We all knew the The Dark Knight Rises would come out on top its opening weekend. Many production companies steered clear of the July 2oth date. The question on everyone’s minds was whether or not our masked crusader would have an opening weekend higher than that of Joss Whedon’s The Avengers. Months prior to the release, DC and Marvel fans alike staked their opinions on which superhero film would take the #1 spot. Marvel’s The Avengers won the first battle, grossing $207 million in its opening weekend.
1. ‘The Dark Knight Rises’
The Dark Knight Rises grossed $160.8 million domestically. Still an impressive number. The anticipated summer film even grossed more than its predecessors’ opening weekends (Batman Begins – $48 million; The Dark Knight – $158.4 million). It also falls in third place for best opening weekend of all time — coming in 2nd place, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 had an opening weekend of $169 million.
It’s hard to tell if TDKR will gross more than TDK when it’s all over and done with, as only $2 million sets their opening weekend’s apart. TDK raked in just over a billion dollars worldwide. Not to mention, there’s a lot standing in TDKR‘s path — the tragedy in Aurora had many movie goers a bit weary, TDKR clocks in at more than 2 hours and 30 minutes, and this is a packed summer. Those who may have wanted to see TDKR a second time, may choose to save their money for a different film. A heavy drop of 35% or more going into the upcoming weekend is expected. Will TDKR match The Avenger‘s massive $615 million domestic gross? Probably not. The film’s second weekend at the box office will reveal the strength of TDKR’s legs.
Related: The Dark Knight Rises Movie Review
2. ‘Ice Age: Continental Drift’
The fourth film in the Ice Age franchise came in 2nd place this weekend with $20.4 million. Being that the film’s only competition is Brave, which hit theaters three weeks prior, the film should have a better track record. Down 56% from its opening weekend, Ice Age: Continental Drift took a massive hit. With a 10 day total of just $88 million, this animation won’t even touch the numbers of Ice Age 2 & 3. On the plus side, the film’s poor domestic performance is being outweighed by its international box office numbers ($449 million). It’s enough to get Fox thinking about Ice Age 5.
Related: ‘Ice Age: Continental Drift’ Movie Review
3. ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’
Landing in 3rd place, Marc Webb’s The Amazing Spider-Man took a beating this weekend. In the wake of TDKR the film only managed to gross $10.8 million, down 68% from its second weekend. Apparently, there’s not enough room at the box office for two superhero films. After 20 days in theaters the film’s made $228 million. The reboot is $76-$60 million behind each of Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man films, but who said facing off against TDKR was going to be easy.
Related: The Amazing Spider-Man’ Movie Review
4. Ted
The Seth Macfarlane comedy came in 4th this weekend with $10 million, down 53%. Already coined one of the best comedies of the year, Ted’s legs have held strong, until now. The film will more than likely exit the Top 5 when Ben Stiller’s The Watch hits theaters this weekend.
Related: Ted Movie Review
5. Brave
Still hanging on to the Top 5, Brave grossed $6 million for a domestic total of $208.9 million. This is Pixar’s 10 film to cross the $200 million mile marker. Comparing the studio’s original films, Brave comes in 7th place. It’s been a rough ride for this redheaded princess.
Box Office Report: July 20th – July 22nd
- The Dark Knight Rises – $160.8 million
- Ice Age: Continentall Drift – $20.4 million
- The Amazing Spider-Man $10.9 million
- Ted – $10 million
- Brave – $6 million
- Magic Mike – $4.3 million
- Savages – $3.4 million
- Madea’s Protection Witness – $2.3 million
- Moonrise Kingdom – $1.8 million
- To Rome With Love – $1.4 million
