Amazon MGM Studios went all in on the controversial new documentary Melania, following former First Lady Melania Trump during the final weeks before her husband’s 2025 inauguration. The film generated big headlines right out of the gate thanks to its staggering price tag and unique position in today’s cultural landscape. But when audiences abroad finally got a chance to see it, the results were a bit… underwhelming.

Despite massive marketing efforts and an international rollout in select markets (including over 150 screens in the UK and Ireland), Melania debuted at number 29. Those rankings may surprise anyone expecting the kind of bombastic performance you see from big studio blockbusters.

Record Domestic Strength But Mixed Reviews Abroad

Before we dive into the UK and Italy numbers, it’s worth remembering that Melania didn’t exactly flop everywhere. In the United States, the movie’s theatrical opening exceeded expectations for a non‑fiction release. The film brought in an estimated $7 million domestically, making it one of the highest‑grossing documentary openings in years, especially compared with typical nonfiction projects that rarely crack high single digits.

That strong domestic debut was driven in part by strategic marketing, a loyal audience base in parts of the U.S., and, for better or worse, lots of internet chatter about the film before it ever hit theaters. However, once the cameras and campaign posters made their way overseas, the story shifted. The chart positions in the UK and Italy reflect a very modest audience turnout compared with other films in wide release.

In the UK, Melania grossed roughly £32,974 from screenings across 155 locations, leading to that No. 29 slot. Critics and observers pointed out that many cinemas reported sparse attendance despite the wide release, a sign that theatergoers outside the U.S. were less compelled to see the story unfold on the big screen.

Italy’s Numbers Highlight a Cooler Reception

When Melania landed in Italian cinemas, its box office reception looked even softer. The film opened in 94 theaters but only managed to achieve a ranking of 38th for the weekend. This placement was another notch below what Amazon likely hoped for, especially after the intense focus on how the documentary might perform.

International performance can reflect a lot of different things. Italian audiences often have unique tastes and may be more drawn to local films, beloved European productions, or major Hollywood blockbusters. A documentary centered on a U.S. political figure—even one with worldwide recognition—may simply be a tougher sell when audiences have little connection to the subject’s personal narrative or political context.

Critic Reactions and Cultural Conversations

Critic reviews and audience buzz also play a role in shaping how a film performs across different territories. Melania has found itself at the center of heated discussion, with some outlets dismissing the film outright and others debating whether it even qualifies as a traditional documentary. Critics in Europe have been especially harsh in their assessments, with some outlets describing the film as more promotional hagiography than an insightful documentary.

At the same time, fan reactions, especially among supporters of Melania Trump and her political base, have been passionate. Audience scores and local grassroots promotion efforts helped sustain interest in the U.S., where cultural relevance and national political context are far more immediate. But international audiences don’t always consume films the same way, and that likely shaped the rankings we’re seeing now.

For Amazon, the global rollout of Melania remains ambitious. The company spent tens of millions to acquire and promote the film worldwide, and it plans to follow up the theatrical release with a docuseries on Prime Video later this year. Those platform deals and extended campaigns may shift overall engagement metrics over time, even if the initial box office numbers aren’t chart‑topping everywhere.

Still, Melania’s placement at number 29 in the UK and 38 in Italy is a vivid reminder that even the biggest, most talked‑about films can face surprising bumps on their way across global screens.

A Lasting Thought

In an era where documentaries can be both cultural events and political flashpoints, Melania reminds us that star power and controversy don’t always translate into international box office domination. Audience preferences vary around the world, and a film that resonates in one place might barely register in another.

Whether Melania becomes a streaming phenomenon later on remains to be seen. For now, its chart positions in the UK and Italy stand as one of the most interesting stories in entertainment this year.

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