Archive · 2 Feb 2026
Melania Documentary Opens Strong Despite Criticism
A documentary about Melania Trump, the first lady, was recently released in theaters.
It was made by Amazon MGM Studios and cost a lot of money to produce and promote.
The documentary had a strong opening weekend, making $7 million, which is good for a documentary.
However, many movie critics did not like the film and gave it bad reviews.
The director of the film, Brett Ratner, has been accused of misconduct in the past.
Despite the bad reviews, many people who watched the film liked it, especially older women.
Some people think that Jeff Bezos, the owner of Amazon, made the film to get closer to President Donald Trump and gain political and financial benefits.
The Melania Trump documentary 'Melania' opened with $7 million in ticket sales, the best opening for a documentary in 14 years.
The film was produced by Amazon MGM Studios with a $40 million licensing deal and a $35 million marketing budget.
Critics panned the documentary, calling it unengaging and poorly made, with overwhelmingly negative reviews.
The documentary's director, Brett Ratner, has faced past sexual misconduct allegations, adding to the controversy.
Despite the criticism, the film received positive audience reviews, with a CinemaScore of 'A' and high audience satisfaction.
- Who
- Melania Trump, Jeff Bezos, Brett Ratner, President Donald Trump
- What
- The release and reception of the Melania Trump documentary
- When
- Recent release, with ongoing analysis and criticism
- Where
- Global release in 1,778 theaters across various countries
- Why
- To chronicle Melania Trump's life and potentially gain political and financial benefits for Jeff Bezos
- Documentary Title
- Melania
- Production Company
- Amazon MGM Studios
- Licensing Deal
- $40 million
- Marketing Budget
- $35 million
- Release Locations
- 1,778 theaters
- Opening Weekend Sales
- $7 million
- Director
- Brett Ratner
- Audience Demographics
- 72% female, 72% over 55, 75% white
- CinemaScore
- A
- Critic Reviews
- Overwhelmingly negative
Sources
How Jeff Bezos may be sole beneficiary of 'embarrassing $75 million bribe' documentary 'Melania' - US News
Melania box office collection: Earns $8M on opening weekend, marks biggest documentary debut in over a decade
‘Melania,’ panned by some film critics, opens with strong ticket sales for a documentary
‘Send Help’ $20M Ahead Of ‘Iron Lung’; ‘Melania’ $7M Record Docu Debut In Decade; Charli xcx’s ‘The Moment’ Sings – Sunday Box Office Update
