From 'Back to the Future' to 'Wild Wild West': A look at the Fourth of July's biggest box office hits and misses
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The Fourth of July has long been a boon to the box office, with studios pitching their tentpole films on the holiday in hope of taking advantage of the American public's extra time off (and, in many cases, their need for air conditioning). More than 30 years since Universal successfully launched "Back to the Future" on July 3, the national holiday is now as closely associated with superheroes and Will Smith as much as barbecues and fireworks.
This year, audiences will have their pick at the multiplex, with "Sicario: Day of the Soldado" and "Uncle Drew" both opening June 29, followed by "The First Purge" on July 4, and "Ant-Man and the Wasp" on July 6. Meanwhile "Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom" will likely still be drawing crowds after its staggering $150-million opening last week.
As the war for this year's Fourth of July box office winner begins, take a look back at the big box office winners and disappointments.
Note: All box office numbers, and those adjusted for inflation, provided by Box Office Mojo.
1985: 'BACK TO THE FUTURE'
Domestic opening: $11.1 million ($28.7 million when adjusted for inflation)
Competition: "Red Sonja," "The Emerald Forest"
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