Markiplier's 'Iron Lung' Shocks with $17M Debut, Challenging Disney's 'Send Help'

Brett Ratner's Melania documentary also makes a strong $7M debut, marking the best start for a documentary in over a decade.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 12:55pm

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In a surprising box office upset, the low-budget indie film Iron Lung, starring popular YouTuber Markiplier, is challenging Disney's big-budget genre movie Send Help for the top spot this weekend. Meanwhile, the controversial Melania documentary from director Brett Ratner is making waves with a $7 million debut, the best start for a documentary in over 10 years.

Why it matters

This weekend's box office results highlight the growing influence of social media stars and the continued appetite for politically-charged documentaries, even in a crowded theatrical landscape. The strong performance of Iron Lung in particular could signal a shift in how Hollywood views the commercial potential of online creators, while Melania's success demonstrates the power of niche audiences to drive box office returns.

The details

Iron Lung, which cost under $3 million to produce, is estimated to gross between $14-$17 million this weekend, potentially upsetting the $16-$18 million projected for Disney's Send Help. The Markiplier-led film, which is based on a popular video game, held previews earlier this week and has already generated $6 million in pre-sales. In contrast, Send Help, starring Dylan O'Brien and Rachel McAdams, saw $2.2 million in previews. On the documentary front, Melania, directed by Brett Ratner, is eyeing an $8 million debut, which would mark the best start for a documentary in over a decade, surpassing the $5 million opening of 2023's After Death. The film, which follows the 20 days before Donald Trump's 2025 presidential inauguration, did not hold previews but is seeing strong sales in rural and conservative-leaning areas.

  • Iron Lung held previews on Tuesday and Wednesday ahead of its wide release.
  • Send Help's previews, including sneaks from last weekend, took place on Thursday night.
  • Melania premiered in Washington D.C. on Thursday night, with showtimes starting on Friday.

The players

Markiplier

A popular YouTuber who is the star of the indie film Iron Lung, which is challenging the big-budget Disney movie Send Help at the box office.

Brett Ratner

The director of the documentary Melania, which is making a strong $7 million debut and marks the best start for a documentary in over a decade.

Dylan O'Brien

The star of the Disney/20th Century Studios genre film Send Help, which is competing with Iron Lung for the top spot this weekend.

Rachel McAdams

The co-star of the Disney/20th Century Studios genre film Send Help, which is competing with Iron Lung for the top spot this weekend.

Donald Trump

The former president whose 2025 inauguration is the focus of the documentary Melania.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This weekend's box office results highlight the growing influence of social media stars and the continued appetite for politically-charged documentaries, even in a crowded theatrical landscape. The strong performance of Iron Lung in particular could signal a shift in how Hollywood views the commercial potential of online creators, while Melania's success demonstrates the power of niche audiences to drive box office returns.