Breaking the Waves (1996)

Breaking the Waves
Theatrical Performance
Domestic Box Office $4,040,691Details
International Box Office $31,437Details
Worldwide Box Office $4,072,128
Home Market Performance
Est. Domestic Blu-ray Sales $478,381 Details
Total Est. Domestic Video Sales $478,381
Further financial details...

Synopsis

In a small and religious coastal town, a simple, devoutly religious Scottish woman, Bess McNeill, finds a partner in an oil rig worker from Norway, Jan Nyman. However, the relationship grows strained when Nyman breaks his neck in a horrific work accident on the rig and becomes paralyzed. Unable to perform sexually and suffering mentally from the accident as well, Jan convinces Bess to have sex with other men, which she comes to believe is God’s work.

Metrics

Legs:21.72 (domestic box office/biggest weekend)
Domestic Share:99.2% (domestic box office/worldwide)
Infl. Adj. Dom. BO $9,609,842

Latest Ranking on Cumulative Box Office Lists

RecordRankAmount
All Time Domestic Box Office (Rank 6,901-7,000) 6,917 $4,040,691
All Time International Box Office (Rank 21,201-21,300) 21,259 $31,437
All Time Worldwide Box Office (Rank 10,601-10,700) 10,614 $4,072,128
All Time Domestic Box Office for R Movies (Rank 2,401-2,500) 2,434 $4,040,691
All Time International Box Office for R Movies (Rank 3,401-3,500) 3,475 $31,437
All Time Worldwide Box Office for R Movies (Rank 2,901-3,000) 2,936 $4,072,128

See the Box Office tab (Domestic) and International tab (International and Worldwide) for more Cumulative Box Office Records.


Watch Now On

iTunes:iTunes
Google Play:Google Play
Vudu:Vudu

Movie Details

Domestic Releases: November 13th, 1996 (Wide) by October Films
International Releases: February 19th, 2021 (Wide), released as Рассекая волны (Russia (CIS))
July 1st, 2022 (Limited), released as Rompiendo las olas (Spain)
August 4th, 2023 (Limited) (4K Restoration) (United Kingdom)
Video Release: April 15th, 2014 by Criterion
MPAA Rating: R for strong graphic sexuality, nudity, language and some violence
Running Time: 156 minutes
Comparisons: vs. There Will Be Blood
Create your own comparison chart…
Keywords: Erotic Drama
Source:Original Screenplay
Genre:Drama
Production Method:Live Action
Creative Type:Contemporary Fiction
Production Countries: Denmark
Languages: English

Compare this performance with other movies…

Domestic Cumulative Box Office Records

RecordRankRevenue
All Time Domestic Box Office (Rank 6,901-7,000) 6,917 $4,040,691
All Time Domestic Inflation Adjusted Box Office (Rank 6,001-6,100) 6,029 $9,609,842
All Time Domestic Non-Sequel Box Office (Rank 6,101-6,200) 6,121 $4,040,691
Top 1996 Movies at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 101-200) 158 $4,040,691
All Time Domestic Box Office for Original Screenplay Movies (Rank 3,501-3,600) 3,541 $4,040,691
All Time Domestic Box Office for Live Action Movies (Rank 6,101-6,200) 6,179 $4,040,691
All Time Domestic Box Office for Contemporary Fiction Movies (Rank 3,601-3,700) 3,656 $4,040,691
All Time Domestic Box Office for Drama Movies (Rank 1,501-1,600) 1,530 $4,040,691
All Time Domestic Box Office for R Movies (Rank 2,401-2,500) 2,434 $4,040,691
All Time Domestic Box Office for October Films Movies 8 $4,040,691

Weekend Box Office Performance

DateRankGross% ChangeTheatersPer TheaterTotal GrossWeek
Nov 22, 1996 42 $60,426   9 $6,714   $110,741 2
Nov 29, 1996 30 $150,216 +149% 26 $5,778   $283,383 3
Dec 6, 1996 24 $112,158 -25% 25 $4,486   $440,914 4
Dec 13, 1996 27 $69,993 -38% 18 $3,889   $541,519 5
Dec 20, 1996 27 $128,200 +83% 40 $3,205   $706,386 6
Dec 27, 1996 34 $135,585 +6% 45 $3,013   $929,773 7
Jan 3, 1997 30 $179,520 +32% 47 $3,820   $1,328,006 8
Jan 10, 1997 30 $179,716 n/c 53 $3,391   $1,647,907 9
Jan 17, 1997 35 $185,055 +3% 51 $3,629   $1,907,339 10
Jan 24, 1997 35 $158,465 -14% 54 $2,935   $2,123,247 11
Jan 31, 1997 32 $171,593 +8% 59 $2,908   $2,365,249 12
Feb 7, 1997 32 $166,470 -3% 68 $2,448   $2,596,897 13
Feb 14, 1997 38 $186,003 +12% 77 $2,416   $2,854,107 14
Feb 21, 1997 36 $143,845 -23% 78 $1,844   $3,053,347 15
Feb 28, 1997 37 $110,134 -23% 65 $1,694   $3,213,778 16
Mar 7, 1997 37 $96,476 -12% 75 $1,286   $3,369,303 17
Mar 14, 1997 41 $93,850 -3% 77 $1,219   $3,387,427 18
Mar 21, 1997 39 $94,550 +1% 70 $1,351   $3,628,302 19
Mar 28, 1997 48 $65,392 -31% 53 $1,234   $3,720,841 20
Apr 4, 1997 49 $69,266 +6% 54 $1,283   $3,818,138 21
Apr 11, 1997 49 $60,441 -13% 53 $1,140   $3,895,487 22
Apr 18, 1997 56 $38,299 -37% 44 $870   $3,955,041 23
May 2, 1997 59 $27,872   26 $1,072   $4,040,691 25

Daily Box Office Performance

Weekly Box Office Performance

DateRankGross% ChangeTheatersPer TheaterTotal GrossWeek
Nov 22, 1996 37 $82,852   9 $9,206   $133,167 3
Nov 29, 1996 29 $195,589 +136% 26 $7,523   $328,756 4
Dec 6, 1996 24 $142,770 -27% 25 $5,711   $471,526 5
Dec 13, 1996 26 $106,660 -25% 18 $5,926   $578,186 6
Dec 20, 1996 28 $216,002 +103% 40 $5,400   $794,188 7
Dec 27, 1996 33 $354,298 +64% 45 $7,873   $1,148,486 8
Jan 3, 1997 25 $319,705 -10% 47 $6,802   $1,468,191 9
Jan 10, 1997 30 $254,093 -21% 53 $4,794   $1,722,284 10
Jan 17, 1997 35 $242,498 -5% 51 $4,755   $1,964,782 11
Jan 24, 1997 34 $228,874 -6% 54 $4,238   $2,193,656 12
Jan 31, 1997 32 $236,771 +3% 59 $4,013   $2,430,427 13
Feb 7, 1997 31 $237,677 n/c 68 $3,495   $2,668,104 14
Feb 14, 1997 36 $241,398 +2% 77 $3,135   $2,909,502 15
Feb 21, 1997 35 $194,142 -20% 78 $2,489   $3,103,644 16
Feb 28, 1997 36 $169,183 -13% 65 $2,603   $3,272,827 17
Mar 7, 1997 52 $20,750 -88% 75 $277   $3,293,577 18
Mar 14, 1997 33 $240,175 +1,057% 77 $3,119   $3,533,752 19
Mar 21, 1997 42 $121,697 -49% 70 $1,739   $3,655,449 20
Mar 28, 1997 48 $93,423 -23% 53 $1,763   $3,748,872 21
Apr 4, 1997 52 $86,174 -8% 54 $1,596   $3,835,046 22
Apr 11, 1997 49 $81,696 -5% 53 $1,541   $3,916,742 23

Box Office Summary Per Territory

Territory Release
Date		 Opening
Weekend		 Opening
Weekend
Screens		 Maximum
Screens		 Theatrical
Engagements		 Total
Box Office		 Report
Date
Russia (CIS) 2/19/2021 $282 7 7 9 $25,107 10/19/2022
Spain 7/1/2022 $0 0 3 10 $3,546 9/15/2022
United Kingdom 8/4/2023 $2,784 7 7 7 $2,784 8/9/2023
 
International Total$31,437 8/9/2023

International Cumulative Box Office Records

RecordRankRevenue
All Time International Box Office (Rank 21,201-21,300) 21,259 $31,437
All Time International Non-Sequel Box Office (Rank 19,901-20,000) 19,968 $31,437
All Time International Box Office for Original Screenplay Movies (Rank 12,301-12,400) 12,303 $31,437
All Time International Box Office for Live Action Movies (Rank 18,101-18,200) 18,125 $31,437
All Time International Box Office for Contemporary Fiction Movies (Rank 11,101-11,200) 11,124 $31,437
All Time International Box Office for Drama Movies (Rank 6,101-6,200) 6,191 $31,437
All Time International Box Office for R Movies (Rank 3,401-3,500) 3,475 $31,437
All Time International Box Office for October Films Movies 6 $31,437

Worldwide Cumulative Box Office Records

RecordRankRevenue
All Time Worldwide Box Office (Rank 10,601-10,700) 10,614 $4,072,128
All Time Worldwide Non-Sequel Box Office (Rank 9,401-9,500) 9,499 $4,072,128
All Time Worldwide Box Office for Original Screenplay Movies (Rank 5,601-5,700) 5,667 $4,072,128
All Time Worldwide Box Office for Live Action Movies (Rank 9,101-9,200) 9,139 $4,072,128
All Time Worldwide Box Office for Contemporary Fiction Movies (Rank 5,601-5,700) 5,649 $4,072,128
All Time Worldwide Box Office for Drama Movies (Rank 2,501-2,600) 2,599 $4,072,128
All Time Worldwide Box Office for R Movies (Rank 2,901-3,000) 2,936 $4,072,128
All Time Worldwide Box Office for October Films Movies 8 $4,072,128

Leading Cast

Emily Watson Bess

Supporting Cast

Stellan Skarsgård Jan
Katrin Cartlidge Dodo
Jean-Marc Barr Terry
Udo Kier Man on the Trawler
Adrian Rawlins Dr. Richardson
Jonathan Hackett Minister
Sandra Voe Bess' Mother
Mikkel Gaup Pits
Roef Ragas Pim
Phil McCall Grandfather
Robert Robertson Chairman
Desmond Reilly Elder
Sarah Grudgeon Sybilla
Finlay Welsh Coroner
David Gallacher Glasgow Doctor
Ray Jeffries Man on Bus
Owen Kavanaugh Man at Lighthouse
Bob Dogherty Man on Boat
David Bateson Young Sailor
Callum Cuthbertson Radio Operator
Gavin Mitchell Police Officer
Brian Smith Police Officer
Iain Agnew Praying Man
Charles Kearney Praying Man
Steven Leach Praying Man
Dortie Romer Nurse
Anthony O'Donnell Boy
John Wark Boy
Ronnie McKellaig Precenter

For a description of the different acting role types we use to categorize acting perfomances, see our Glossary.

Production and Technical Credits

Lars Von Trier Director
Lars Von Trier Screenwriter
Per Kirkeby Chapter Sequences
Anders Refn Editor
Per Streit Sound Designer
Manon Rasmussen Costume Designer
Karl Juliusson Art Director
Joyce Nettles Casting Director
Morten Arnfred Assistant Director
Ray Williams Executive Music Producer
Lars Jonsson Executive Producer
Peter Aalbaek Jensen Producer
Vibeke Windelov Producer
Robby Müller Cinematographer
Axel Helgeland Co-Producer
Peter van Vogelpoel Co-Producer
Rob Langestraat Co-Producer
Marianne Slot Co-Producer
Kristoffer Nyholm Second Unit Director
Leif Mohlin Unit Production Manager
Lene Nielsan Unit Production Manager
Eric Kress Second Unit Camera
Kristian Eidnes Anderson Supervising Sound Editor
Peter Schultz Sound Effects Editor
Hans Moller Dialogue Editor
Jennifer Jorfald Makeup
Sanne Gravfort Makeup
Morten Jacobsen Special Make-up Effects
Peter Asmussen Screenwriter

The bold credits above the line are the "above-the-line" credits, the other the "below-the-line" credits.


  1. Summary
  2. News
  3. Box Office
  4. International
  5. Video Sales
  6. Cast & Crew
  7. Trailer

Synopsis

In a small and religious coastal town, a simple, devoutly religious Scottish woman, Bess McNeill, finds a partner in an oil rig worker from Norway, Jan Nyman. However, the relationship grows strained when Nyman breaks his neck in a horrific work accident on the rig and becomes paralyzed. Unable to perform sexually and suffering mentally from the accident as well, Jan convinces Bess to have sex with other men, which she comes to believe is God’s work.

Metrics

Legs:21.72 (domestic box office/biggest weekend)
Domestic Share:99.2% (domestic box office/worldwide)
Infl. Adj. Dom. BO $9,609,842

Latest Ranking on Cumulative Box Office Lists

RecordRankAmount
All Time Domestic Box Office (Rank 6,901-7,000) 6,917 $4,040,691
All Time International Box Office (Rank 21,201-21,300) 21,259 $31,437
All Time Worldwide Box Office (Rank 10,601-10,700) 10,614 $4,072,128
All Time Domestic Box Office for R Movies (Rank 2,401-2,500) 2,434 $4,040,691
All Time International Box Office for R Movies (Rank 3,401-3,500) 3,475 $31,437
All Time Worldwide Box Office for R Movies (Rank 2,901-3,000) 2,936 $4,072,128

See the Box Office tab (Domestic) and International tab (International and Worldwide) for more Cumulative Box Office Records.


Watch Now On

iTunes:iTunes
Google Play:Google Play
Vudu:Vudu

Movie Details

Domestic Releases: November 13th, 1996 (Wide) by October Films
International Releases: February 19th, 2021 (Wide), released as Рассекая волны (Russia (CIS))
July 1st, 2022 (Limited), released as Rompiendo las olas (Spain)
August 4th, 2023 (Limited) (4K Restoration) (United Kingdom)
Video Release: April 15th, 2014 by Criterion
MPAA Rating: R for strong graphic sexuality, nudity, language and some violence
Running Time: 156 minutes
Comparisons: vs. There Will Be Blood
Create your own comparison chart…
Keywords: Erotic Drama
Source:Original Screenplay
Genre:Drama
Production Method:Live Action
Creative Type:Contemporary Fiction
Production Countries: Denmark
Languages: English

Leading Cast

Emily Watson Bess

Supporting Cast

Stellan Skarsgård Jan
Katrin Cartlidge Dodo
Jean-Marc Barr Terry
Udo Kier Man on the Trawler
Adrian Rawlins Dr. Richardson
Jonathan Hackett Minister
Sandra Voe Bess' Mother
Mikkel Gaup Pits
Roef Ragas Pim
Phil McCall Grandfather
Robert Robertson Chairman
Desmond Reilly Elder
Sarah Grudgeon Sybilla
Finlay Welsh Coroner
David Gallacher Glasgow Doctor
Ray Jeffries Man on Bus
Owen Kavanaugh Man at Lighthouse
Bob Dogherty Man on Boat
David Bateson Young Sailor
Callum Cuthbertson Radio Operator
Gavin Mitchell Police Officer
Brian Smith Police Officer
Iain Agnew Praying Man
Charles Kearney Praying Man
Steven Leach Praying Man
Dortie Romer Nurse
Anthony O'Donnell Boy
John Wark Boy
Ronnie McKellaig Precenter

For a description of the different acting role types we use to categorize acting perfomances, see our Glossary.

Production and Technical Credits

Lars Von Trier Director
Lars Von Trier Screenwriter
Per Kirkeby Chapter Sequences
Anders Refn Editor
Per Streit Sound Designer
Manon Rasmussen Costume Designer
Karl Juliusson Art Director
Joyce Nettles Casting Director
Morten Arnfred Assistant Director
Ray Williams Executive Music Producer
Lars Jonsson Executive Producer
Peter Aalbaek Jensen Producer
Vibeke Windelov Producer
Robby Müller Cinematographer
Axel Helgeland Co-Producer
Peter van Vogelpoel Co-Producer
Rob Langestraat Co-Producer
Marianne Slot Co-Producer
Kristoffer Nyholm Second Unit Director
Leif Mohlin Unit Production Manager
Lene Nielsan Unit Production Manager
Eric Kress Second Unit Camera
Kristian Eidnes Anderson Supervising Sound Editor
Peter Schultz Sound Effects Editor
Hans Moller Dialogue Editor
Jennifer Jorfald Makeup
Sanne Gravfort Makeup
Morten Jacobsen Special Make-up Effects
Peter Asmussen Screenwriter

The bold credits above the line are the "above-the-line" credits, the other the "below-the-line" credits.

Compare this performance with other movies…

Domestic Cumulative Box Office Records

RecordRankRevenue
All Time Domestic Box Office (Rank 6,901-7,000) 6,917 $4,040,691
All Time Domestic Inflation Adjusted Box Office (Rank 6,001-6,100) 6,029 $9,609,842
All Time Domestic Non-Sequel Box Office (Rank 6,101-6,200) 6,121 $4,040,691
Top 1996 Movies at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 101-200) 158 $4,040,691
All Time Domestic Box Office for Original Screenplay Movies (Rank 3,501-3,600) 3,541 $4,040,691
All Time Domestic Box Office for Live Action Movies (Rank 6,101-6,200) 6,179 $4,040,691
All Time Domestic Box Office for Contemporary Fiction Movies (Rank 3,601-3,700) 3,656 $4,040,691
All Time Domestic Box Office for Drama Movies (Rank 1,501-1,600) 1,530 $4,040,691
All Time Domestic Box Office for R Movies (Rank 2,401-2,500) 2,434 $4,040,691
All Time Domestic Box Office for October Films Movies 8 $4,040,691

Weekend Box Office Performance

DateRankGross% ChangeTheatersPer TheaterTotal GrossWeek
Nov 22, 1996 42 $60,426   9 $6,714   $110,741 2
Nov 29, 1996 30 $150,216 +149% 26 $5,778   $283,383 3
Dec 6, 1996 24 $112,158 -25% 25 $4,486   $440,914 4
Dec 13, 1996 27 $69,993 -38% 18 $3,889   $541,519 5
Dec 20, 1996 27 $128,200 +83% 40 $3,205   $706,386 6
Dec 27, 1996 34 $135,585 +6% 45 $3,013   $929,773 7
Jan 3, 1997 30 $179,520 +32% 47 $3,820   $1,328,006 8
Jan 10, 1997 30 $179,716 n/c 53 $3,391   $1,647,907 9
Jan 17, 1997 35 $185,055 +3% 51 $3,629   $1,907,339 10
Jan 24, 1997 35 $158,465 -14% 54 $2,935   $2,123,247 11
Jan 31, 1997 32 $171,593 +8% 59 $2,908   $2,365,249 12
Feb 7, 1997 32 $166,470 -3% 68 $2,448   $2,596,897 13
Feb 14, 1997 38 $186,003 +12% 77 $2,416   $2,854,107 14
Feb 21, 1997 36 $143,845 -23% 78 $1,844   $3,053,347 15
Feb 28, 1997 37 $110,134 -23% 65 $1,694   $3,213,778 16
Mar 7, 1997 37 $96,476 -12% 75 $1,286   $3,369,303 17
Mar 14, 1997 41 $93,850 -3% 77 $1,219   $3,387,427 18
Mar 21, 1997 39 $94,550 +1% 70 $1,351   $3,628,302 19
Mar 28, 1997 48 $65,392 -31% 53 $1,234   $3,720,841 20
Apr 4, 1997 49 $69,266 +6% 54 $1,283   $3,818,138 21
Apr 11, 1997 49 $60,441 -13% 53 $1,140   $3,895,487 22
Apr 18, 1997 56 $38,299 -37% 44 $870   $3,955,041 23
May 2, 1997 59 $27,872   26 $1,072   $4,040,691 25

Daily Box Office Performance

Weekly Box Office Performance

DateRankGross% ChangeTheatersPer TheaterTotal GrossWeek
Nov 22, 1996 37 $82,852   9 $9,206   $133,167 3
Nov 29, 1996 29 $195,589 +136% 26 $7,523   $328,756 4
Dec 6, 1996 24 $142,770 -27% 25 $5,711   $471,526 5
Dec 13, 1996 26 $106,660 -25% 18 $5,926   $578,186 6
Dec 20, 1996 28 $216,002 +103% 40 $5,400   $794,188 7
Dec 27, 1996 33 $354,298 +64% 45 $7,873   $1,148,486 8
Jan 3, 1997 25 $319,705 -10% 47 $6,802   $1,468,191 9
Jan 10, 1997 30 $254,093 -21% 53 $4,794   $1,722,284 10
Jan 17, 1997 35 $242,498 -5% 51 $4,755   $1,964,782 11
Jan 24, 1997 34 $228,874 -6% 54 $4,238   $2,193,656 12
Jan 31, 1997 32 $236,771 +3% 59 $4,013   $2,430,427 13
Feb 7, 1997 31 $237,677 n/c 68 $3,495   $2,668,104 14
Feb 14, 1997 36 $241,398 +2% 77 $3,135   $2,909,502 15
Feb 21, 1997 35 $194,142 -20% 78 $2,489   $3,103,644 16
Feb 28, 1997 36 $169,183 -13% 65 $2,603   $3,272,827 17
Mar 7, 1997 52 $20,750 -88% 75 $277   $3,293,577 18
Mar 14, 1997 33 $240,175 +1,057% 77 $3,119   $3,533,752 19
Mar 21, 1997 42 $121,697 -49% 70 $1,739   $3,655,449 20
Mar 28, 1997 48 $93,423 -23% 53 $1,763   $3,748,872 21
Apr 4, 1997 52 $86,174 -8% 54 $1,596   $3,835,046 22
Apr 11, 1997 49 $81,696 -5% 53 $1,541   $3,916,742 23

Box Office Summary Per Territory

Territory Release
Date		 Opening
Weekend		 Opening
Weekend
Screens		 Maximum
Screens		 Theatrical
Engagements		 Total
Box Office		 Report
Date
Russia (CIS) 2/19/2021 $282 7 7 9 $25,107 10/19/2022
Spain 7/1/2022 $0 0 3 10 $3,546 9/15/2022
United Kingdom 8/4/2023 $2,784 7 7 7 $2,784 8/9/2023
 
International Total$31,437 8/9/2023

International Cumulative Box Office Records

RecordRankRevenue
All Time International Box Office (Rank 21,201-21,300) 21,259 $31,437
All Time International Non-Sequel Box Office (Rank 19,901-20,000) 19,968 $31,437
All Time International Box Office for Original Screenplay Movies (Rank 12,301-12,400) 12,303 $31,437
All Time International Box Office for Live Action Movies (Rank 18,101-18,200) 18,125 $31,437
All Time International Box Office for Contemporary Fiction Movies (Rank 11,101-11,200) 11,124 $31,437
All Time International Box Office for Drama Movies (Rank 6,101-6,200) 6,191 $31,437
All Time International Box Office for R Movies (Rank 3,401-3,500) 3,475 $31,437
All Time International Box Office for October Films Movies 6 $31,437

Worldwide Cumulative Box Office Records

RecordRankRevenue
All Time Worldwide Box Office (Rank 10,601-10,700) 10,614 $4,072,128
All Time Worldwide Non-Sequel Box Office (Rank 9,401-9,500) 9,499 $4,072,128
All Time Worldwide Box Office for Original Screenplay Movies (Rank 5,601-5,700) 5,667 $4,072,128
All Time Worldwide Box Office for Live Action Movies (Rank 9,101-9,200) 9,139 $4,072,128
All Time Worldwide Box Office for Contemporary Fiction Movies (Rank 5,601-5,700) 5,649 $4,072,128
All Time Worldwide Box Office for Drama Movies (Rank 2,501-2,600) 2,599 $4,072,128
All Time Worldwide Box Office for R Movies (Rank 2,901-3,000) 2,936 $4,072,128
All Time Worldwide Box Office for October Films Movies 8 $4,072,128