Sydney Sweeney Reigns at the Box Office: The Housemaid Becomes Her Highest-Grossing Film Ever

Nothii23/02/2026

Sydney Sweeney Surges to the Top with The Housemaid

Sydney Sweeney has rapidly transitioned from small-screen sensation to box office powerhouse, and with her starring role in The Housemaid, she’s broken a major seven-year dry spell in R-rated cinema. Fans of psychological thrillers and sharp twists flocked to theaters, pushing The Housemaid to a remarkable projected gross of $383 million worldwide. This marks Sweeney’s biggest cinematic win, eclipsing her previous record with Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

From Cult Icon to Leading Lady

While Sweeney’s memorable appearance in Quentin Tarantino’s epic had her playing ‘Snake’, a member of the infamous Manson Family, it’s her transformation into Millie Calloway—the enigmatic protagonist of The Housemaid—that has truly cemented her reputation as a formidable force in modern cinema. Unlike her smaller, supporting roles in blockbuster ensembles, Sweeney leads the charge in this electrifying adaptation of Frieda McFadden’s novel, making her performance one of the year’s most talked-about.

Redemption after a Challenging Year

The road to success wasn’t paved with instant hits. Several of Sweeney’s recent projects either went directly to streaming or failed to ignite at the box office. Titles like Americana, Eden, and especially Christy—which suffered a staggering 92% drop in its second weekend—put both her career choices and public persona under a glaring spotlight. Nevertheless, Sweeney’s ability to rebound didn’t go unnoticed, especially after fierce controversies over ad campaigns clouded her off-screen reputation. Her direct response to critics added new layers to her public image, turning her into one of the industry’s most discussed figures by the time The Housemaid dropped in theaters.

The Housemaid: Box Office Excellence

Despite sharing its release window with James Cameron’s Avatar: Fire and Ash, The Housemaid carved its own path, debuting third but gaining rapid momentum thanks to its word-of-mouth allure. The thriller’s minimal 19.5% drop in its second weekend is an anomaly in modern cinema, signaling not only box office legs but genuine crowd enthusiasm. Critics and fans alike have praised the film’s strong cast—including Amanda Seyfried, Brendan Sklenar, and Michele Morrone—as well as its modern homage to 1980s and ’90s erotic thrillers. With a modest $35 million budget, the film’s returns emphasize its breakout status.

What Makes The Housemaid a Must-Watch?

Lead Performance: Sweeney injects Millie Calloway with vulnerability and intensity, carrying the film’s narrative tension.
All-Star Cast: Amanda Seyfried’s enigmatic take on Nina Winchester is a standout.
Direction and Style: Director Paul Feig and writer Rebecca Sonnenshine create a moody, suspense-filled visual experience that echoes genre classics while staying fresh for contemporary audiences.
Major Twist: The plot veers into unexpected territory, keeping viewers guessing until the final act.

A New Cinematic Franchise?

Following its box office triumph, Sony has greenlit a sequel based on The Housemaid’s Secret, with both Sweeney and director Paul Feig returning. While details on its release remain under wraps, anticipation is already high for what could become a new staple in modern thriller franchises.

What’s Next for Sydney Sweeney?

Fans won’t have to wait long to see more of Sweeney. She’s set to reprise her unpredictable role as Cassie Howard in the long-awaited third season of Euphoria—premiering soon on HBO Max. Beyond her TV commitments, Sweeney has multiple film projects in the pipeline, including Scandalous, Custom of the Country, and the much-buzzed Netflix adaptation of Gundam.

How to Watch The Housemaid

The Housemaid is currently available for digital purchase and rental. Although a specific streaming release date hasn’t been announced, fans can expect it to hit major platforms in the near future. For now, digital storefronts are the best bet for enjoying this breakout hit.