Russell Crowe’s “Nuremberg” Surpasses Box Office Milestone of “Downfall”

The new World War II drama, Nuremberg, starring Russell Crowe, has quickly gained traction at the box office, surpassing the lifetime domestic earnings of the acclaimed film Downfall. Released on November 7, 2025, Nuremberg grossed nearly $6 million within its first week, eclipsing Downfall‘s domestic total of $5.5 million.

Directed by James Vanderbilt, Nuremberg serves as a spiritual successor to Downfall, which depicted the final days of Adolf Hitler in his bunker. While Downfall was primarily in German and received mixed reactions for its portrayal of Hitler, it garnered critical acclaim and was nominated for an Oscar in the category formerly known as Best Foreign Language Film.

In contrast, Nuremberg features an impressive cast, including Rami Malek, who portrays the American psychiatrist assigned to analyze Nazi war criminal Hermann Göring before the Nuremberg trials. Despite its strong start, Nuremberg may find it challenging to match the global performance of Downfall, which earned close to $95 million worldwide.

Reviews for Nuremberg have been largely positive, currently holding a score of 69% on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics noted Crowe’s commanding performance but mentioned that the film’s pacing and emotional restraint may prevent it from fully exploring the complexities of its historical subject. In contrast, audience ratings are significantly higher, with a “verified hot” score of 95% on the same platform.

As for Downfall, it continues to be recognized for its cinematic achievements, maintaining a “certified fresh” rating of 90% on Rotten Tomatoes. Director Oliver Hirschbiegel, who helmed Downfall, has since had a varied career, including a Hollywood debut with the poorly received The Invasion and the biopic Diana, which faced criticism.

In a recent shift in the film industry, Nuremberg represents a renewed interest in World War II narratives, particularly those focusing on historical trials and their implications. As audiences engage with this genre, the performance of Nuremberg will be closely watched in the coming weeks. The film’s promising start may pave the way for further explorations of impactful historical events in cinema.