lead singer of MercyMe, as he navigates a personal crisis and confronts his inner demons. Director Andrew Erwin highlighted the film’s message of gratitude and finding strength in adversity, explaining that the story illustrates “that there’s fires in life. Sometimes you wonder where God is, but God’s in the fire with you, and it’s beautiful.”
Box Office Results: February 20-22, 2026
The strong performance of both GOAT and I CAN ONLY IMAGINE 2 demonstrates a clear trend: audiences are actively seeking out family-friendly options at the cinema. This is a notable shift, as Variety notes that PG-rated films like Lilo & Stitch, Zootopia 2, and A Minecraft Movie were among the highest-grossing releases of 2025, showcasing their endurance, and appeal.
Here’s a look at the top five films at the North American box office for the weekend of February 20-22, 2026, according to UPI:
- GOAT – $17 million
- Wuthering Heights – $14.2 million
- I CAN ONLY IMAGINE 2 – $8 million
- Crime 101 – $5.8 million
- Send Help – $4.5 million
The success of these films suggests a potential turning point for the industry, with family-friendly content proving to be a reliable draw for audiences. As theaters continue to rebuild following the pandemic, the demand for positive and uplifting stories appears to be a key factor in attracting moviegoers.
Looking ahead, the continued success of GOAT and I CAN ONLY IMAGINE 2 will likely influence future programming decisions for theaters. The box office performance of these films provides valuable insight into current audience preferences and highlights the importance of catering to families seeking shared entertainment experiences.
What are your thoughts on the recent box office trends? Share your opinions in the comments below!
