Warner Bros. Discovery's latest film, "The Color Purple," has outperformed expectations. It earned the second-highest Christmas Day opening of all time after raking in an impressive $18.15 million.

Citing data from Comscore, CNBC reported "The Color Purple" had the highest Christmas Day opening since 2009, just behind the holiday hit "Sherlock Holmes," which boasted an opening of $24.6 million 14 years ago.

(Photo : Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Warner Bros. Pictures)
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 13: (L-R) Kevin Young, Scott Sanders, Oprah Winfrey, Blitz Bazawule, Phylicia Pearl Mpasi, Danielle Brooks, Taraji P. Henson, and Fantasia Barrino speak onstage during a screening event for The Color Purple at National Museum Of African American History & Culture on December 13, 2023 in Washington, DC

'The Color Purple' Is the Second Highest Christmas Day Opening

Also surpassing the Christmas Day debut of the 2012 film "Les Misérables," which earned $18.1 million, "The Color Purple" is a testament to the studio's prowess in capturing audience attention during the festive season. 

With a trifecta of successes, including "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom" and "Wonka," Warner Bros. Discovery dominated the top three spots at the box office over the holiday period.

The studio's December lineup showcases diverse films that appeal to various genres and demographics, ensuring a diverse slate of entertainment for almost every moviegoer.

This strategic release plan over the crucial holiday frame has resulted in an impressive box office performance, according to Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at Comscore.

READ ALSO: Warner Bros. Discovery, Paramount Are in Early Talks to Merge: Report 

About 'The Color Purple' of Warner Bros. Discovery

"The Color Purple," a cinematic adaptation of the Broadway musical based on the book-turned-movie of the same name, is particularly noteworthy for catering to an older audience. The turnout for this demographic, which is more cautious about returning to cinemas after the pandemic, was higher than expected.

The movie's appeal to this age group underscores the success of Warner Bros. Discovery in diversifying its audience reach. Oprah and Steven Spielberg are among the film producers.

READ MORE: Timothee Chalamet Charms Moviegoers as 'Wonka' Tops Box Office With $39 Million Debut