Melania Trump Documentary Surprises at Box Office

Controversial film directed by Brett Ratner outperforms expectations despite poor reviews

Feb. 1, 2026 at 10:31am

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The documentary film "Melania," directed by Brett Ratner and focusing on the 20 days leading up to President Donald Trump's second inauguration from the perspective of First Lady Melania Trump, exceeded box office projections by earning $7 million in its opening weekend. The film, which had been tracking for a $3-5 million debut, received scathing reviews from critics but strong audience approval, with a 99% Popcornmeter rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an A CinemaScore.

Why it matters

The unexpected box office performance of "Melania" highlights the continued public fascination with the Trump family, even after their departure from the White House. The film's glitzy premiere at the Trump Kennedy Center, attended by celebrities and cabinet members, also underscores the political nature of the project and the ongoing influence of the former first family.

The details

Directed by Brett Ratner, who has been in Hollywood exile since denying sexual harassment allegations in 2017, "Melania" follows the 20 days leading up to President Donald Trump's second inauguration in 2025, from the perspective of the first lady. Despite poor reviews from critics, who gave the film an 11% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes, the movie resonated with audiences, who awarded it a 99% Popcornmeter rating and an A CinemaScore.

  • The film had its premiere at the Trump Kennedy Center in Washington on January 29, 2026.
  • Melania Trump hosted a private White House screening of the movie a week prior to the premiere.

The players

Brett Ratner

The director of the "Melania" documentary, who has been in Hollywood exile since denying sexual harassment allegations in 2017.

Melania Trump

The former first lady, whose perspective is the focus of the documentary film.

Donald Trump

The former president, whose second inauguration in 2025 is the backdrop for the events depicted in the "Melania" documentary.

Jeff Bezos

The founder of Amazon, whose Amazon MGM Studios purchased the "Melania" documentary for $40 million and reportedly spent an additional $35 million on marketing.

Kevin Wilson

The head of domestic theatrical distribution for Amazon MGM Studios, who expressed encouragement at the film's strong start and positive audience response.

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What they’re saying

“We're very encouraged by the strong start and positive audience response, with early box office for 'Melania' exceeding our expectation.”

— Kevin Wilson, Head of Domestic Theatrical Distribution, Amazon MGM Studios (USA TODAY)

“Anything over $1 million is 'a huge number.' That would mean that a lot of folks who don't normally go to the movies went to this.”

— Jeff Bock, Senior Media Analyst, Exhibitor Relations (USA TODAY)

What’s next

The film is expected to stream on Amazon Prime Video later this year after its theatrical run.

The takeaway

The unexpected box office success of the "Melania" documentary, despite poor critical reception, underscores the continued public fascination with the Trump family and the political nature of the project. The film's glitzy premiere and attendance by celebrities and cabinet members further highlight the ongoing influence of the former first family.