Fashion is officially back in theaters and audiences cannot get enough. The Devil Wears Prada 2 has stormed the global box office with a stunning $233 million opening weekend, including $77 million domestically. That is nearly triple the original film’s 2006 debut, instantly cementing the sequel as one of the biggest theatrical wins of the year. The film’s success is not just impressive, it is rare. Sequels in the dramedy space rarely outperform their originals at this scale, yet this one has done exactly that. With a production budget of around $100 million, the film is already well on its way to becoming one of the most profitable releases of 2026.
A major factor behind this explosive opening is nostalgia. The return of Meryl Streep as Miranda Priestly and Anne Hathaway as Andy Sachs has reignited a cultural phenomenon that never truly faded. Alongside them, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci reprise their roles, bringing back the chemistry that made the original film iconic.
The sequel picks up two decades later, with Andy returning to Runway magazine in a more powerful role, once again under the command of Miranda Priestly. This evolution of characters has resonated strongly with audiences who grew up with the original and are now reconnecting with it from a different stage of life.
Interestingly, reviews for the film have been mixed, but audience reception tells a completely different story. CinemaScore ratings show strong approval, highlighting a growing trend where viewer sentiment outweighs critical opinion, especially for nostalgia-driven films.
The box office landscape also worked in the film’s favor. With no major competing releases during its opening weekend, it captured full attention from moviegoers. Still, even with limited competition, numbers like this are not guaranteed. The film clearly tapped into something bigger than just timing.
It also outperformed several major titles currently in theaters. Michael held strong in its second weekend, while The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and Project Hail Mary continued their successful runs. Yet Prada 2 stood above them all in its debut frame.
Beyond numbers, the film’s impact lies in its cultural staying power. The original movie became a generational touchstone, known for its sharp dialogue, unforgettable fashion, and endlessly quotable lines. The sequel successfully channels that legacy while updating it for a modern audience.
At its core, this success proves something simple. Audiences still show up when a story they love returns with purpose, strong performances, and a sense of evolution rather than repetition.
With this kind of momentum, The Devil Wears Prada 2 is not just a hit. It is shaping up to be one of the defining box office stories of the year.