‘La Bola Negra’ earns $277,500 at Box Office as Netflix reports grosses for first time

Netflix has reported box office figures for the first time in its history, with Spanish-language drama La Bola Negra earning $277,500 during its opening weekend in a limited release across four cinemas in Los Angeles and New York.

According to Variety, the film averaged $69,375 per screen, marking a significant moment for the streaming giant, which has historically declined to disclose theatrical box office figures for its releases. The decision represents a shift in Netflix’s approach to theatrical distribution as it prepares to give several upcoming films more extensive cinema runs.

Directed by Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi, collectively known as Los Javis, La Bola Negra is a historical drama exploring the lives of gay men across different generations in Spain. The film features an ensemble cast including Penélope Cruz and Glenn Close, alongside Guitarricadelafuente, Miguel Bernardeau, Carlos González and Milo Quifes.

The story spans three timelines, set in 1932, 1937 and 2017, examining sexuality, identity, desire and the lasting effects of social and political repression. Inspired in part by the unfinished writings of Spanish poet and playwright Federico García Lorca, the film connects the experiences of different generations against the backdrop of Spain’s history.

The film reportedly had a production budget of between $15 million and $17 million. Netflix acquired its US distribution rights for approximately $5 million following its presentation at the Cannes Film Festival, where Calvo and Ambrossi received the Best Director award.

Netflix’s decision to publish the film’s grosses follows reports that the company plans to disclose box office figures for a select group of upcoming theatrical releases. These include David Fincher’s The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth, Danny Boyle’s Ink, Peter Berg’s The Mosquito Bowl, Greta Gerwig’s Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew and the animated Charlie and the Chocolate Factory film.

The move comes as Netflix experiments with longer theatrical release windows. La Bola Negra opened in US cinemas on October 16 and is scheduled to arrive on the streaming platform on December 2, giving it an extended period in theatres before its streaming debut.

The company’s approach to theatrical releases has historically differed from that of traditional Hollywood studios, with Netflix prioritising streaming availability and often limiting cinema runs. Its decision to report box office figures could provide greater transparency about the performance of its theatrical releases while offering filmmakers and cinema operators more insight into audience demand.

With La Bola Negra leading Netflix’s new reporting approach, its theatrical performance will be closely watched as the company prepares to release more films in cinemas before bringing them to its global streaming audience.