Russell Crowe’s Film Nuremberg Exceeds Downfall’s Box Office Haul

The new World War II drama Nuremberg, featuring Russell Crowe, has surpassed the lifetime domestic earnings of the acclaimed film Downfall, which chronicles the final days of Adolf Hitler in a bunker. Within just a week of its release, Nuremberg has grossed nearly $6 million domestically, overtaking Downfall‘s total domestic haul of $5.5 million.

Released in 2004 and directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel, Downfall received an Oscar nomination in the category previously known as Best Foreign Language Film. The film faced controversy for its portrayal of Hitler, presenting him in a more humanized light. Nuremberg, directed by James Vanderbilt, begins where Downfall left off, exploring the aftermath of World War II and the Nuremberg Trials.

While Nuremberg is gaining traction, it faces significant competition in the global market. Downfall was an international co-production primarily in German, ultimately earning close to $95 million worldwide. Despite the star power of Crowe and Rami Malek, who portray Nazi war criminal Hermann Göring and the American psychiatrist examining him, Nuremberg may struggle to match these global figures.

Critically, Nuremberg opened to generally positive reviews, holding a score of 69% on the aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes. The critics’ consensus notes, “Driven by a commanding performance from Russell Crowe, Nuremberg is a handsomely crafted historical drama, but its measured pacing and emotional restraint keep it from fully realizing the complexity of its subject.” In contrast, audiences have responded enthusiastically, granting the film a “verified hot” score of 95% on the same platform.

In comparison, Downfall maintains a “certified fresh” rating of 90% on Rotten Tomatoes. After Downfall, director Oliver Hirschbiegel attempted to break into Hollywood with the science fiction film The Invasion, which was poorly received and underwent significant re-shoots. He later directed the biopic Diana, which also garnered negative reviews. However, he found success again with the World War II thriller 13 Minutes, which depicted a failed plot to assassinate Hitler.

As Nuremberg continues to make its mark at the box office, it remains to be seen how it will fare against the enduring legacy of Downfall. The film is set to captivate audiences with its historical narrative and powerful performances, especially as it prepares for an international rollout on November 7, 2025.

The exploration of WWII narratives, particularly those involving complex figures like Hitler and Göring, continues to engage viewers and spark discussions about morality, accountability, and the human condition in times of crisis. As both films contribute to this dialogue, the impact of Nuremberg on the cinematic landscape remains an unfolding story.